Doctors & Support Staff

Our team of highly skilled and compassionate specialists, nurses and support staff are dedicated to providing personalized cancer care.

The doctors and staff at El Portal Comprehensive Cancer centers located in the Central Valley of California

Our Medical Team and Support Staff

Our team features highly skilled and compassionate specialists dedicated to providing expert, personalized cancer care. Communication is of extreme importance; your team of doctors, nurses and staff will collaborate with you to be sure that your individualized care and treatment plan is followed and updated, as needed. We encourage patients to take an active role in their own care. Talking with your team will assure that all aspects of your cancer treatment work together to provide the best outcome.

Dr. Alireza Mahmoudieh, Radiation Oncologist/ M.D, D.A.B.R

Dr. Alireza Mahmoudieh
Radiation Oncologist/ M.D, D.A.B.R

Dr. Osman Elhanafy
Chief of Medical Physics Ph.D, TCP

Dr. Harish Ahuja, Hematologist/ Medical Oncologist

Dr. Harish Ahuja
Hematologist / Medical Oncologist

Sidney Crain M. D.

Dr. Sidney Crain
Hematologist / Medical Oncologist

Michael Kangas, Director of Oncology and Imaging

Michael Kangas
Director of Oncology and Imaging

Paul Mosher
Physician Liaison

Radiation Therapist

Gil Hess, Radiation Therapist
Kelly Esau, CT Technologist

Danika Perry, Oncology Infusion Tech
Lixia Lemus, Pharmacy Tech
Holly Bettencourt, Oncology Registered Nurse

Sofia Zamudio, Medical Assistant, Elvira Cervantes, Medical Oncology Medical Assistant Rebeca Medina, Radiation Oncology Medical assistant Top right: Mayra Martinez, Medical Oncology Medical Assistant, Maria De La Rosa, Radiation and Medical Oncology Scribe

Top row: Elvira Cervantes, Office Manager, Rebeca Medina, Radiation Oncology Medical Assistant, Mayra Martinez, Medical Oncology Medical Assistant
Bottom row: Sofia Zamudio, Medical Assistant, Maria De La Rosa, Radiation and Medical Oncology Scribe

Vivian Guillen, Incoming Referrals Specialist Top right: Isabel Samano: Outgoing Referrals Specialist, Amber Ramirez, Lead Authorizations Specialist, Irene Garcia, Prior Authorizations Specialist

Receptionists: Angelica Bazan, Maria Berber, and Elizabeth Barajas

“”True compassion means not only feeling another’s pain but also being moved to help relieve it ” — Daniel Goleman. 

Dr. Alireza Mahmoudieh, M.D.

Dr. Mahmoudieh has been a vital member of El Portal Comprehensive Cancer Centers since 2008, bringing over a decade of dedicated experience to patient care. Before joining our team, he served as the Director of the Prostate Brachytherapy Program at Kaiser Permanente in Sacramento and Roseville, demonstrating his leadership in advanced cancer treatments.

He earned his medical degree from the Albert Szent-Györgyi School of Medicine in Szeged, Hungary, in 1996. With a strong interest in treating head, neck, and breast cancers, Dr. Mahmoudieh specializes in cutting-edge techniques such as Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). His expertise extends to treating cancers of the head and neck, lung, gastrointestinal tract, and prostate.

A committed professional, Dr. Mahmoudieh is a member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO), reflecting his engagement with ongoing developments in cancer treatment and research. His compassionate approach and advanced skill set ensure that each patient receives personalized, state-of-the-art care.

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Mahmoudieh enjoys traveling with his son and daughter, as well as reading and playing racquetball, embracing a balanced and active lifestyle. His dedication to both his patients and his personal passions makes him a trusted partner in your journey toward health.

Dr. Osman Elhanafy, Ph.D

Dr. Elhanafy is a highly respected Associate Professor of Medical Physics and serves as the Chief Medical Physicist at El Portal Comprehensive Cancer Centers since July 2013. He earned his Ph.D. in Medical Physics from the University of Wisconsin, Madison—where he began his foundational training and completed his thesis—in 2013, building on his initial joining of the university in 1999.

 With specialized training in advanced radiation oncology techniques—such as Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), Total Body Irradiation (TBI), Quality Assurance, and Radiobiology—Dr. Elhanafy brings a wealth of expertise to patient care. His dedication to the field is evident through numerous published research articles, as well as awards recognizing his leadership in organizing conferences, training sessions, lectures, and workshops.

Beyond his impressive credentials, Dr. Elhanafy is deeply committed to advancing medical physics and ensuring the best possible outcomes for his patients. His compassionate approach, combined with his extensive knowledge, makes him a trusted partner in your cancer care journey.

