Personal Statement:
I have been interested in biology since seventh grade (I credit my teacher, Mr. Guartella for showing me how fascinating science could be). This started me on the path that led me to becoming a hematologist-oncologist. But, I also enjoy teaching, and I considered that profession as well. I try to blend these two interests in my work every day.

The science of my job is fascinating. The world of hematology and oncology is exploding with new understanding of how normal and abnormal cells work, and with new therapies to treat cancer, as well as blood diseases. I love learning about these new findings, as well as being part of the progress against these diseases by working with patients who participate in clinical trials.

Teaching patients about the diseases they are fighting, the medicines we will use, and how best to avoid or at least help relieve side effects is very rewarding as well.

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Michael J. Castine, III, M.D.

Professional:
Southern Baptist Hospital
Blood Bank Extern
New Orleans, LA
June 1988-January 1992

University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL
Instructor of Medicine
Department of Medicine
July 1995-June 1996

University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL
Head and Neck Cancer Working Group / Clinic
July 1996-June 1998

University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL
Hemophilia Clinic Fellow
July 1997-June 1998

University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL
Comprehensive Cancer Center
Vaccine Therapy Program
July 1997-June 1998

Medical Oncology, LLC
Baton Rouge, LA
July 1999-September 2005

Hematology/ Oncology Clinic
Baton Rouge, LA
Oct. 2005 - present

Board Certification:
American Board of Internal Medicine, 1996
Recertification complete, 2006

American Board of Internal Medicine
Subspecialty Hematology, 1999

American Board of Internal Medicine
Subspecialty Medical Oncology, 2000
Recertification complete, 2006

Personal Statement:
I am a native New Orleanian who moved to Baton Rouge ten years ago after completing my training. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia, my medical degree at LSUMC in New Orleans and my post graduate training at the Comprehensive Cancer Center in Birmingham, Alabama. I am board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology. My practice centers around the treatment of all cancer diagnoses, as well as, the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the blood such as anemias and clotting disorders.

In addition to practicing, I have volunteered time in the community as the president of the Louisiana Oncology Society for the last three years. I also serve on various local hospital committees, and am a member of several local social and charitable organizations. I am married with three children and enjoy traveling with my family. Most of my hobbies center around my family with travel and sports including fishing, skiing, soccer and hunting.

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Vince D. Cataldo, M.D.

Personal Statement:
My interest in hematology and oncology began as a second-year medical student when I first peered into a microscope at a blood sample from a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia. Ultimately, I was convinced that hematology and oncology were my chosen fields of medicine when I came to recognize and respect the universal strength of cancer patients, the opportunities for empathetic care in the fields, and the advances in cancer management currently emerging.

My path to these fields of practice began with my obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Louisiana State University before attending medical school at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. I completed my residency and chief residency in internal medicine at LSU Health Sciences Center. Following residency, my fellowship in hematology and medical oncology were completed at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston where I served as M.D. Anderson’s Chief Fellow in my final year of fellowship. During my training at M.D. Anderson, my research efforts concentrated on novel approaches to the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma.

In addition to my work at Hematology/Oncology Clinic, I continue my love of medical education as an Assistant Professor for LSU Health Sciences Center at Earl K. Long Hospital. This effort affords me the opportunity to provide much needed hematologic and oncologic care to the underserved while teaching our next generation of physicians.

I am proud to have brought world-class training back to the people of South Louisiana. My goal in treating any patient with a hematologic or oncologic disorder is to see each individual as a unique person with a complex disorder that deserves a personalized treatment plan.

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Christopher Miles McCanless, M.D.

Personal Statement:
My love for medicine started at a very young age.  I watched and appreciated my father's dedication and opportunity to help people in this great career.

Hematology/Oncology for me is a calling to help fight a disease that has had major advancements in its treatment to help many patients.  My goals as a physician in this field are to always look at the whole picture-- aggressiveness to conquer the disease by researching all alternatives, consulting all physicians on the case for the best treatment plan, and to always keep the comfort of the patient and family at the top of my list.

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Gerald Patrick Miletello, M.D.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE:
Chief of Oncology
Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center
Baton Rouge, LA
January 1985 - December 1986

Private Practice
Hematology/Oncology Clinic
Baton Rouge, LA
January 1985 to Present

CERTIFICATION:
American Board of Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine
September 1984

Medical Oncology
November 1989

ACADEMIC AFFILIATION:
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine
Louisiana State University School of Medicine

Personal Statement:
I have been interested in medicine for as long as I can remember, and became interested specifically in oncology during my second year in medical school. One of my interests outside the clinic is cooking and creating healthful, delicious food. I have been able to combine my love of cooking with my passion for caring for my patients by co-authoring a cookbook with Holly Clegg, Eating Well Through Cancer. In addition, I am very proud to have been able to establish a Proleukin Center for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma and melanoma. I am inspired by my patients’ hope and courage which makes it possible to for me to treat this dreaded disease. My goal is to offer patients the latest treatments in a safe and caring environment. Because of my courageous patients and the exciting progress we are making in the treatment of cancer, I love what I do and hope that one day we will have a cure for this frightening disease.

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Georgia Ann Reine, M.D.

Personal Statement:
As a medical oncologist, I deal with the diagnosis and treatment of many different kinds of cancer. My goal is to provide expert professional care, as well as, compassionate care to my patients faced with this often frightening illness. Having watched my father go through the diagnosis and treatment of cancer while I was in medical school has made me aware of how important it is to my patients and their families to provide the most advanced treatments available to successfully treat cancer and to help prevent cancer. I also strive to work with the surgeons, radiation oncologists and pathologists who are part of my patients’ comprehensive interdisciplinary team in fighting their disease.

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Meet our additional professional staff:

Nurse Practitioner: PEGGY JO JONES, APRN, FNP

EDUCATION:

Undergraduate:
Our Lady of the Lake College
1995  - 1997
Associate of Science in Nursing

Loyola University New Orleans
B.S.  Nursing - 2001

Graduate:
Loyola University New Orleans
M.S. Nursing - 2003
                       

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Prescriptive Authority
Registered Nurse
Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE:

Nursing Assistant, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center
1996 - 1997

Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Registered Nurse; Post Anesthesia Care Unit (2001-2003), Telemetry (1998-2001)
1998 - 2003

Nurse Practitioner; Louisiana Cardiology Associates
2003 - 2007

Clinical Director/Nurse Practitioner;
The Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Baton Rouge Clinic
2006 - 2007

Hematology/Oncology Clinic
2007 - Present