“I truly believe that cancer has its bad side but it changes people for the good. The living presence of God: That’s the good.” — Dr. Virgilio
Growing up in Brooklyn and Long Island, Dr. Virgilio decided to study oncology when her mother was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. She has been practicing oncology for 30 years and she will tell you her practice philosophy has changed over time but a recurring theme continues to show up when you talk to her about her career. She feels privileged to take care of people at the most intense time of their life. Whatever the journey is that each patient is on; she wants to get them through it gracefully with the least amount of impact. She feels it is important to find the balance between being honest and providing hope.
As a mother of triplets, her adult children continue to be the center of her universe.
“It is a gift to be with people during this time. It’s not about finding the right decision for the patient but rather the best decision for the patient.” — Dr. King
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Growing up just outside of Salt Lake City, Dr. Jonathon King did a report on doctors in the 3rd grade and his future in the sciences was set. When asked about his practice philosophy, Dr. King speaks passionately about taking care of the whole person and he believes his connection with his patients is key. He tells his patients that knowing what their own goals are is the most important thing. One of his patients referred to him as “a cup of love” and when you see his joyful smile and sense his compassionate heart, you may very well agree.
Dr. King enjoys being outdoors both hiking and biking. And he loves spending his free time with his wife, Jess, a PA with Grand Valley Pediatrics, as well as their three children: Olivia, Jeremy and Lucy.
““The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it” - while I cannot take credit for writing those words, I fervently believe in them. I feel privileged to work with, counsel and help, people coping through a difficult time in their lives. ” — Dr. Goutsouliak
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I’ve always known that I wanted to be a physician. Science was my passion and I am endlessly fascinated by people. Medicine is the intersection of my two defining interests. I chose Oncology because it is a dynamic field of medicine offering differing treatment options to patients at a difficult time in their lives. I view my role as helping patients to understand their options and make the best possible decisions for their individual circumstances. I respect my patients and work hard to present the facts honestly and compassionately. There is so much hope and progress to celebrate in this field but at times there are also difficult decisions to be made.
In my free time, I love spending time with my husband, Richard Zogala, a Rheumatologist at Community Hospital, and our two active little girl’s, Ariana and Nicole. We love the outdoors and all that Grand Junction offers from biking, paddleboarding and skiing.
“It is a privilege, and always humbling, to work with oncology patients. My goal is to provide support to patients to empower them on their individual journeys.” — Andrea Liggett
Andrea began her career in inpatient oncology as a new registered nurse. She initially wanted to work with oncology patients because she was fascinated with the science and research in the field of cancer care, and it allowed her learn something new every day. She soon realized that working with oncology patients was her passion. She considers it both a pleasure and privilege to work with patients throughout their journey with cancer. Andrea enjoys spending time with patients and their families to provide education and support to empower them to make decisions that are the best fit for their individual situation.
After completing her training as a family nurse practitioner, she worked in primary care before returning to oncology as an NP. During this time, her stepfather had a recurrence of cancer and was cared for by the team at Grand Valley Oncology. Andrea was able to see the work of this amazing team first hand, and is thrilled to be able to work alongside them. The ability to impact patient’s lives in a meaningful way keeps Andrea motivated to continue to grow and learn in the field of cancer care.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys spending time outside with her husband, climbing mountains, biking, running, and unwinding with yoga. She and her husband travel whenever they can.
“It is a genuine honor and a great responsibility to participate in the care of people who are facing the daunting reality of cancer. My desire is to help and support them navigate their own path and find strength in themselves and those who love them.” — Mita White
Mita spent her middle and high school years planning to practice medicine but while in college, she pursued other paths. She and her husband grew up in Grand Junction, but while their three children were young, they spent nine years living overseas on three different continents. Mita loved the opportunity to experience new lands, cultures and people. She developed an appreciation for diversity and the unique experiences that shape every individual.
After returning to Grand Junction, Mita decided it was time to pursue her dream of practicing medicine and entered the Master of Physician Assistant program at Colorado Mesa University. Mita has had close loved-ones experience cancer and taught Pilates to cancer patients. These experiences heightened her interest in the medical aspects of the disease, but more than anything, caused Mita to develop deep admiration and appreciation for cancer patients and the nuanced challenges they navigate. She knew she wanted to work in Oncology, and enjoyed spending much of her PA Clinical Rotation time in Oncology. She describes joining the Grand Valley Oncology team as a "long-awaited dream come true."
Mita's favorite activities include cooking and hosting dinner parties. She also loves any adventure that includes being outside with family and friends - hiking, biking, rock climbing, paddling rivers or electric dirt-biking. Mita's wander-lust was heightened by living internationally, and she takes every opportunity to explore the globe.
“I have been entrusted to inspire growth through my own passion for care and development of my patients.” — Dr. Bigsby
Dr. Bigsby was born in Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. His father was a small town doctor for many years. He comes from a long Legacy of physicians. He is a 5th consecutive generation doctor. He has a passion for patient care and helping people, often in the time of their greatest need.
