Ghadir M. Salame, MD

Dr. Karishma Kollipara is a fellowship-trained, board certified breast surgical oncologist at the Florina Rusi-Marke Comprehensive Breast Center at Staten Island University Hospital, dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate, and personalized care for patients with both benign and malignant breast diseases.After completing her surgical residency at St Barnabas Hospital, she was accepted into and successfully completed a prestigious Breast Surgical Oncology fellowship program at Mount Sinai Medical Center West in New York, where she was trained by pioneers in Breast Surgery. Her clinical philosophy centers on a patient first, bespoke approach while offering cutting-edge surgical techniques and evidence-based treatments tailored to each individual's needs. Her expertise spans the full spectrum of breast care, from risk assessment and prevention to advanced surgical management of malignancies and survivorship.Dr. Kollipara is a highly skilled breast surgeon and makes certain her patients have both positive cosmetic and oncological outcomes. She works in close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of Radiologists, Medical Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, Plastic Surgeons, and all other breast cancer support staff members to ensure her patients receive appropriate treatment recommendations. Regardless of disease stage and treatment plan, she ensures that she stays connected with her patients throughout their treatment. As a committed educator and teacher, Dr. Kollipara brings a wealth of experience to Staten Island University Hospital. She has and continues to focus her clinical research on neoadjuvant therapies and is actively involved with community awareness and outreach. During her time here, she has also played an instrumental role in the continued growth of Florina Rusi Marke comprehensive Breast Center into a formidable, multidisciplinary center of excellence also known for its innovative, compassionate, and coordinated approach to breast health.

Meekoo Dhar, MD, is a Hematologist/Medical oncologist who practices at Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) and SIUH Prince's Bay. She specializes in managing breast cancer and gynecologic malignancies, such as ovarian, cervical and uterine cancers. She also treats blood related diseases and benign hematologic conditions such as anemia and clotting disorders."I'm very thorough in my evaluation of my patients and take my time with them," she says. "I believe in taking care of the whole person and not just the disease." Her treatment approach is grounded in the latest evidence-based medicine and clinical research. She is actively involved in studying the safety and efficacy of medical therapies for breast and ovarian cancers.Dr. Dhar has been passionate about helping others since she was a child. "I can't think of a better way to express that passion than taking care of cancer patients," she says. She attended medical school at the University of Kashmir and completed her internal medicine residency and a Hematology-Oncology fellowship at New York Presbyterian, Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.At Northwell Health, Dr. Dhar works as a team with pathologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, breast surgeons, and gynecologic oncologists to create personalized treatment plans. Residents and fellows, nurse practitioners and medical assistants are also an important part of the care team. "We have a nice camaraderie," she says. "We don't hesitate to reach out to each other and make it a point to discuss each patient's care."Dr. Dhar is an Assistant Professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and Program Director of the Hematology and Medical Oncology fellowship program at Staten Island University Hospital. She feels it is her duty to educate the next generation of Hematologists and Oncologists. She is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology, and the American Medical Association. She also provides pro bono cancer consultation services to physicians and their patients through the India Association of the Garden State and the Kashmiri Overseas Association.Dr. Dhar finds the long-lasting relationships she develops with patients and their families a fulfilling part of her work. "It's very rewarding to make a difference in other people's lives."