Tina Kocher, NP -Beacon Medical Group Oncology Elkhart

About Dr. Dearing Erika Dearing saw herself as a doctor after her first trip to the Emergency Department at age 10. That’s when she realized how much doctors can do to help people in need. “I already loved math and science and was fascinated by the human body. To see those strengths being put to work made me decide to become a physician,” she says. Dr. Dearing’s choice to specialize in women’s health care stemmed from another visit with a doctor. This time, she was pregnant and went to an OB/GYN for the first time. “I was in medical school and had not yet decided what I wanted to do as a specialty. I thought my doctor had a fun job. She seemed to always be on the go, between the office, surgeries and delivering babies.” Dr. Dearing paid special attention during her OBGYN rotation and knew it was the right match for her. “I like being able to see patients in the clinic and develop bonds. I also enjoy using my surgical skills to help women.” In her medical practice, Dr. Dearing strives to form a partnership with patients. She makes sure patients understand their health condition and know options for treatment. “I truly want shared decision making when a patient and I develop a treatment plan. If patients are involved in choosing their plan of care, they will benefit more from their treatment,” Dr. Dearing says. Dr. Dearing believes that patients know more about their bodies than anyone else. That’s why Dr. Dearing asks questions, listens to the patient and looks more deeply into the problem to find the right solution. She also helps patients advocate for their own health care. “I believe if a patient is involved in choosing their plan of care, they will benefit more from their treatment,” she says. In Her Own Words Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? Dr. Lehman, my OBGYN, who introduced me to this field and helped me to shape my career. What is your favorite food? Velveeta Macaroni and Cheese If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? My late great-grandmother to hear stories about her childhood and growing up 100 years ago and hopefully learn from them. What are your hobbies, interests? I really like sports, especially NFL and MLB. I root for the Detroit Lions and I have fun watching their games. I like scoring baseball games. I also enjoy crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and reading. What is something most people don’t know about you? I skipped the second grade.

Dr. Omer Toor learned a valuable lesson from his mentors in medical school that he applies in his practice daily. "I treat patients, not the disease," said Dr. Toor, who is a native of Pakistan. "I support and comfort families while patients are battling the toughest experience of their lives. Cancer effects them physically as well as emotionally, and my job as their physician is to listen and stand beside them when they need me." Breakthrough scientific discoveries are happening at a pace never seen before in the field of cancer management. Dr. Toor has a research background in precision medicine. Therefore he works to find treatments in line with new discoveries that can provide the best outcomes and provide state-of-the-art management at the patient's doorstep. In addition to treating his patients, Dr. Toor understands the importance of listening. "I listen, then talk. I want to know my patient as a person," he said. "Whether it's a mother with cancer who is making memories for her daughter, a cancer survivor helping to create awareness, or a son planning a trip with his dad, who has advanced stage cancer, my patients are my role models." In his own words: What were your favorite subjects in school? I was fascinated by my chemistry and physics classes, and enjoyed learning how nature works. What is your favorite food? Do I have to pick just one? I love food and like almost everything, so it's impossible to choose just one food or cuisine. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Traveling, running and reading. What is something most people don't know about you? I can cook, and I cry watching movies. Describe a family tradition. Our family always gathers together on holidays.

To become an expert in your field requires decades of hands-on experience in a variety of settings and situations. William A. Castaldo, MD, has been in the role of staff physician and intensivist, at hospitals and medical centers. He has also served as medical director at hospitals in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Ohio, as well as serving on a variety of committees in various capacities. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Fordham University, Bronx, NY, and his MD degree at Perugia University Medical School, Perugia, Italy. Postdoctoral training included being an intern and resident in internal medicine at New Rochelle Hospital Medical Center, New Rochelle, NY. He completed a pulmonary fellowship at Albany Medical Center Hospital, Albany Medical College of Union University.