Northeast Region Ovarian Cancer Education Program

Veena John, MD

System Head for Gynecologic Oncology for the Northwell Health Cancer Institute
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

Veena John, MD, took an early interest in medicine since both her parents worked in a hospital. After graduating from Punjab University in India, Dr. John completed residencies in Christian Medical College in Ludhiana, India, and Flushing Hospital Medical Center. While there, one of her mentors was a medical oncologist, and she was impressed by the depth of patient care in the specialty. "The biggest thing I learned, from the start, was empathy and compassion," she says. "My mentor gives so much to her patients, and I wanted to provide that same level of care."

She has led the development of a multidisciplinary, system-wide approach to gynecologic oncology at Northwell, ensuring patients have access to comprehensive care and clinical trials close to home. A principal investigator for numerous Phase I–III clinical trials, Dr. John also serves as site PI for the NRG cooperative group and co-chairs Northwell’s protocol review monitoring committee.

Her work emphasizes advancing treatment options, expanding trial diversity, and delivering compassionate, evidence-based care. She is an active member of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and other national organizations.

Andrew Menzin, MD, MBA, FACOG, FACS

Chief of Gynecologic Oncology
Northwell Health Physician Partners, Central Region
Vice Chairman for Academic Affairs
OBGYN Service Line, Northwell Health ​
Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

Dr. Menzin has been actively involved in the care of women with gynecologic malignancies and those who harbor pre-cancerous conditions of the reproductive tract. His activities include clinical care and research, and a significant portion of his effort is directed toward educational activities involving undergraduate and graduate medical trainees. He is a past scholar and faculty member of the Harvard Macy Institute’s Program for Educators in the Health Professions. Dr Menzin also serves as a board examiner for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr.Menzin is actively engaged in professional organizations, such as the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, of which he is a full member and has served on several of its committees. He is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and has served in various capacities on national, district, and section levels. A fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Menzin serves on the Brooklyn-Long Island Chapter’s Board.

Valerie Burger, MA, MS, RN, OCN, CPN

AVP Cancer Services, Eastern Region
Northwell Health

Valerie Burger has been a registered nurse for 38 years, with 35 of them in oncology. She is certified in oncology nursing and in pediatrics. Valerie graduated from Boston University with a BS in Nursing and then from New York University with an MA in Health Administration and an MS in the Delivery of Nursing Service. Not fully satisfied, she continued her studies and received a post-master’s degree in Holistic Nursing from the College of New Rochelle.

Valerie has a strong passion for education and is committed to easing the burden of cancer while individuals journey through the uncertain terrain a cancer diagnosis brings. Valerie is Chair of both the Greater NY area and the Long Island Board of Advisors for the American Cancer Society.

Patrick Martone, D.O.

Cancer Rehabilitation Medicine Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)
Assistant Professor, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

Patrick Martone, D.O., is an assistant professor at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University. He also works in the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Northwell Health and specializes in Cancer Rehabilitation Medicine, where he acts as fellowship program director and medical director for the eastern region.

He works to enhance a person’s quality of life and function, which is often impacted by cancer and its treatments. He commonly helps individuals with conditions such as neuropathy, fatigue, radiation fibrosis, post-mastectomy pain, lymphedema, trismus, and chemo-brain.

Kelly Carroll, RDN, CDN

Lead Registered Dietitian
Northwell Health Cancer Institute

Kelly Carroll, RDN, CDN,is a registered dietitian specializing in oncology nutrition. With extensive experience supporting individuals through cancer treatment and survivorship, Kelly integrates evidence-based medical nutrition therapy with compassionate, patient-centered care. Her experience includes managing nutrition-related side effects of chemotherapy, optimizing nutritional status before, during, and after treatment, and implementing strategies for cancer prevention and recovery.

Kelly is committed to advancing the role of nutrition in oncology care through interdisciplinary collaboration, patient education, and continuous professional development. She has worked with diverse patient populations in both inpatient and outpatient oncology settings and has a strong interest in integrating nutrition research into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Diana Martins-Welch, MD, FACP

Director, Supportive Oncology
Associate Professor, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
Zuckerberg Cancer Center, Northwell Health

Dr. Martins-Welch, is a palliative medicine physician and Director of Supportive Oncology at Northwell Health Cancer Institute’s Zuckerberg Cancer Center. She is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. She earned her medical degree at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She trained in Internal Medicine, Hospice, and Palliative Medicine at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

Dr. Martins-Welch oversees a busy Palliative Oncology program at the Zuckerberg Cancer Center in New Hyde Park focused on delivering high-quality palliative care for patients with cancer. She has a particular interest in studying the impact of early palliative care for cancer patients and medical cannabis for the management of symptoms. With over 10 years of clinical experience in her field and serving as chair of the Medicinal Cannabis workgroup for the health system since 2017, Dr. Martins-Welch has established herself as a leader in Palliative Oncology and an expert in medicinal cannabis for cancer patients.

Randy Hight, LCSW

Director, Nancy Marx Cancer Wellness Center

Randy Hight, LCSW, is the Director of the Nancy Marx Cancer Wellness Center, where she leads a dedicated team that provides holistic services and support for cancer survivors at every stage of their journey. With over 18 years of experience in oncology, Randy is deeply committed to improving the quality of life for survivors- nurturing healing of the mind, body, and spirit.

Venue

Hilton Long Island/Huntington
598 Broadhollow Road, Melville, NY 11747