About the Staff

Glenn Tisman, M.D.

Glenn Tisman, M.D. is a hematologist/oncologist with expertise in treating a broad range of cancers, though he is regarded among his peers as an authority in the treatment of prostate cancer, breast cancer and malignant melanoma. His reputation reflects of his ethics and values as a practitioner, which include remaining at the forefront of new research and therapeutic advancements in the treatment of all cancers. Dr. Tisman holds board certification in medical oncology and has been in private practice in Whittier, California for a total of 26 years.

His positions and directorships have included Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine the University of Southern California, Medical Co-Director of Immunotherapy John Wayne Cancer Institute, Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital and a researcher in the Department of Nutritional Anemias at the Bronx VA Hospital. He is also a frequent guest lecturer at the Prostate Forum in Fullerton, California.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Tisman’s prolific research has often focused on the relationship between cancer and vitamin B-12, folic acid and vitamin D. He recently authored the nutritional anemia chapter in the 2005 edition of Conn’s Current Therapy. His current research interests include neural networking and the relationships of cancer growth and new tumor markers such as Her-2 neu and cathepsin-D, and in the relationship between nutritional deficiencies and tumor cell kinetics.

Through his practice, Dr. Tisman has offered science-minded high school and college students opportunities to participate in various research projects. These students have co-authored papers in reputable medical journals and have traditionally moved on to pursue and earn PhDs and MDs from Ivy League medical schools across the country.

Dr. Tisman received his Bachelors of Science from Hofstra University in 1965 and graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine in 1969. He completed his residency in a combined program at the Bronx VA Hospital and Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York, and his fellowship at the USC School of Medicine in Los Angeles.

Nancy Tisman, R.N.

Nancy Tisman, R.N. has an extensive history in oncology nursing and oncology practice management. She graduated the E.J. Meyer Memorial Hospital Nursing Program in Buffalo, New York in 1969. Her nursing background includes experience as a medical/surgical floor nurse at L.A. County Medical Center, after which she specialized in oncology nursing for approximately fifteen years. She also worked side-by-side with Dr. Tisman as an oncology researcher, and her work is noted in many published medical journal articles. In addition, Nancy has been involved with organizations focused on patient support, including The Wellness Community in Redondo Beach, California. She has spoken to groups of patients and families about the personal side of coping with a cancer diagnosis.

Nancy Tisman has taken two sabbaticals from the nursing field. The first intermission was in the early 70’s when she stayed home with her two children, and the second to attend the Los Angeles Culinary Institute where she graduated as the 1997 Valedictorian (she makes a mean minestrone soup). She and Dr. Glenn Tisman have been happily married since 1969.

Mercedita “Chie” Ramos, CLS

Chie Ramos earned her Bachelors of Science in Medical Technology from Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines. A natural mentor, Chie spent six years as a professor of chemistry and microbiology at Manila’s National University. She came to the states and quickly earned her California licensure as a board certified Clinical Laboratory Scientist in 1990. Over the course of her career, Chie has worked with Dr. Tisman for a cumulative fifteen years. She is an expert in the lab, overseeing operations of our two onsite laboratories and maintaining our CLIA certification status. She is loved by patients and is known to family and fellow employees alike as “Mama Chie.”

Rhomina Ramos, R.N.

Rhomina Ramos earned certification as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in 2000 from Concorde Career Institute. She showcased her skills in Dr. Tisman’s office for three years, and it became apparent that Rhomina would take her nursing talents further. During a two year sabbatical, she attended Chaffey College and graduated in 2005 as a Registered Nurse. Dr. Tisman’s office was fortunate enough to lure her back to our facility, and she is now practicing oncology nursing for over four years.

Melanie Tisman, Practice Manager

Melanie Tisman graduated Syracuse University in 1992 with a Bachelors of Science in Communications Writing. Her early professional experience includes six years in business marketing and advertising. She spent the next seven years in healthcare administration. Her continuing education has included completion of the Medical Management Institute’s Coding and Billing program in 2003 and a certificate in Human Resources Management from the Employer Advisory Council of Orange County in 2006. Melanie oversees all functions of the business office, including human resources and internships, daily operations, special events, insurance and vendor contracts and relations, software/project development, financial assessment and pharma contracting. Strangely, Melanie looks somewhat similar to both Dr. Tisman and Nancy Tisman.

Arturo Degante, Account Supervisor

Art Degante earned his Associates of Arts degree in Healthcare Administration in 2006 and is on track to complete his Bachelors of Arts program in May 2007. He has worked in the medical insurance field for four years. His continuing education includes his certification in Medical Coding by the American Academy of Professional Coders in 2006. Art manages all patient accounts and plays an important patient advocacy role in obtaining payment from insurers so that patients can get their necessary therapies.