Welcome New Physicians - January 2023

Penn Highlands Healthcare offers 827 physicians who provide a wide range of care and treatments at our eight hospitals and locations throughout 26 counties in Pennsylvania that include community medical buildings, outpatient facilities, surgery centers and physician practices. We are pleased to welcome the following physicians who recently joined our medical staff.

Steven Bonebrake, DO
Brookville, Clearfield, DuBois, Elk and Tyrone

Board-certified diagnostic and interventional radiologist Steven R. Bonebrake, DO, joins the team at Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk and Penn Highlands Tyrone.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Bonebrake trained and practiced at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

Dr. Bonebrake graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed residencies in internal medicine and diagnostic radiology at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. He also completed a fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology at Geisinger Medical Center.

George BouSamra, MD
Connellsville and Greensburg

Board-certified cardiologist George BouSamra, MD, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Cardiology at 2618 Memorial Boulevard in Connellsville and 1275 South Main Street, in Greensburg.

Dr. BouSamra, who has more than 30 years of experience, provides patients with highly specialized care for a range of heart and vascular conditions. Common treatments and procedures include balloon angioplasty, coronary stenting, atherectomy, permanent pacemaker insertion, and peripheral arterial revascularization including carotid arteries, upper and lower extremities, and abdominal vessels, pulmonary emboli and deep vein thrombosis treatment.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. BouSamra practiced at UPMC Somerset in Somerset, BouSamra Medical in Greensburg and Connellsville, Westmoreland Vascular in Jeannette and Saint Quentin Regional Hospital in Saint Quentin, France. Dr. BouSamra graduated from St. Joseph University in Beirut, Lebanon.

Mary Rebecca Jane Chavez, MD
DuBois

Acute care and trauma surgeon Mary Rebecca Jane Chávez, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands General Surgery in DuBois.

Dr. Chávez is a fellowship-trained surgeon, a distinction that honors specialists who have achieved the highest level of training and are considered a trusted expert in their field. She was the chief resident at Morehouse School of Medicine, where she won multiple awards for junior resident of the year and teaching resident of the year. Her research has been published in leading medical journals.

Dr. Chávez graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, N.M. She completed her residency in general surgery at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Ga., and her fellowship in surgical critical care at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, N.Y. She is a member of the American College of Surgeons and the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma, and is certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support® (ATLS®).

Joshua Chern, DO
Brookville, Clearfield, DuBois, Elk and Tyrone

Board-certified interventional radiologist Joshua Chern, DO, joins the team at Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk and Penn Highlands Tyrone.

Dr. Chern is a highly experienced radiologist with more than a decade of experience. As an interventional radiologist, Dr. Chern uses medical imaging to diagnose and treat cancer and other conditions without major surgery. Common treatments and procedures include CT scan, DEXA scan, mammography, MRI, nuclear medicine, PET scan, stereotactic breast biopsy and ultrasound, immunotherapy and medical oncology.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Chern practiced at Jefferson Health New Jersey in Washington Township, N.J.; Cooper University Hospital in Camden, N.J.; Capital Health Advanced Imaging in Trenton, N.J.; and Regional Diagnostic Imaging in Vineland, N.J.

Dr. Chern graduated from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Osteopathic Medicine, in Stratford, N.J. He completed his residency in diagnostic radiology at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, N.J. He completed fellowships in pediatric radiology at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia and vascular/interventional radiology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

He is a member of the American College of Radiology, American Osteopathic Association, American Board of Radiology, New Jersey Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, American Roentgen Ray Society, Society of Interventional Radiology, Society of Pediatric Radiology and Philadelphia Angiography and Interventional Radiology Society.

Elizabeth Hart, DO, MBA
Tyrone

Family medicine physician Elizabeth Hart, DO, MBA, joins the team at Tyrone Rural Health Center located at 221 Hospital Drive, in Tyrone.

Dr. Hart provides experienced care for every member of the family, from infants through the elderly, with an emphasis on building an ongoing personal relationship to provide the most comprehensive care possible. Common treatments and procedures include aches and pains, allergies, asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, major illnesses, minor illnesses and rashes, osteopathic manipulation, preventive medicine and sports physicals.
Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Hart practiced at Geisinger Health System in Lock Haven and Cherokee Nation Health Services in Tahlequah, Okla.

Dr. Hart graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa, Okla., and completed a residency in family medicine at Northeastern Health System in Tahlequah, Okla. She earned her Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business in Stillwater, Okla. She is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association and American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.

William Kozak, MD
Connellsville

Family medicine physician William Kozak, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Family Medicine at 2620 Memorial Boulevard, in Connellsville.

Dr. Kozak has more than two decades of experience treating patients of all ages, from infants through the elderly. Common treatments and procedures include annual sports physicals, asthma care, diabetes care, hypertension/high blood pressure care, immunizations, preventive care, screenings, aches and pains, allergies, heart disease, major and minor illnesses and rashes.

Dr. Kozak graduated from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his residency in family medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians and American Medical Association.

Timothy Leone, DO
DuBois

Board-certified general surgeon Timothy A. Leone, DO, joins the team at Penn Highlands General Surgery Surgicalists at 145 Hospital Avenue, in DuBois to provide trauma and acute surgical care to patients.

Dr. Leone is a highly qualified physician, with 20 years of experience in the field. He offers expertise in robotic, laparoscopic and open abdominal surgery. He is adept at upper endoscopy and colonoscopy and has extensive knowledge utilizing the latest technology for the best outcomes possible. Common treatments and procedures include emergency surgery and life-threatening conditions to include management of multi-system organ failure and surgical complication in addition to trauma surgery and care of the injured.

