Find A Doctor

Biography

Abrar Raza Sayeed, MD, specializes in cardiology at the Goshen Heart and Vascular Center. As a cardiologist, he provides both inpatient and outpatient care at the center. Dr. Sayeed performs many different tests and procedures to both diagnose and treat patients.
 

Philosophy of Care

Dr. Sayeed believes that medicine is one of the best ways to serve humanity and that it is best practiced when our focus is towards a patient-centered approach in the delivery of medical care. Dr. Sayeed’s approach is not just about solving the medical disease and alleviating the suffering of his patients. He believes that approaching this same goal by understanding the impact the disease has on his patients from the psychological, social and behavioral standpoint is of utmost importance.

Education

Certifications:
NBE – ASC Certification
Board Certified - ABIM
ACLS and BLS Certified

Education and training:
Deccan College of Medical Sciences | Hyderabad, India

Duty Medical Officer
Chest Care Clinic

Hospitalist
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital | Ann Arbor, MI

Fellowship:
Cardiology Fellowship
Wright State University | Dayton, OH

Residency:
Internal Medicine
Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI

Internship:
Rotating Internship
Owaisi Hospital and Research Center |Hyderabad, India

Biography

Dr. Alfred J. Schlorke is a board certified family medicine physician at Goshen Physicians Family Medicine Nappanee. He offers a full range of care from general medical to gynecological, pediatric and geriatric services. He strives to help his patients be truly healthy in mind, body and spirit. With his extensive experience in osteopathic family medicine, he is able to treat the entire patient in a holistic way.

Philosophy of Care

Dr. Schlorke emphasizes the importance of taking time to sit down with each patient face to face and to gain an understanding of his or her situation and to assess what each patient’s needs are. Dr. Schlorke believes that each person tells his or her own story. He is trained to listen and partner with his patients to help them get well and stay healthy. He does this by combining his knowledge of the latest advances in medical technology and offering his patients comprehensive care.

Research/Clinical Interest

• Primary medicine
• Holistic care
• Common illnesses
• Office-based procedures, including dermatologic procedures and vasectomies

Education

Board Certified – Family Medicine

Education and training:
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine | Kirksville, MO

Residency:
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center | South Bend, IN

Biography

As a hospitalist, we specialize in taking care of patients while in the hospital. Regular communication with your primary care provider about your condition(s), test(s), treatment(s), progress and plan of care while you’re here and once you are released from the hospital.

Philosophy of Care

Dr. Alaa Shammah believes that by listening carefully, he can help his patients reach their healthcare goals. He aims for an open conversation to develop the most comprehensive and seamless care possible.

Research/Clinical Interest

• Inpatient hospital care

Education

Education and training:
University of Damascus
Faculty of Medicine, Syria

Residency:
Internal Medicine
Weiss Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL

Biography

Elise Sharkey, PA, is a Physician Assistant at Goshen Center for Cancer Care. She assists the surgical oncology team during and after surgeries for patients with lung, liver, colorectal, and other cancers. In collaboration with surgical oncologists, Elise offers a continuum of care for patients from the initial patient evaluation through post-surgery follow-up.

Philosophy of Care

Elise takes a compassionate approach to understanding patients and their individual health care preferences and goals. She supports patients every step of the way as she helps them understand their complex diagnoses, make decisions about their care, and manage their disease.

Research/Clinical Interest

• projections
• Help in complex surgeries
• Helps with minimally invasive procedures, such as laparoscopic surgeries.
• Postoperative management

Education

Licensed -- Indiana

Education and training:
Master of Physician Assistant Studies
Butler University | Indianapolis, IN

Bachelor of Science and Health Sciences
Butler University | Indianapolis, IN

Biography

Shobhit Sharma is a certified physician assistant at Urgent Care Goshen Physicians. He provides immediate care for patients six months and older with common illnesses or minor injuries. Shobhit works with a team of doctors and other healthcare providers to offer the best treatment options available for patients, whether they have a cold or flu, sinus infection or allergy, sprain, strain or wound. He also provides routine exams and sports physicals.

Philosophy of Care

Shobhit considers the patient’s best interest his top priority and treats each person with the same commitment and dedication that he would devote to a family member. He helps patients understand their condition and take an active role in making decisions about their care.

Research/Clinical Interest

• Occupational medicine
• Wound care
• Behavioral health

Education

Certified – Physician Assistant
 
Education and training
Master of Science in Medicine
Western Michigan University | Kalamazoo, MI
 
Doctor of Philosophy in Biology
Texas State University | San Marcos, TX
 
Master of Science in Biology  
Texas State University | San Marcos, TX
 
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Veer Narmad South Gujarat University | Surat, India

Biography

Colleen Shay is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner with Goshen Retreat Women’s Health Center. She provides coordinated breast cancer screening, risk assessment and diagnostic services. She focuses primarily on developing and managing treatment plans for women at high risk for breast cancer and breast cancer survivors. Prior to joining the Retreat, Colleen served as a family nurse practitioner at Goshen Physicians Family Medicine – Keystone.

Philosophy of Care

Colleen cares for patients as though they are family. She believes patients deserve an advocate and educator to guide them through post-treatment care into survivorship and surveillance. By focusing on the patient’s point of view, she can address their concerns, answer questions and provide peace of mind and support as they make decisions about their care.

Research/Clinical Interest

• Women’s health including preventive care
• Breast cancer surveillance
• Bone health and osteoporosis screening and management

Education

Certified – Family Nurse Practitioner

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Purdue University Calumet College of Nursing | Hammond, IN

Associate Degree in Nursing
Purdue University North Central | Westville, IN

Biography

Leah Sherman is a naturopathic doctor with Goshen Center for Cancer Care. She specializes in integrative oncology to support patients in all stages of conventional cancer treatment and beyond. Her evidence-based, natural therapies help patients manage cancer-related side effects, improve quality of life and support wellness.
 
Outside of her naturopathic practice, Dr. Sherman surrounds herself with family, pets and a love of the outdoors. She is an avid hiker and camper who travels the backroads and by-ways in a 1984 Volkswagen Vanagon camper bus.

Philosophy of Care

Dr. Sherman empowers patients to take an active role in their health and make positive lifestyle changes. Her approach focuses on caring for the whole patient, not just treating the disease.

Research/Clinical Interest

• Chemotherapy-related changes to cognition
• Cancer survivorship
• Exercise during cancer treatment
• Integrative medicine support

Education

Licensed – Naturopathic Medicine
Certification – Institute for Functional Medicine
Certification – Psychological First Aid Provider
Certification – Yoga 4 Cancer
Fellow – American Board of Naturopathic Oncology
 
Education and training:
Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine
National College of Natural Medicine | Portland, OR
 
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Medical Illustration
Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA
 
Residency:
Naturopathic Oncology
Goshen Center for Cancer Care | Goshen, IN
 
Integrative/Family Medicine
National College of Natural Medicine | Portland, OR
 
Internship:
Integrative Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Medicine
Center for Natural Medicine | Portland, OR
 
Integrative Family Medicine
National College of Natural Medicine | Portland, OR

Biography

Kelly Simpson is a women’s health nurse practitioner with Goshen Physicians OB/GYN. She provides care for women from adolescence through post-menopausal years. Services Kelly offers range from well-women exams and family planning to pregnancy care and treatment for gynecological concerns.
 
Much of Kelly’s nursing experience has been in labor, delivery and postpartum care at hospitals in a three-state region. She has developed prenatal and postpartum programs to improve experiences of parents during and after pregnancy.
 
When Kelly is away from nursing, she and her family take every opportunity to explore new and familiar places. She also indulges in a good read, baking and all the pleasures of lake life.

