Meet the Physicians of our Community Research Network: Part 4
Getting to Know the Brilliant Minds Behind Our Innovative Research Teams at Madison
This is the fourth and final part of our series to celebrate Clinical Trials Day on May 20th, highlighting the physicians who have joined our Community Research Network in the past year.
In partnership with SSM Health, we have onboarded physicians with diverse research experience onto our network. Let's take a closer look at the incredible expertise, education, and research experiences of our esteemed medical professionals.
Dr. Rachel Kornik
SSM Health Dean Medical Group
Dr. Rachel Kornik, a board-certified dermatologist, is renowned for her commitment to her patients. With over 12 years practicing medicine, she creates an open dialogue with patients and ensures that they feel understood and cared for. Dr. Kornik earned her medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, NH. Following her internship in Internal Medicine at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, she completed her residency in dermatology at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI. She is a member of the Wisconsin Dermatological Society and a board member of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease.
Dr. Kornik’s medical interests include women's dermatological health, vulvar/gynecologic dermatology, and patient education. She has published research on dermatitis, basal cell carcinoma, and stress management, and has given presentations at various conferences.
"Believing in shared decision-making, I ask thorough questions and take the time necessary to carefully listen to my patients. Being able to help a patient feel better and move forward with their life journey gives me great satisfaction."
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Dr. Shannon O'Mahar
SSM Health Dean Medical Group
Shannon O'Mahar, a board-certified oncologist, has a wealth of hematology experience. Shannon obtained her undergraduate degree from Stanford University and her medical degree from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She completed her internship at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis and her fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Dr. O’Mahar joined our Site Partnership Network at the end of March this year. Her research experience is extensive, including her role as Sub-Investigator in over eighteen clinical studies, including a Phase 2 trial studying treatment for chronic myelogenous leukemia, a randomized Phase 3 study for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer, testing a combination therapy in patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a Phase 2 study of an investigational product to treat patients who have been previously treated for leukemia/lymphoma, immunotherapy for patients with advanced kidney cancer, and multiple biospecimen collections.
Her expertise in multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, monoclonal gammopathy, melanoma, and acute and chronic leukemia is evident in her dedication to advancing medical practices and improving patient outcomes within oncology.
Her patients say that “she is an excellent listener, makes sure to include you in whole conversation”, “Dr. O’Mahar is very courteous, professional and knowledgeable”, and “She is the best Provider I have worked with. She never makes you feel rushed. She answers all your questions. She gives you test results and explains what they all mean.”, which is a testament to her dedication to her patients.
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Dr. Adam Levin
SSM Health Dean Medical Group
Dr. Adam Levin, who also joined our network in March this year, is a highly skilled and board-certified medical professional specializing in hematology and oncology and completed his medical education at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He pursued his fellowship and residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals.
Dr. Levin is affiliated with several prestigious hospitals, including SSM Health St. Clare Hospital, SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital-Janesville, and SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital-Madison. His multiple certifications include the American Board of IM/Hematology, the American Board of IM/Medical Oncology, the American Board of Internal Medicine, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Wisconsin Medical Examining Board.
He is currently leading multiple clinical trials with our embedded Research Team, including a Phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of an investigational product in participants with large B-cell lymphoma and a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial studying a new treatment for chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain.
His keen interest in treating complex medical conditions such as multiple myeloma, acute lymphoid and myeloid leukemia, and Hodgkin lymphoma provides patients with the highest quality treatment tailored to their specific needs. Patients say that Dr. Levin is understanding of their health needs, next steps, and available treatment options.
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Dr. Ryan Porter
SSM Health Dean Medical Group
Dr. Ryan Porter, a distinguished medical professional specializing in oncology, completed his fellowship at Indiana University, followed by his residency at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO. His certifications include the American Board of IM/Hematology, the American Board of IM/Medical Oncology, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Wisconsin Medical Examining Board.
Dr. Porter joins our network with an impressive research background. He has led as the principal investigator for clinical trials studying treatments for metastatic and early breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and kidney cancer. Ryan's extensive research experience also includes serving as a sub-investigator for a multitude of Phase 2-3 oncology studies and biospecimen collections.
His motivation to advance medical practices, medicine, and therapies to improve treatment options is evident in his professional affiliations and research contributions. Not to mention, he takes exceptional care of his patients by working with them to build a treatment plan that works for them.
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Dr. Lisa Lepeak
SSM Health Dean Medical Group
Dr. Lisa Lepeak, who joined our network two months ago, and is a board-certified oncologist, completed her fellowship and residency at UW Hospital Graduate Medical Education, following her internship at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. She earned her medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine. Her certifications include the American Board of IM/Medical Oncology, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Wisconsin Medical Examining Board.
Along with Dr. Lepeak’s impressive education, she also brings previous research experience, which includes her involvement in Phase 3 studies such as the randomized, double-blind, multicenter study of an investigational product for patients with non-small cell lung cancer and the detection of cancers through plasma-based testing.
She is committed to exceptional patient care and advancing oncology practices is evident in her extensive knowledge and expertise.
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Dr. Joanna Zurko
SSM Health Dean Medical Group
Dr. Joanna Zurko, a board-certified medical professional specializing in hematology and oncology, joined the Site Partnership Network exactly one year ago. Her educational background encompasses a fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals and a residency at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. She earned her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
She holds multiple certifications, including the American Board of IM/Hematology, the American Board of IM/Medical Oncology, the American Board of Internal Medicine, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Wisconsin Medical Examining Board. Her research interests focus on treating complex medical conditions such as breast cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma.
Dr. Zurko’s dedication to providing compassionate and comprehensive care ensures that patients receive tailored treatment to meet their specific needs—with patients stating that she “…was very knowledgeable of the type of cancer I have which left me feeling positive about my situation” and “…is a wonderful doctor, very easy to talk to, explains everything clearly, and listens to my concerns.”
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Dr. William Ehlenbach
SSM Health Outpatient Center
Dr. William Ehlenbach, a highly skilled and board-certified medical professional specializing in critical care medicine and pulmonary disease, joined our network in December of last year. He earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Washington, completed his fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle, and then pursued his residency at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics.
His certifications include the American Board of IM/Critical Care Medicine, the American Board of IM/Pulmonary Disease, the American Board of Internal Medicine, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Wisconsin Medical Examining Board. Along with these memberships, Dr. Ehlenbach has won numerous medical awards, most notably Madison’s Top Doctors in Critical Care Medicine. He is active in the medical community through research publications and both national/international conference presentations.
Dr. Ehlenbach’s commitment to exceptional healthcare and advancing medical practices is evident in his extensive knowledge and expertise in critical care medicine and pulmonary disease.
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Dr. Adam Tierney
SSM Health Dean Medical Group
Dr. Adam Tierney, a board-certified urologist, obtained his medical degree and completed his residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He specializes in robotic and laparoscopic surgery, minimally invasive procedures for enlarged prostates, and the treatment of kidney stones.
Over the past 10 years, Adam's peers have consistently named him one of Madison's Top Doctors in surveys conducted by Madison Magazine. His dedication to providing exceptional care ensures that patients receive the highest quality treatment tailored to their specific needs.
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This wraps up our Clinical Trials Day series, but we’re not stopping here! We have incredible, experienced, and passionate physicians who join our network throughout the year—across our established districts and in new ones.
The physicians who join our network are boldly leading research in their communities; they believe in the work we are doing and are ready to be part of it, within 16+ physician groups, with over 45 enrolling trials, serving 8,000,000+ patients. Follow us on LinkedIn to join them on their research journeys!