Long Island Gynecologic Oncologists, PC (LIGO) is a sub-specialty practice devoted exclusively to the expert, sensitive care of women with known or suspected gynecologic cancer. The practice was founded in 1997 in order to provide an enhanced patient-centered environment for women. Two of the founding partners, Eva Chalas MD and Michael Pearl MD, have practiced gynecologic oncology in Suffolk County for more than twenty and ten years, respectively. LIGO expanded to Nassau County in 1998 with the recruitment of additional physicians.

The physicians of LIGO currently include Eva Chalas, Michael Pearl, Ann Buhl, Kent Chan and Jeannine Villella. They are all committed to three important goals: excellent patient care (clinical activity), student and resident education, and research. All physicians in LIGO hold academic appointments at SUNY Stony Brook and Winthrop-University Hospitals. They comprise the Divisions of Gynecologic Oncology for the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology at both Stony Brook and Winthrop-University Hospitals. In these roles, our doctors provide didactic and clinical training for medical students and residents in obstetrics and gynecology. The cornerstone of our research program is overseeing the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) studies at our two primary institutions. The Gynecologic Oncology Group is a national, NCI-funded cooperative trials group whose mission is to pursue research in women with gynecologic cancers. LIGO is pleased to provide access to these important research trials to its patients. Our doctors are very active in national meetings and educational conferences.

The culture of LIGO is very patient-centered. The clinical staff includes experienced oncology nurses, nurse practitioners, a physician assistant and an oncology pharmacist. Their knowledge and experience are available to all patients treated in our practice.