Philosophy of Care

Kelly is passionate about her role as a woman’s trusted healthcare partner. She develops strong relationships with patients and helps them navigate every stage of life. Patient education also serves as an important element of Kelly’s approach to care.

Research/Clinical Interest

• Menopause
• Women’s health

Education

Certified – Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
 
Education and training:
Master of Science in Nursing
Frontier Nursing University | Versailles, KY
 
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Goshen College | Goshen, IN
 
Associate of Science in Nursing
Bethel College | Mishawaka, IN

Biography

Stephanie Smith is a board certified nurse practitioner with Goshen Physicians Family Medicine Elkhart. She provides comprehensive medical care for patients of all ages, from newborns to senior citizens. In addition to wellness exams and routine preventive care, Stephanie treats patients with acute and chronic illnesses, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease.  

Philosophy of Care

Stephanie takes a holistic approach to patient care. She listens to patient concerns and provides care that is tailored to each patient’s needs. Stephanie also encourages patients to take an active role in their health and wellbeing through preventive measures and by leading a healthy lifestyle. She works closely with a team of family medicine providers and specialists to provide the best possible care.

Research/Clinical Interest

• Preventive care and wellness
• Patient education
• Holistic care
• Lifestyle management
• Natural family planning, based on the Creighton Model of fertility care

Education

Board Certified – Family Nurse Practitioner

Education and training:
Master of Science in Nursing
Indiana University of South Bend | South Bend, IN

Biography

Irina Sparks, MD, is a radiation oncologist at Goshen Center for Cancer Care. She utilizes tumor directed radiation treatments such as 3-D Conformal (3-DCRT) and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) to treat patients with a wide range of cancers and some benign tumors. She also specializes in advanced and highly targeted radiation techniques that include Stereotactic Radiation Surgery (SRS), Stereotactic Body Radiation (SBRT) and High Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR). She makes all efforts to deliver the most effective radiation dose to the tumor while protecting normal organs and tissues to maximize the success of therapy and to minimize its side effects.

Outside of the workplace, Dr. Sparks enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and training in martial arts with her son. She is fluent in Russian.
 

Philosophy of Care

A background in natural medicine guides Dr. Sparks’ approach to care. She focuses on treating the whole person, not only the disease. She also believes in providing patients with the same compassion and care as she would a family member.

Education

Board Certified - Radiation Oncology

Education and training:
Doctor of Medicine
Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, OR

Residency:
Radiation Oncology
Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI

Internal Medicine
St. Luke’s Hospital at Aurora, Milwaukee, WI

Naturopathic Medicine
Goshen Center for Cancer Care, Goshen, IN

Biography

At Goshen Hospital, specially trained doctors and nurse practitioners who are called hospitalists are here to care for you when a hospital stay is needed.

Philosophy of Care

Sharon Spear, board certified nurse practitioner,  has worked as a registered nurse since 2006 and has five years experience in the Coronary Medical ICU. Sharon also has experience as a nurse practitioner working in endocrinology.

Education

Board Certified - Nurse Practitioner

Education and training:
Indiana University - Purdue University
Fort Wayne (IPFW) Fort Wayne, IN

Biography

At Goshen Hospital, specially trained doctors and nurse practitioners who are called hospitalists are here to care for you when a hospital stay is needed.

Philosophy of Care

Sharon Springer, board certified family nurse practitioner, has worked as a registered nurse since 1982, with experience in medical-surgical, ICU/CCU, utilization review/discharge planning and nursing administration. Sharon is committed to providing quality evidence-based patient care focusing on disease management and promoting health and wellness.

Education

Board Certified – Family Nurse Practitioner
 
Education and training:
Post-master’s Certificate as Family Nurse Practitioner
Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, IN
 
Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Management
Western Governor’s University, Indianapolis, IN

Biography

Dr. Kendell Stephens is a board certified family medicine physician at Goshen Physicians Family Medicine Nappanee. Dr. Stephens provides preventive care and routine checkups as well as treatment for acute or chronic illness for patients of all ages.  

