Stem Cell Staff

Istvan Redei, MD - Hematologist/Oncologist

As a hematologist/oncologist at CTCA, Dr. Redei is proud to be part of a growing movement toward more patient-oriented cancer care.

He brings to his position a wealth of experience including serving as Director of the Matched Unrelated Donor Transplant Program at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta and as Assistant Professor of Hematology/Oncology at the Winship Cancer Center.

Board certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology, Dr. Redei received his medical degree from Semmelweiss Ignac Medical University in Budapest, Hungary, then went on to complete his residency at New York Medical College. He completed a fellowship in hematology from Temple University and a fellowship in oncology from Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. In 2001, Dr. Redei was named one of the “top doctors” in Atlanta.

Bernard Eden, MD - Radiation Oncologist

As Director of Radiation Oncology at CTCA, Dr. Eden is excited by what his team can offer patients—technology that’s “head and shoulders” above that of other regional hospitals, combined with a collaborative and caring environment.

Board-certified in radiation oncology, Dr. Eden completed his residency at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center in 1994. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Duke University and a medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

Ask him “what’s new” in his department and Dr. Eden will speak passionately about what the latest advances in radiation technology mean to people living with breast cancer — decreased treatment time, for one, and the ability to target the lumpectomy cavity (the major area of recurrence.) Other significant advancements include the ability to deliver radiation more accurately and with minimum side effects.

Sung Chang, MD - Radiation Oncologist

After more than three decades of caring for patients at other hospitals, Dr. Chang stumbled upon something unusual when he walked through the doors of CTCA: Compassion. The staff’s empathy and support for patients living with cancer, he said, was unlike any he’d experienced at other facilities.

We are delighted to have Dr. Chang as a member of our radiation oncology team. His medical education and training began in his native Korea, where he received his medical degree from Kyung-puk University. After moving to the U.S. in 1972, Dr. Chang went on to work in a number of Chicago area hospitals including St. Anne’s, the VA Research Hospital and Northwestern Memorial.

Dr. Chang is certified by the Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates as well as the American Board of Radiology.

Bradford Tan, MD – Medical Director of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and the Stem Cell Laboratory

Doctor Tan was appointed as Medical Director of Laboratory at Midwestern in 1993, and was soon asked to participate on a committee that evaluated and started the bone marrow transplant program at CTCA. Dr. Tan and his dedicated professional laboratory staff is an integral part of the transplant team.

“Most patients don’t realize that Pathology is very important, especially during the initial evaluation of the patient’s tumor. If a malignancy is found, we work closely with the medical oncologist to develop a plan to evaluate and follow-up the patient’s tumor progression or regression.”

During bone marrow/stem cell transplantation, the patient’s blood/immune status is monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure that the patient is receiving the best possible care for his/her specific type of cancer.

Dr. Tan and his staff realize that when they are processing the patient’s or donor’s stem cells, they are literally holding something so vital that the life of a patient depends on it. This is a trust and responsibility that he and his staff take very seriously.

Dr. Tan attended medical school at the Cebu Institute of Medicine, Cebu City, Philippines. Here, he was an awardee in the Excellence in the Study of Anatomy (ESA). He completed his anatomic and clinical pathology residency in Chicago, IL, at the University of Illinois Metropolitan Group Hospitals. Before joining CTCA, he was the Director of Cytopathology at Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago.

Pamela Orsburn, RN - Stem Cell Transplant & Cell Therapy Program Coordinator

Pamela first joined CTCA in 1987 as a Physical Therapy Assistant. Although her interest in cardiology briefly took her away from oncology, she returned to CTCA in 1999 as a Stem Cell Transplant Nurse, and has never regretted it.

What drew her back? The fact that CTCA has such a strong philosophy, and more importantly, they follow it.

“At CTCA, we truly believe that patients and their families are most important. As the Stem Cell Transplant Coordinator, I work with our patients from initial consultation through their recovery. I educate patients about the stem cell process; assist physicians with field calls; and answer questions from patients and their families’ pre- and post- transplant.”

Pamela graduated with an RN from Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, WI; and she now offers more than a decade of healthcare experience. She has close to five years of experience working specifically with stem cell transplant patients and their families.

Rev. Percy McCray, Jr. – Director of Pastoral Care and Social Services

Overcoming cancer often requires a heroic amount of physical, emotional, and spiritual strength. No one understands this better than Reverend McCray and his dedicated staff in Pastoral Care and Social Services.

Every day, those who make up the Department at CTCA — seven clergy persons, three social service workers and various volunteer community pastors—help people like you build a bridge from despair to hope. As Reverend McCray says, “The goal of the Department is to provide an ecumenical umbrella of spiritual support for patients, family members and staff whereby persons of any faith can be strengthened, motivated and inspired to combat cancer.” In creating an environment conducive to healing and recovery, the Department exists as a great source of comfort for patients and families.

Reverend McCray is a fully ordained minister and a member of the National Chaplain Association. He was also recognized as one of the “most influential African Americans in Lake County” by the People’s Voice newspaper for his religious and leadership roles within the community.

Katherine Puckett, PhD, MS, MSW, LCSW – National Director of Mind-Body Medicine

As you go through treatment, it’s not uncommon to feel hopeless and isolated. Fortunately, Katherine Puckett and the Mind-Body Medicine team are dedicated to meeting your emotional and psychological needs, which can mean the difference between feeling alone and finding peace.

Quite simply, the Mind-Body Medicine team helps you connect with your inner strength. Comprised of highly trained, licensed psychotherapists, the Department offers a wide range of supportive services including individual and family counseling, educational groups providing stress management techniques, and support groups. In taking advantage of these offerings, many patients report greater peace of mind and relaxation and improved communication with family members.

Ms. Puckett is a licensed clinical social worker. She received her Master of Social Work from Loyola University and is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Chicago.

Stanislav Maravilla, RPT – Director of Rehabilitation Services

While undergoing treatment, exercise may be the furthest thing from your mind. But according to Stanislav Maravilla, an activity/exercise program can offer tremendous benefits in strengthening your muscle tissue and keeping your immune system at peak function.

The Rehabilitation Services team at CTCA knows how to make the most of your physical capabilities through such services as physical therapy, massage therapy, speech therapy, lymphedema management, and tai chi classes. By enrolling in our Motion for Life program, you’ll also receive therapeutic exercise training to increase muscle mass and strength, improve balance and decrease fatigue while receiving treatment.

Mr. Maravilla is a licensed physical therapist and a graduate from Southwestern University Cebu in the Philippines. He has been practicing physical therapy since 1992.

Carolyn Lammersfeld, MS, RD, LDN, CNSD – National Director of Nutrition

Carolyn Lammersfeld and her experienced team of professionals understand the important role that good nutrition plays in your treatment success. “Many people with cancer experience weight loss or malnutrition,” notes Ms. Lammersfeld. “And studies show that as little as a 5% weight loss can have a negative impact on those living with cancer.”

You can count on the Department’s seven Registered and Licensed Clinical Oncology Nutritionists to take a proactive approach to your care, addressing small nutrition issues before they can become a major problem. The team has over 68 years of combined experience and is committed to working closely with you to assess your nutritional status at every visit.

Ms. Lammersfeld received her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. She completed her post-graduate internship and her Master of Science degree in clinical nutrition from Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center/Rush University in Chicago.