Meet the Radiation Oncology Team

Radiation Oncologists

Radiation oncologists are the doctors who will oversee your radiation therapy treatments. These physicians work with the other members of the radiation therapy team to develop your treatment plan and ensure that each treatment is given accurately. Your radiation oncologist will also monitor your progress and adjust the treatment as necessary to make sure the radiation is hitting its target while minimizing side effects. Before, during and after your radiation therapy treatments, your radiation oncologist works closely with other doctors, such as medical oncologists and surgeons, to maximize the radiation’s effectiveness.

Radiation oncologists have completed at least four years of college, four years of medical school, one year of general medical training, and four years of residency or specialty training in radiation oncology. They have extensive training in cancer medicine and the safe use of radiation to treat disease. After passing a special examination, they are certified by the American Board of Radiology.

Norman Willis, MD - Medical Director

Dr. Willis founded Radiation Oncologists, P.C. in 1975 and Radiation Oncology Specialists, P.C. in 2008. He is a board certified Radiation Oncologist who practices at both Legacy Emanuel Radiation Oncology Center and the Meridian Park Radiation Oncology Center. In addition to comprehensive Radiation Oncology, his special areas of interest are Prostate Cancer (including Prostate Brachytherapy), benign and malignant Brain Tumors (including Stereotactic Radiosurgery), and the development of new technologies.

In Oregon he performed the first prostate Brachytherapy procedure in 1977, did the first Iridium interstitial Brachytherapy for breast cancer, performed the first template guided Brachytherapy procedures for gynecologic malignancies, and co-founded the first program for stereotactic Radiosurgery and the first program for trans-rectal ultrasound guided Prostate Brachytherapy. He has been an active participant and member of committees for the Southwest Oncology Group and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project in addition to the Portland CCOP.

Dr. Willis has four children: Greg (a Radiation Oncologist at Meridian Park Radiation Oncology Center), Jocelyn (a grammar school teacher in Portland), Jessica (a business woman in Portland), and Patrick (a police officer in Eugene). He also has 6 loving grandchildren.

Dr. Willis' interests include fly fishing, travel, food and wine, music, aerobatic flying and various athletics.

• B.A. UCLA
• M.D. UCLA
• Internship: UCLA
• Residency: UCLA
• Board Certification: Radiation Oncology
• Sub-Specialty: Prostate Brachytherapy & Stereotactic Radiosurgery
  

Gregory Willis, MD 

Dr. Gregory Willis is a Radiation Oncologist who joined Meridian Park Radiation Oncology Center, Inc. January 2008. He decided to leave his former practice Brainerd Radiation Therapy Center, Inc in Minnesota to practice along with his father Dr. Norman Willis.

He is an active member of Oregon Medical Association, Meridian Association of Physicians, American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. He has privileges at Meridian Park Hospital.

Dr. Gregory Willis has two children: a daughter Peyton and son Nathan with his wife, Marianne.

A few of Dr. Greg Willis’ interests include saltwater fly fishing, Scuba diving and playing guitar.

• B.A. Portland State University
• M.D. Oregon Health Sciences University
• Internship: University of Minnesota/Fairview University
• Residency: University of Minnesota/Fairview University

Radiation Oncology Nurses

Nancy Espinoza, Oncology RN

"As a cancer survivor myself, the desire to help others facing similar decisions, treatments, and emotions has been a driving force in my practice. If I can help ease someone's anxiety or offer a personal insight, it has been a good day." - Nancy

Julie Kramer-Doherty, Oncology RN

"I love that I am an integral part of this caring, compassionate, and dedicated team." - Julie

Radiation oncology nurses work together with radiation oncologists and radiation therapists to care for you and your family during your radiation treatments. They will explain the possible side effects you may experience and describe how you can manage them. They will assess how you are doing throughout treatment and will help you cope with the changes you may experience. They will also provide support and counseling to you and your family.

Our radiation oncology nurses registered nurses, licensed by the State of Oregon.

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Radiation Therapists

Radiation therapists work with radiation oncologists to administer the daily radiation treatment under the doctor's prescription and supervision. They maintain daily treatment records and check the treatment machine daily to make sure it is working properly.