Philosophy of Care

As a family medicine doctor, Dr. Stephens prefers to take care of the entire family, from newborns through senior citizens. He believes in a holistic, patient-centered approach to treatment and strives to treat every patient with care, compassion and respect. Because the Nappanee clinic is open expanded hours, Dr. Stephens also encourages patients to choose treatment at the clinic, unless the illness or injury is truly a life-threatening emergency.

Research/Clinical Interest

• Primary medicine
• Preventive care and wellness
• Chronic diseases and management
• Office-based procedures, including skin lesion removals, vasectomies and minor fracture care

Education

Board Certified – Family Medicine

Education and training:
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine | Kansas City, MO

Residency:
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine | Springfield, IL

Biography

Rebecca Stichter, MSN, BSN, is a certified family nurse practitioner at Goshen Physicians Family Medicine New Paris. She works alongside Edward Boyts, MD, to care for patients of all ages – from newborn to senior citizens. Becky’s treatment expertise covers a broad spectrum from routine exams and preventive medicine to ongoing management of chronic conditions and illnesses.

Philosophy of Care

Becky encourages her patients to take an active role in their care. By working together, she guides and educates patients on treatment options that best meet their needs. To help patients protect and maintain their health, Becky places a high priority on preventive health care. She helps her patients understand the importance of regular screenings and immunizations that help maintain their health and well-being.

Research/Clinical Interest

• Preventive health care and wellness
• Chronic diseases and management, including diabetes and high blood pressure
• Cycle-of-life care

Education

Certified – Family Nurse Practitioner

Education and training:
Master of Science in Nursing
Goshen College | Goshen, IN

Biography

Pamela JB Stone, MD, FACOG, FACS, specializes in caring for women with all stages of cancer in the reproductive organs. She is triple board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, gynecologic oncology, and palliative medicine and hospice. Her passion for women's health and gynecologic oncology stems from a personal journey caring for her mother, a labor and delivery room nurse who had ovarian cancer.

Dr. Stone works with a team of medical specialists to offer patients coordinated care in a multidisciplinary environment. Her extended education and training allow Dr. Stone to care for patients throughout their journey – before, during and after cancer diagnosis. The range of services she offers includes minimally invasive and robotic surgery.

Philosophy of Care

Dr. Stone finds her inspiration for women's health care from her patients. She builds personal relationships with them that are based on trust, honesty and candor. By working together, she better understands the challenges posed by their health issues and designs individualized treatment strategies that help them achieve their unique and personal goals.

Education

Triple board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, gynecologic oncology, and palliative medicine and hospice

Education and training:
Doctor of Medicine
University of Minnesota Medical School | Minneapolis, MN

Residency:
Obstetrics and Gynecology
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics | Iowa City, IA

Fellowship:
Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics | Iowa City, IA

Gynecologic Oncology
University of Southern California Kenneth Norris
Cancer Hospital | Los Angeles, CA

Biography

Bethany Swope, MS Ed, LMFT, is a licensed therapist who provides mind-body counseling support to patients and their family members during cancer treatment. As part of the Integrative Care Team at Goshen Center for Cancer Care, Bethany works in collaboration with other counselors, naturopathic care providers and dietitians to provide support programs for patients, their family members and caregivers.

Philosophy of Care

As a mind-body counselor, Bethany focuses on the whole person, recognizing that a person’s emotional, mental, social and spiritual well-being can impact his or her overall health. She is committed to helping patients and their family members to learn strategies to minimize stress, cope in healthy ways, and improve the quality of their lives.

Research/Clinical Interest

• Mind-body counseling
• Emotional support
• Managing depression and anxiety
• Quality of life
• Holistic cancer care
• Adult and child support
• Stress management

Education

Education and training:
Master of Science in Education, Couple and Family Counseling
Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne, IN

Bachelor of Arts, English Education
Goshen College, Goshen, IN