Physicians
Wahid Hanna, MD
Dr. Hanna is an internationally known physician, faculty member and research specialist in hematology and oncology. His patients know him as a caring, compassionate person who places nothing above their treatment and comfort.
His medical practice is founded on developing a “patient partnership” with everyone he sees and on developing an individual treatment program that is based on the latest clinical research. Dr. Hanna has led more than 90 percent of all clinical trials into blood cancer and hematological diseases that have been conducted at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.
After receiving his medical degree and completing an internship at Ain-Shams University in his native Cairo, Egypt, Dr. Hanna did internships, residency and fellowship programs in England. He joined the UT Medical Center staff in 1978 and celebrated three decades of service there last year.
Dr. Hanna was appointed to the UT Graduate School of Medicine faculty in 1980, was named a full professor in 2002, and currently is chief of the Department of Medicine Division of Hematology and Oncology. He has served as director of the East Tennessee Comprehensive Hemophilia Center since 1983.
He is a member of more than 20 medical and research societies and associations and the findings from his scientific research have appeared in the world’s most prestigious peer-reviewed journals.
Staff
Allison Birchfiel, RN, OCN
Allison credits a strong family tradition of caring for her interest in a nursing career. At Hanna Cancer Associates, she enjoys meeting and developing relationships with a diverse group of patients and their families for whom she provides patient care and education.
She is a graduate of Nassau Community College in Garden City, New York, where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. Her 21 years as a registered nurse includes 18 years in oncology nursing. She is certified in oncology. She is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society and the Tennessee Valley Oncology Nursing Society.
Allison shares her home with her husband and two step daughters. She enjoys traveling.
Kat London, FNP-C
As a nurse, Kat was able to learn how to take care of people who were sick. She also learned how to use other interventions to help improve my patients’ quality of life, how to effectively communicate, and how to strengthen the nurse-patient relationship. Kat shares, “This, I believe, gave me a great framework for my practice as a nurse practitioner. While I have added prescriptive authority to my practice, my focus remains holistic, as I attempt to improve my patient’s physical and emotional well-being.”
Tara Pianko, PA
Tara Pianko, MS, MPAS, PA-C earned her Bachelors of Science at Colorado State University, Colorado, her Masters of Science at Georgetown University, Washington D.C. and Masters of Physician Assistant at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska. She is certified by the National Studies Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
She has over 11 year’s experience in a wide variety of specialties from critical care to family medicine. She is passionate about advocating for patients, educating them about their diagnoses and supporting them throughout the treatment process.
Sallie Booth, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Sallie Booth, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. She earned her Masters of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner at South College in Knoxville, Tennessee. She is certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and is a
Sallie is an enthusiastic Family Nurse Practitioner with over 8 years of experience in emergency department care setting. She is committed to patients by providing high quality and evidence-based care to people in the community and surrounding area. She is professionally trained Nurse Practitioner who ensures high standards of culturally competent care for a wide range of patients with diverse needs in all areas of care.
Darin Wright, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Darin Wright, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, earned his Bachelor of Science in nursing at South College in Knoxville, Tennessee. He earned his Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner at South College in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Darin's professional experience includes 5 years of comprehensive nursing in acute cardiac care and 1 year experience in primary care as a Family Nurse Practitioner. He has proven ability to manage complex patient cases, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and deliver high quality, evidence-based care. He brings a strong focus on patient education, chronic disease management, and preventative care.
Patient Testimonials
Nothing can surpass the reward of seeing patients and their loved ones return to their normal lives after treatment for cancer. But we admit to being flattered by some of the things our patients say about us... VIEW ALL TESTIMONIALS