Meet Our Staff

Renato Lenzi, M.D.
Clinical Associate Professor, GI Medical Oncology
Medical Director, International Center

Lenzi received his medical degree cum laude from the Universita’ Cattolica, Rome, Italy. He completed his Residency in Internal Medicine at The Jewish Hospital and Medical Center, New York. He also completed a Fellowship in Hematology at The Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York and a fellowship in Medical Oncology at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, followed by Board Certifications in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology. He joined the faculty of MD Anderson in 1991. Lenzi’s research and clinical interests have included the diagnosis and treatment of Occult Primary Cancer. He is a member of the NCCN Occult Primary Guidelines Panel.

"My work is focused on the care and benefit of our international patients. I believe in constantly reaching out to all parties involved to discuss how we can work together to enhance our patients’ experience and to move forwards in improving their care."

Karina Saavedra-Lewis, CHAA, MHA
Supv, Patient Access Ops, International Center

Karina Saavedra was born in Monterrey, N.L. Mexico and moved to Houston in 1990. Karina is the oldest of four siblings, the mother of four and speaks both English and Spanish.  Karina has been working in health care for 15 years. Karina will be graduating with her master’s degree in health care administration.  She is an aspiring artist who hopes to have her paintings on exhibit soon. 

Email Karina: KISaavedra@mdanderson.org 

“At the end of the day there is no better feeling of achievement than helping a patient and families find clarity during difficult times, there is no better reward than seeing the face of gratitude from a patient”

Alejandra (Hanna) Palomino 
Senior International Patient Assistant

Alejandra Palomino, also known as Hanna, was born in Mexico City and moved to Houston in 1973. Hanna speaks both English and Spanish and has been working in the medical field for 15 years. Hanna joined MD Anderson in 1999 and became a part of the International Center in 2006.

Email Hanna: apalomin@mdanderson.org

"I've accomplished many things in my life, but my most rewarding accomplishment is helping patients and their families and friends."

Stephanie A. Puente
Senior International Patient Assistant

Stephanie is a fourth-generation Mexican American from the Houston-Galveston area who speaks English and Spanish. Prior to joining the International Center in late 2004, she worked as a Health Information Specialist for the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service at MD Anderson. The insight and knowledge gained at her previous position has helped her understand her patients better.

Email Stephanie: sapuente@mdanderson.org

"Caring, discovery and integrity definitely play a vital role in meeting my patient’s needs and in interacting with my fellow coworkers. It is a privilege to be part of the International Center team."

Rita Chemaly
Sr. International Patient Assistant

Rita was born and raised in Lebanon. She moved to the United States in 1994 and to Houston in 2002. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is fluent in Arabic, French and English. In addition to her education, Rita brings her previous professional experience as an interpreter at another hospital to her position in the International Center at MD Anderson.

Email Rita: rmchemaly@mdanderson.org

"I feel so humble in being part of our international patients’ journeys against cancer. Being available for them and offering my assistance just to ease their burdens is a very rewarding experience for me, and I would like to thank them for entrusting me with this opportunity."

Dina Hanna Nasrallah
Patient Representative

Dina was born and raised in Egypt and moved to Houston in May 2014. She has a bachelor's degree in business administration and is fluent in Arabic, English and French. Dina's education and previous professional experience in hotel management, finance and concierge services and international travel are well suited to assisting our international patients and their family members.

Email Dina: dhanna@mdanderson.org

“I am honored to be part of the International Center team, because it gives me the chance to help and support patients and their families in their most difficult time.”

Joey Aoun
International Patient Assistant

Joey was born and raised in United Arab Emirates. Joey's parents are from Lebanon and he is fluent in Arabic and English. He moved to Houston in 2004 and was employed in the medical field for more than seven years before joining the International Center team at MD Anderson in 2014.  

Email Joey: jaoun@mdanderson.org

“It is an honor to offer a helping hand to our international patients, and join them in their fight against cancer far away from home.”

Wei Li
International Patient Assistant

Wei holds a master's degree from China Medical University and worked in pediatrics for six years before moving to the United States. She also holds masters degrees from the University of Kentucky in medical sciences and in nutritional sciences. Wei's experience and knowledge of the Chinese and U.S. health systems is an asset in her role in the International Center. Fluent in both Chinese and English, Wei looks forward to welcoming and assisting Mandarin-speaking patients and their families.

Email Wei: WLi7@mdanderson.org

“I look forward to guiding our patients along the path of recovery and hope. I believe that I can utilize my strong health care background to make every patient more than satisfied with our care.”

Wenjun Zhang
International Patient Assistant

Wenjun was born and raised in China. She moved to the US in 2003. She earned a master's degree in school education in Japan, and speaks Mandarin Chinese, English and Japanese. Wenjun’s previous professional experience includes education and in medical research.

Email Wenjun: WZhang15@mdanderson.org

“Life in a foreign country is not easy. It is my honor to be one of the many staff who support our patients in their journey of fighting cancer abroad.”

Barbara Riddle
Senior Administrative Assistant

Barbara is originally from Buffalo, New York, but now considers herself a Texan. Prior to joining the International Center, she worked in several other departments in the institution that gave her knowledge to prepare for her present position in the International Center. She has worked at MD Anderson for 21 years.

"It is a pleasure to work in the International Center and assist patients from all over the world. Cancer is a scary disease and if I make something a little easier for them, all the better."

Tamseela Khan, MPAS, PA-C
Physician Assistant

Tamseela, born in Saudi Arabia but raised in Pakistan, moved to the United States after marriage and has lived in Houston for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery and recently graduated from University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with master's degree in physician assistant studies. She enjoys travelling and spending spare time with her family. Tamseela is fluent in Urdu, Hindi and English languages.  

“It is indeed an honor and a privilege to care for our patients from different parts of the world in their most vulnerable time. My objective is to provide the compassionate, patient centered care and build a trusting relationship to practice evidence-based medicine using creative technology in the fight against cancer.”   

Celia Garcia
Patient Access Specialist

Celia was born in Mexico but has been in Texas since she was 3 years old. She is fluent in English and Spanish and has worked in the medical field for more than 12 years. Celia joined MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2003 as a patient access specialist in the Sarcoma Center. She now works in the International Cancer Assessment Center and has been there since 2006.

"I feel privileged and honored to be part of the International Cancer Assessment Center. It is my goal to make sure I follow MD Anderson’s core values of caring, integrity and discovery at all times and with all my patients."