Our Team

Giving Patients Strength

Margaret Potter is an Oncology Nurse at AdventHealth Cancer Institute Shawnee Mission. For the last 12 years, Margaret has shaved her head to raise awareness and funds for patients going through cancer treatment. According to Margaret, when her patients lose their hair, she sees it as “a badge of courage, strength and beauty.” Hear Margaret’s story and her personal experience and passion for oncology.

A woman talks with her doctor about her test results.

We’re More Than a Medical Team

Physicians

Each of our oncology specialists — including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and pathologists — is committed to finding answers for you and your family and setting you on a path to healing.

Find an Oncologist Near You
Care Navigators

From scheduling appointments and coordinating details across your medical team to easing your mind about what’s to come, the care navigators at AdventHealth Cancer Institute Shawnee Mission will help you navigate every step of your journey.

Talk to a Care Navigator
Supportive Care

Treating cancer goes beyond treating the disease. That’s why we offer a wide range of support and resources to strengthen your body, ease your mind and lift your spirits.
Our services include therapy to address any side effects from treatments. We also offer support groups, spiritual support and much more.

Get Support

Meet Our Team Oncology and Hematology

Simran Elder, MD

Oncologist and Hematologist
Medical Director, High Risk Breast Clinic
Rakesh Gaur, MD, MPH, FACP

Oncologist and Hematologist
M. Jameel Kyasa, MD

Oncologist and Hematologist
Abdulraheem Qasem, MD

Oncologist and Hematologist
Ali Shwaiki, MD

Oncologist and Hematologist
Jacob Smeltzer, MD

Oncologist and Hematologist
Jordan Cunningham, APRN, FNP-C

Certified Nurse Practitioner

Gynecologic Oncology

Lowell Byers, MD

Gynecologic Oncologist
Sara Lange, MD

Gynecologic Oncologist
Chair, Cancer Committee
Brenda Shoup, MD

Gynecologic Oncologist
Medical Director, Gynecologic Oncology
Alexa Byrd, APRN, FNP-C

Certified Nurse Practitioner
Niki Switzer, APRN, FNP-C

Certified Nurse Practitioner
Ragan VanLeeuwen, APRN, FNP-C

Certified Nurse Practitioner

Breast Oncology

Simran Elder, MD

Oncologist and Hematologist
Medical Director, High Risk Breast Clinic
Elizabeth Butler, DO, FACS, FACOS

Breast Surgeon
Kristine Freyaldenhoven, MD, FACS

General Surgeon
Bettina Lowe, MD, FACS

General Surgeon
Medical Director, NAPBC
Lesley Hofer, APRN, FNP-C, AOCNP

Certified Nurse Practitioner, High Risk Breast Clinic

Radiation Oncology

Bhaswanth Dhanireddy, MD

Radiation Oncologist
Medical Director, Radiation Oncology

Surgical Oncology

Casey Hertzenberg, MD, FACS

Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Jeremy Cravens, MD

Colorectal Surgeon
Kristine Freyaldenhoven, MD, FACS

General Surgeon
Bettina Lowe, MD, FACS

General Surgeon
Medical Director,
NAPBC Breast Program
Nicholas Wirtz, MD

Head and Neck Surgeon
Medical Director, Head and Neck Program