Meet the Team
Precision Medicine at Hoag
Hoag’s Center for Applied Genomic Technologies brings together clinical
and scientific experts in oncology, genomics, genetics, molecular pathology
and genetic counseling who work together to apply precision medicine to
the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. The team gathers at
multiple disease specific tumor board conferences, and a dedicated monthly
Molecular Tumor Board to discuss patient cases and the integration of
a precision medicine approach to assist in patients’ treatment.
Program Director –
Michael Demeure, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.E.
Michael J. Demeure, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.E. is an internationally recognized
expert in cancer surgery and research, with particular expertise in endocrine,
pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers. He is author and co-author of
over 100 scholarly works. Dr. Demeure has had an active research program
for over 30 years with the majority of his efforts centered on using genomic
technologies to develop therapeutic targets and improved treatments for
endocrine and gastrointestinal cancers.
Clinical Genomics Scientist/Educator​ –
Sourat Darabi, Ph.D., M.S.
Sourat Darabi, Ph.D., M.S. is the Clinical Genomics Scientist for Hoag’s
Center for Applied Genomic Technologies at Hoag Family Cancer Institute
where she leads initiatives that further the education and application
of oncology precision medicine for Hoag physicians, clinicians, and patients.
Prior to her role at Hoag, Dr. Darabi served as the Variant Scientist
at Ambry Genetics and worked in research departments at community and
academic medical centers. She completed her Ph.D. in Healthcare Genetics
at Clemson University.
Molecular Pathologist –
David Braxton, M.D.
David Braxton, M.D. is a fellowship-trained molecular pathologist and part
of Hoag’s Center for Applied Genomic Technologies. He is board-certified
in anatomic, clinical and molecular genetic pathology and completed his
medical schooling at Keck School of Medicine of USC, an anatomical pathology/clinical
pathology residency at Emory University School of Medicine and fellowships
at the University of Pennsylvania and University of California, Los Angeles.
Since joining Hoag in 2016 Dr. Braxton has developed and implemented protocols
resulting in over 500 patients per year receiving genomic tumor testing.
Executive Medical Director, Hoag Family Cancer Institute –
Burton Eisenberg, M.D.
Burton Eisenberg, M.D. helps to oversee Hoag’s Center for Applied
Genomic Technologies as the Executive Medical Director of the Hoag Family
Cancer Institute.
Medical Geneticist –
Valentina Dalili-Shoaie, M.D.
Valentina Dalili-Shoaie, M.D. is a medical geneticist, part of Hoag’s
Center for Applied Genomic Technologies. She received her medical degree
from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico. She completed
her residency in Internal Medicine at UMDNJ/Overlook Hospital in Summit,
New Jersey and a fellowship in Clinical Genetics at Harvard Medical School
in Boston, Massachusetts.
Licensed, Certified Genetic Counselor –
Jeanne Homer, M.S.
Jeanne Homer, M.S. graduated from Smith College and received her Master's
degree in genetic counseling from the University of California at Irvine.
She is board certified as a genetic counselor. Jeanne is the supervisor
of Hoag’s Hereditary Cancer Program and has been working with patients
at Hoag since 2002. Jeanne is certified by the American Board of Genetic
Counseling and licensed in the state of California.
Licensed, Certified Genetic Counselor –
Chelsey Weatherill, M.S.
Chelsey Weatherill, M.S. graduated from the University of Alberta with
an honors degree in Molecular Genetics. She received her Master’s
degree in Genetic Counseling from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount
Sinai in New York City. Chelsey is certified by the American Board of
Genetic Counseling and licensed in the state of California.
Licensed, Certified Genetic Counselor –
Priya Sawla, M.S.
Priya Sawla, M.S. graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles
with a degree in Human Biology and Society, B.S. She received her Master’s
degree in Genetic Counseling from California State University, Stanislaus
in San Francisco. Priya is certified by the American Board of Genetic
Counseling and licensed in the state of California.
Coordinator –
Taylor Brodie, M.H.A.
Taylor Brodie, M.H.A. is the Center for Applied Genomic Technologies Coordinator
at Hoag Family Cancer Institute. He’s had a diverse background in
both outpatient treatment centers and inpatient hospital institutes. He
joined Hoag in 2016 and continues to learn and grow within the administration.
Taylor received his Master’s in Healthcare Administration from California
State University, Long Beach in 2019.
Applied Genomics at Hoag
Hoag Family Cancer Institute continually works to provide the very best
care for our patients. Hoag’s Center for Applied Genomic Technologies
and its team of highly-regarded industry experts are a testament to that.
No other hospital in Orange County provides this level of personalized
cancer care.
Hoag’s Center for Applied Genomic Technologies team is here to support
our oncology physicians and partners. If you are interested in access
to this care, we encourage you to speak with your physician. If deemed
appropriate, your oncologist, or referring physician, will work directly
with Hoag's Applied Genomics team to review your case and discuss
next steps.