Radiation therapists go through a two to four-year educational program following high school or college. They take a special examination, are nationally certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and licensed by the State of Oregon

Chrisse Fletcher, RT(R)(T) - Lead Radiation Therapist

“As a therapist, I get to see the patients on a daily basis, building a relationship with them.  It is very rewarding to see them at follow-up time, even years down the road." - Chrisse

Steve Carns, RT(R)(T) - Radiation Therapist

“I enjoy the one-on-one daily personal contact with the patients during their treatment.  When they come back for their follow-up appointments, I am able to see the progress of healing, spiritual and physical, that they have made in that short period of time. I can’t think of any career that would give me that kind of personal satisfaction.” - Steve

Mike Rhodes, BSRT, BSNET RT(T) - Radiation Therapist

“Why do I love my work in Radiation Therapy? It’s simple, the patients. Working with cancer patients and the other professionals involved is an extraordinary experience. It is an opportunity to participate in a person’s care at a level not possible any other way for me. “Work at what you love and you’ll never work another day of your life.” - Mike

Lori Willette, B.S.B., BSRT RT(T) - Radiation Therapist

“When I first started off in this field I knew what a rewarding career I was getting into. I’m grateful to be a part of such a great team, and knowing the “work” we do everyday makes a difference in patients’ lives.” - Lori

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Medical Radiation Physicist

Robert Miller, MS Medical Physics

Qualified medical physicists work directly with the radiation oncologist during treatment planning and delivery. They oversee the work of the dosimetrist and help ensure that complex treatments are properly tailored for each patient. Medical physicists are responsible for developing and directing quality control programs for equipment and procedures. Their responsibility also includes making sure the equipment works properly by taking precise measurements of the radiation beam and performing other safety tests on a regular basis.

Robert Miller received his Masters degree in Medical Physics from UCLA and was certified  in 1976 by the American College of Radiology in Therapeutic Radiologic Physics.  He brings over 30 years experience to our team. Mr. Miller has served as a consultant to numerous hospitals in the Portland metro area and the Pacific Northwest.  He is currently employed full time at our facility.

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Dosimetrist

Kristen Johnson, RT(R)(T)(CMD)

"I get immense fulfillment from planning treatments specific to each patient's anatomical and physiological needs, using advanced and changing technology. Every day and every patient is unique.I can't imagine doing anything else." - Kristen

Dosimetrists carefully calculate the amount of radiation to make sure the tumor gets the prescribed radiation dose. Using sophisticated computer programs, they work to develop a number of treatment plans that can best destroy the tumor while sparing normal tissue. Since treatment plans are often very complex, dosimetrists work closely with the radiation oncologist and the medical physicist to choose the treatment plan that is right for you.

Many dosimetrists are also radiation therapists.  They are certified by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board.

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Office Staff Professionals

Lorena Smith, Office Manager

"I love my job because of my co-workers...they  impress me daily with their professionalism and personal touch with each other and with our patients and their families. - Lorena

Lorena handles billing and insurance for our patients.  For questions or concerns you can contact her at (503) 692-4843.

For general billing and insurance coverage issues, go directly to our Billing and Insurance webpage.

Angela Havlinek, Patient Coordinator

“Everyday, I get to see this group come together with compassion and experience to support patients by specializing their care and treatment to their specific needs. It is rewarding to be a part of this team.” - Angela

Angela is our receptionist and handles your initial appointment and follow-up scheduling.

Other Healthcare Professionals

You may work with a number of other healthcare professionals while undergoing radiation therapy. These specialists ensure that all of your physical and psychological needs are met during your treatment.

Social Workers

Social workers are available to provide a variety of supportive services to you and your family. They can provide counseling to help you and your family cope with the diagnosis of cancer and with your treatment. They may also help arrange for home healthcare and other services.

Nutritionists

Nutritionists or dietitians work with patients to help them maintain their diet during their treatments. They will help you modify your eating plan if the side effects of treatment are affecting your appetite, will determine what you can eat, and can provide recipes, menu suggestions and information on ready-to-use nutritional supplements. They address dietary issues and current developments that may affect cancer treatment outcomes.

Physical Therapists

Physical therapists use therapeutic exercises to ensure that your body functions properly while you are undergoing treatment. These exercises are used to help manage side effects, alleviate pain and keep you healthy.

Dentists

Dentists may be involved in the care of patients who are receiving radiation for oral or head and neck cancers. They will help prevent the radiation from damaging the healthy areas of your mouth and oral cavity, and may recommend that you have preventive dental work prior to radiation. They will also help you manage oral complications of cancer therapy, such as dry mouth. A dental hygienist may also perform these services under the supervision of a dentist.

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