Missouri Cancer Associates, the premier cancer treatment center in mid-Missouri and an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, has added another physician to the practice to meet growing demand for its services. Liana Makarian, M.D., a medical oncologist and hematologist, joined the practice in July, providing services from MCA’s Columbia and Kirksville treatment centers.
“The addition of Dr. Makarian will allow us to continue to provide timely, high-quality patient-centered care for new and existing patients as we deal with increasing demand for our services,” said Mark Tungesvik, M.D., an oncologist with Missouri Cancer Associates.
“Dr. Makarian is a highly-skilled and compassionate oncologist trained in the very latest therapies and technologies for treating cancer. She also has leadership and quality improvement skills which will be a great asset to our growing practice as we meet the challenges of the evolving cancer care landscape.”
Headquarter of Missouri Cancer Associates
Dr. Makarian completed her undergraduate studies in human biology and mathematics at The University of Toronto in Canada. She then obtained her Medical Degree from Saba University School of Medicine in the Netherlands-Antilles, West Indies. This was followed by a co-residency in internal medicine at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, both in New York City.
Dr. Makarian then completed a fellowship in oncology and hematology at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center. Board certified in internal medicine, medical oncology and hematology, Dr. Makarian is interested in treating all types of cancers and blood disorders. Throughout her career, she has published and lectured on a variety of cancer-related topics, and she enjoys participating in public outreach events.
In addition to her clinical background, Dr. Makarian brings strong leadership skills and experience to MCA, having most recently been chair of the Department of Medicine at Ozarks Medical Center’s Cancer Care Center in West Plains, Mo.
For several years, she also served as a Quality Improvement Committee Member for the Hematology/Oncology Division at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, gaining knowledge and expertise in various quality initiatives which will be helpful to MCA as the practice responds to the new value-based cancer care environment.
“It was important for me to join a practice that offers a high level of support for patients, as cancer patients are facing some of the most difficult and vulnerable times of their lives,” noted Dr. Makarian.
“Missouri Cancer Associates has a wonderful reputation for delivering compassionate, patient-centered state-of-the-art cancer care, and I am excited to join these highly-skilled, like-minded physicians who are committed to providing the best possible outcome for the patients they serve.”