Prior to his post at Penn Highlands, Dr. Leone served patients in community hospitals in Central Pennsylvania and in Iredell County, North Carolina.

Dr. Leone earned his bachelor’s degree at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, Pa., and his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). He completed his internship and general surgery residency at PCOM and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – School of Osteopathic Medicine (now Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine). In addition, he completed advanced training in minimally invasive surgery and is certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support.

James V. Lieb, DO
Tyrone

Board-certified oncologist and hematologist James Vincent Lieb, DO, joins the team at Penn Highlands Oncology/Hematology, located at 187 Hospital Drive in Tyrone.

Dr. Lieb is a highly experienced physician, with more than 20 years of providing specialized care to cancer patients. Dr. Lieb utilizes the latest tests, including blood tests, biopsy, mammography, breast MRI, colonoscopy, endoscopy, PET scans, CT scans and ultrasound to accurately diagnose cancer and design a personalized treatment plan.
Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Lieb practiced at the Cancer Care Partnership at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Blair Medical Oncology in Altoona, Conemaugh Cancer Center in Johnstown and Home Nursing Agency in Altoona.

Dr. Lieb graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Temple University/Conemaugh Memorial Hospital in Johnstown and his fellowship in hematology/oncology at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Society, Phi Sigma Gamma Osteopathic Medical Society, American Osteopathic Association, Pennsylvania Society of Hematology and Oncology, Blair County Medical Society and American Society of Hematology.

Lumei Miller, MD
Monongahela

Board-certified anesthesiologist Lumei Miller, MD, joins the Anesthesiology Department at Penn Highlands Mon Valley.

Dr. Miller is an Ivy League-trained anesthesiologist with extensive experience in academic tertiary care centers and subspecialty experience in neuroanesthesia and trauma care. Her research has been published in leading medical journals, and she was named a Posse Scholar by the Posse Foundation. She has a special interest in patient safety, quality improvement and metabolic health.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Miller practiced at West Virginia University Medicine in Morgantown, W. Va., and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Dr. Miller graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pittsburgh. She completed her residency in anesthesiology at Columbia University NY Presbyterian Hospital in New York, N.Y. She is a member of the American Board of Anesthesiology and Pennsylvania Medical Society.

Jacob Ogden, DO
DuBois and St. Marys

Interventional pain specialist Jacob Ogden, DO, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Interventional Pain Center in DuBois and St. Marys.

As a fellowship-trained specialist, Dr. Ogden has undergone advanced training reserved for the best doctoral graduates and has studied and practiced with the leading experts in the field of pain management. Dr. Ogden provides a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for people dealing with chronic pain.

Dr. Ogden graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his residency in anesthesiology at Penn State Hershey Medical Center in Hershey and fellowship in pain medicine at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass.

Niketu Patel, MD, MPH
DuBois and Huntingdon

Emergency medicine physician Niketu Patel, MD, MPH, joins the emergency department teams at Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Huntingdon.

Dr. Patel provides patients with experienced care for complex and critical needs, including life-threatening circumstances ranging from stroke and heart attack to injuries following a traumatic accident. Dr. Patel provides exceptional emergency care to patients throughout the region.

Common treatments and procedures include abdominal emergency care, emergency care, trauma care, stroke care, emergency cardiac care, broken bones, chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, severe allergic reaction and uncontrolled bleeding.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Patel gained clinical experience at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.; Wilmington Hospital in Wilmington, Del.; Middletown ED in Middletown, Del.; and AI DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del.

Dr. Patel graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at Christiana Care Health System in Newark, Del. He earned his master’s in public health at Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health in Philadelphia. He is a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Milen Petkov, MD
Monongahela

Board-certified anesthesiologist Milen Petkov, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Mon Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Management Department.

Dr. Petkov has been practicing medicine since 1996 and has nearly two decades of experience in anesthesiology. In addition, he served as clinical assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine for 15 years. Dr. Petkov has won multiple awards in anesthesiology, and he has published research in top medical journals.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Petkov practiced at Pittsburgh Locums Anesthesia in Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Physicians in Pittsburgh, Mon-Yough Anesthesia at UPMC McKeesport in McKeesport and Vraca County Hospital in Vratsa, Bulgaria.

Dr. Petkov graduated from Medical University Sofia in Bulgaria. He completed residencies in anesthesiology at University Orthopedic Hospital in Sofia, Bulgaria, and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Ark. He is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiology and Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiology.

Robert Smith, MD
Monongahela

Board-certified emergency medicine physician Robert Smith, MD, joins the team in the Emergency Department at Penn Highlands Mon Valley.

Dr. Smith is a highly skilled specialist with more than 30 years of experience in emergency medicine. He has served as director of multiple emergency departments, and provides patients in the Mon Valley region with expert care for even the most complex cases. Common treatments and procedures include abdominal emergency care, emergency heart care, emergency stroke care, emergency tests and trauma care.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Smith practiced at Brownsville General Hospital in Brownsville, Monongahela Valley Hospital in Monongahela and Highlands Hospital in Connellsville.

Dr. Smith graduated from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia and completed his residency in internal medicine at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Jeffrey Tseng, DO
Monongahela

Emergency medicine physician Jeffrey Tseng, DO, joins the emergency department team at Penn Highlands Mon Valley.
Dr. Tseng is experienced in providing critical care in highly complex situations, including pediatric medical and traumatic emergencies. With a commitment to provide care that’s as compassionate as it is experienced, Dr. Tseng’s patient satisfaction scores consistently rank in the top percentile.

Dr. Tseng graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at UPMC Hamot in Erie.