Dr. Bigsby loves being outdoors in his free time and enjoying life with his wife and 5 children.
“I love the technology but what is most meaningful to me is to teach my patients, listen to their needs and give them the care they deserve.” — Dr. Bagley
Dr. Bagley’s path to medical school was an interesting one. He studied math and physics at the University of Utah, worked in business and taught school for two years before making the leap to medical school. He enjoys teaching his patients about cancer, the disease and the treatment. Once you sit down with him, it is quite clear teaching is an important part of his practice. “We’ve gotten away from the paternalistic model in oncology. Patients and families drive their care and that's the way it should be.”
The field of cancer is always changing and Dr. Bagley enjoys continuing his own education. As a Radiation Oncologist, it is no surprise his favorite book is Radioactive: Marie and Pierre Curie: A Tale of Love and Fallout. However in his free time, he and his wife, Diana, enjoy swimming, hiking and adventures with their five children: Jack, Luke, Max, Will and Lily.
“Every person with cancer deserves a doctor who is not only up to date on the latest medical advances, but who also cares deeply about the person. I strive to be this cancer doctor every person deserves.” — Dr. Frandsen
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Dr. Jonathan Frandsen felt the call to pursue a career in medicine as a teenager. In fact, when he was a junior in high school, he told his girlfriend (and future wife, Melinda) that he wanted to be a cancer doctor. Dr. Frandsen works every day to be the best oncologist he can be for his patients. He feels a great responsibility to help his patients navigate the latest medical and technological advances in oncology.
As a resident physician at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Dr. Frandsen won multiple awards for his cancer research. His work has been presented at international medical conferences and published in top flight medical journals. He is thrilled to bring his expertise to the Grand Valley.
Dr. Frandsen loves his family, music, and the great outdoors. He loves sharing his hobbies with his wife, three boys, and baby girl. When not busy seeing patients or wrestling his young children, you might find him around a fire pit sawing on his fiddle, or on the trails peddling his mountain bike.
“My favorite part of treating cancer is helping patients choose the operation that’s right for them.” — Dr. Fulton
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Dr. Fulton is a general surgeon who recently completed a fellowship that focused on breast cancer and melanoma. She is excited to start her career with Community Hospital and Grand Valley Oncology. Her passion is oncoplastic surgery, a form of breast reconstruction that combines cancer resection with tissue resculpting. There are many options for breast cancer surgery, and she feels that her role is to help the patient decide on the right treatment plan for them. The field of surgery is rapidly changing, so Dr. Fulton keeps up-to-date on the latest advances by attending and presenting at multiple conferences a year.
In her free time, Dr. Fulton loves to do outdoor activities with her husband and son. She can’t wait to take advantage of all that Grand Junction and the area have to offer including hiking, skiing, snowboarding and biking! She also enjoys spending time at home relaxing with her family and two cats.
Erica Lovett, MD, chose to become a physician because it provided the best opportunity to give all patients access to a combination of conventional and integrative medicine. She was the first at her training program to complete a combined family medicine residency and integrative medicine fellowship at Maine Medical Center. She has a passion to help patients find their own path to health and healing. Dr. Lovett’s empathy with cancer patient’s comes from working through her own family’s journeys as well as many of her primary care patient’s prior to joining Grand Valley Oncology.
Dr. Lovett loves her family, friends and enjoying the outdoors. She enjoys playing/watching ice hockey, spending time with her husband and two boys, traveling, hanging out at home watching movies or playing games.
“Live deeply and laugh often.” — Stephanie Evangelisti, Pharm D, MS
Stephanie’s transition from biochemical engineering to oncology pharmacy may seem unusual, but her passion for high quality health care has been the guiding principle. She was working in drug research and development when she first observed the personal touch that clinical pharmacists brought to patient care. She then made the decision to work directly with patients and serve as a facilitator in their understanding of complex chemotherapy regimens.
Stephanie views life as an extended weekend and the world as a giant playground. She and her husband spend as much time as possible outside running, hiking, canoeing and camping.
“I like to think of genetic counselors as a being a translator of sorts. I love being able to convey complex or overwhelming information in a digestible and accessible way. I aim to meet my patients where they are at and support them in their decision-making.” — Rachel
Rachel grew up in a town outside of Philadelphia, PA. She attended the University of Delaware for her undergraduate education and majored in Psychology with minors in Biology and Genetic Counseling. Rachel grew up wanting to be a family counselor and discovered genetic counseling during her freshman year in undergrad. She loves how this profession combines elements of family counseling and her interests in biology and genetics. She worked in an Ocular Genetics Clinic in Philadelphia for a year before going for a master's degree in genetic counseling at the Thomas Jefferson University. In practice, she evaluates how hereditary factors may play a role in the personal and/or family cancer history of her patients.
In her free time, she loves to spend time in the kitchen cooking a new recipe or hiking and exploring the beautiful outdoors of the Grand Valley.
