(Courtesy of ACOHA) Dr. Maithili Rao, Dr. Joshua Strauss, and Dr. Ashish Khot have been recognized as Jersey Choice Top Doctors 2020 and are featured in the November edition of New Jersey Monthly Magazine.
Together with their outstanding team, they comprise Advanced Care Oncology and Hematology Associates (ACOHA), a premiere hematology-oncology practice with private, comfortable, and modern facilities at locations in West Orange, Springfield, Morristown, Rockaway and Hackettstown. The practice is affiliated with the Atlantic Health System and visits patients at the affiliated hospitals (RWJ-St. Barnabas, Overlook Medical Center, Morristown Medical Center, and Hackettstown Medical Center). They specialize in treating adults with benign hematology disorders such as anemia, blood clots, coagulation disorders and abnormal blood counts, and all solid tumors and malignant hematology.
The practice was founded in 2011 by Dr. Rao with a vision to bring integrated oncology and hematology care to patients in the community. “We have created a unique setting for consulting and treating patients at four major hospitals as well as at our state-of-the-art outpatient sites,” said Dr. Rao. “Our patients see world-class practitioners and have navigators to coordinate their care. We treat patients holistically, meeting both clinical and emotional needs.”
In collaboration with on-site clinical pharmacists and oncology nurse specialists, patients are treated with chemotherapy, iron infusions and blood transfusions, and receive cutting-edge medical technology and laboratory services. The group also offers clinical trials, genetic counseling and testing, and palliative care services, providing full 360-degree care while delivering individualized treatments. Dr. Rao has a special interest in breast and ovarian cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia. She also manages hematology issues in high-risk pregnancies and lectures on topics such as early detection and treatment of breast cancer, coagulation disorders, and genetics at Morristown Medical Center. Dr. Rao completed her fellowship at the University of Rochester. This is her ninth year being selected as a Top Doctor.
Dr. Strauss is board certified in both medical oncology and hematology and joined the practice upon completing his fellowship at Columbia University. He cares for patients with all types of malignancies and blood disorders while keeping a special interest in gastrointestinal, thoracic, and genitourinary oncology. He is a fierce advocate for his patients, and he takes pride in providing them with complete care that is at once compassionate, modern, and individualized to their needs. “I enjoy learning about my patients, their families, and their values,” said Dr. Strauss. “This allows me to tailor my treatment and recommendations to their specific needs.” He maintains vibrant office practices in Morristown and Springfield and rounds at the affiliated hospitals. He cares deeply about educating the next generation of internists and specialists, lecturing to residents and fellows on a broad range of hematology/oncology topics.
Dr. Khot is an active attending faculty at Overlook Medical Center and Saint Barnabas Medical Center, where he regularly lectures and provides teaching rotations for residents and students in the department of medicine. His special interests include the management of patients with urological, gastrointestinal, and thoracic malignancies as well as various hematological diseases. Dr. Khot sees his dedicated patients at several of the practice’s locations in the community, allowing them to receive care closer to their homes. “With a vast amount of data available in this field, we have implemented a targeted patient-centric approach that allows patients to make informed and satisfying decisions about their care,” he said. “We emphasize great communication between patients, their caregivers, and all the physicians involved to make their care seamless during their journey.” Dr. Khot completed his fellowship training at Montefiore Medical Center. This is his third selection as a Top Doctor.
The trio works in collaboration with Drs. Charlesse Pondt, Ashish Shah, Ved Desai, Arunabh Sekhri, Anita Sultan, Matthew Stuart, and Se young Han; nurse practitioners Marlene Schmitz-Pinkowsky, Edgar “Joed” LaChica, Cherry Rudge, Kari Sierant, Kathleen Escobia, and Kimberly Koval; and physician assistants Jessica Surloff and Daniella Greaves. All office sites are open and the practice continues to see patients during the pandemic. The staff have taken extra precautions to keep all patients safe. The office diligently cleans and disinfects patient areas multiple times a day in line with its commitment to the well-being and safety of all patients.