Outside of his professional pursuits, he values spending quality time with his family, reflecting his genuine care and balance in life.

Dr. Harish Ahuja, M.D.

Dr. Ahuja is a distinguished, board-certified Medical Oncologist with extensive training in medical hematology. He has refined his expertise at renowned institutions such as Tata Memorial Hospital, UCLA School of Medicine, and Roswell Park, under the mentorship of esteemed hematologists including Dr. S.H. Advani, Dr. Michael Caligiuri, and Dr. M.J. Cline.

With over 25 years of experience in both hematology and oncology, Dr. Ahuja offers a deep well of knowledge and a compassionate approach to patient care at El Portal Cancer Center. His dedication to advancing the field is reflected through active membership in prestigious professional organizations, including the American Society of Hematology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the European Society of Medical Oncology, and the Indian Society of Medical and Pediatric Oncology.

A passionate researcher, Dr. Ahuja has contributed significantly to ongoing scientific advancements—serving on the NRG Breast Committee and the Rare Subtype Committee, and acting as Principal Investigator for the “CROWN” NCORP study. His commitment to clinical excellence and groundbreaking research underscores his dedication to improving outcomes for his patients.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Dr. Ahuja values spending quality time with his family, and enjoys hiking and traveling, embracing life outside the clinic with the same dedication he brings to his medical practice. His compassionate nature and extensive experience make him a trusted partner in your cancer care journey.

Dr. Sidney Crain, M.D.

Dr. Crain is a highly experienced and board-certified Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with over 45 years of dedicated service in the medical field. Throughout his distinguished career, he has established himself as a leading expert in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of various cancers and blood disorders.

He earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1977 and is actively affiliated with esteemed institutions, including Adventist Health St. Helena. Dr. Crain’s extensive experience spans a broad range of conditions, including small intestine and colorectal cancers, breast cancer, prostate cancer, anemia, leukemia, and lymphoma.

Beyond his clinical expertise, Dr. Crain is deeply committed to advancing medical research and improving patient care. His approach to treatment is rooted in compassion and a thorough understanding of complex medical conditions, ensuring each patient receives personalized, comprehensive care.

Recognized for his empathetic nature and unwavering dedication, Dr. Crain strives to achieve the best possible outcomes for his patients and foster a trusting, supportive environment. His lifelong commitment to the fields of oncology and hematology reflects his passion for making a meaningful difference in his patients’ lives.

Michael Kangas

Michael Kangas serves as the Director of Oncology and Diagnostic Imaging, where he spearheads initiatives that enhance revenue, profitability, productivity, and patient satisfaction within an underserved area. His leadership is instrumental in developing and guiding a highly skilled team of healthcare professionals across multiple clinics, providing comprehensive cancer care and diagnostic imaging services utilizing the most advanced technology. Michael’s commitment is rooted in delivering personalized, high-quality care to each patient, ensuring they receive the support they need throughout their journey.

With extensive expertise in Health Information Management, Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Radiation Therapy, Radiation Oncology, Clinical Operations, Healthcare Compliance, and Regulatory Standards, Michael ensures that all services meet the highest industry standards. He also focuses on monitoring performance, healthcare marketing, and supervisory skills to foster a collaborative, efficient, and patient-centered environment.

In addition to his clinical leadership, Michael actively volunteers with the Merced Cancer Society Foundation as its Executive Director. In this role, he oversees key operational and administrative functions to advance the foundation’s mission of positively impacting residents in the Central Valley. His efforts include community outreach, organizing fundraising events, and leading initiatives to expand the foundation’s support and resources for local cancer patients.

Michael’s dedication to improving healthcare and strengthening community ties highlights his unwavering commitment to healing, hope, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those he serves.

Paul Mosher

Paul I. Mosher is a highly accomplished business professional with extensive experience in healthcare management, medical device sales, and community service. Currently, he proudly serves as the Physician Liaison and Business Development Coordinator at El Portal Comprehensive Cancer Center. In this role, Paul collaborates closely with our dedicated medical team to facilitate patient-centered care, foster strong relationships with our physicians, and support the center’s mission of providing the highest quality cancer treatment.

With expertise in business development, leadership, relationship management, and healthcare technology, Paul is a dedicated and effective communicator committed to exceptional service and compassionate support. His collaborative approach helps ensure that patients receive not only cutting-edge treatment but also personalized care rooted in trust and understanding. Additionally, Paul brings ten years of non-profit experience to our board of directors, furthering his devotion to community health and service.

Paul holds a Bachelor of Business in Business Marketing from Boise State University. He is actively involved in his community, volunteering with various Merced non-profits and churches. Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending quality time with his family and playing golf whenever he can.