Oncologist Dr. John Mehanna Retires

Dr. John Mehanna recently retired from practicing medicine after 33 years of dedicated service to his patients and the community. Dr. Mehanna was instrumental in developing the area’s oncology services, including the Regional Cancer Center at the Western Maryland Health System.

In 2005, Dr. Mehanna was recognized as the Western Maryland Health System's Physician of the Year. He was well-respected by his colleagues and co-workers for his uncompromising integrity, clinical excellence, compassion and respect for his patients. During his tenure, thousands of cancer patients throughout the tri-state region became familiar with Dr. Mehanna’s gentle nature and genuine concern for those in his care. He was known for developing a warm, caring relationship with his patients and their families while providing quality cancer care.

A native of Lebanon, Dr. Mehanna began practicing medicine in Cumberland in 1974. He earned his medical degree from Saint-Joseph University in Beirut and did his internship at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Mehanna completed residencies at Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn and Manhattan Veterans Hospital, both in New York. He did fellowships in hematology at Memorial Hospital for Cancer in New York and at Roosevelt Hospital in Edison, New Jersey. He was board certified in hematology/oncology and internal medicine.

Joining the WMHS Regional Cancer Center will be Dr. Blanche Mavromatis, a medical oncologist who has been teaching in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the Lombardi Cancer Center at the Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology, Dr. Mavromatis completed her internship, residency and fellowship while at Georgetown University and did a lymphoma fellowship at the Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. She earned her medical degree from the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia.