Can “John” Ilyas MD
- Education
Ege University School of Medicine, Turkey - Residency
Hacettepe University Hospitals, Turkey Categorical Residency at New York Methodist Hospital
- Board-Certified
Hematology, Medical Oncology - Fellowship
Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland Medical Systems
Dr. Can (pronounced “John”) Ilyas came to the U.S. after graduating from medical school and completing a pathology residency training program in Turkey. He did an Internal Medicine Residency at NY Methodist Hospital, and became interested in Oncology during a rotation at Memorial Sloan Kettering. This led to a Fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at the University of Maryland Medical Center. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology.
Dr. Ilyas joined New England Cancer Specialists in 2008, and is on staff at Southern Maine Health Care and Maine Medical Center. He is a member of ASCO and ASH.
He feels incredibly privileged to be treating his patients and helping them during a difficult time in their lives. Dr. Ilyas is a strong believer in personalized care. As he notes, “Patients typically have so many treatment options for any given type of cancer. I try to guide them through this maze of options and educate them and their families to make sure that they understand the potential risks and benefits of one treatment versus another.”
Dr. Ilyas lives in Kennebunk with his wife and two daughters. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, playing tennis and traveling.
Call (207) 303-3300
Melanie Cogan NP
- Education
Nurse Practitioner in Adult Oncology, Duke University
Melanie grew up in Maine and attended Portland schools. She graduated from the University of Southern Maine in nursing and worked at Maine Medical Center on the oncology floor before moving to North Carolina, where she worked on the bone marrow transplant unit at Duke University Hospital for eight years. She went back to school and earned her Master of Science in Nursing at Duke while working full time, before she and her husband decided to move home to Maine to raise their family. They reside in Scarborough with their two daughters. Melanie enjoys running, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Jonathan Proulx MD
- Education
St. George's University - Residency
Atlantic Health System - Morristown Program
- Board-Certified
Hematology, Medical Oncology - Fellowship
Hematology/Oncology, UMass, Baystate
Dr. Jonathan Proulx grew up in Western Massachusetts and attended Western New England University. Following the completion of his undergraduate degree, he taught high school chemistry before attending medical school at St. George's University. He went on to complete his residency at the Jefferson University affiliate in Morristown, NJ where he received a graduate certificate in Medical Humanities and the A. Lester Granet Humanitarian Award for the Atlantic Health System. Dr. Proulx completed his fellowship at the University of Massachusetts Baystate medical campus in Springfield, MA.
Dr. Proulx recently relocated to New Hampshire with his wife. He enjoys exploring the many restaurants as well as hiking and biking trails that the seacoast region has to offer.
Call (207) 303-3300
Elizabeth Dennis DO
Medical Director, Survivorship & High-Risk Cancer Genetics
- Education
Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine - Residency
Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, affiliated with Columbia University
- Board-Certified
Internal Medicine, Certified Genetic Cancer Risk Assessment (CGCRA) Specialist
Dr. Dennis is passionate about improving the lives of her patients. She leads two clinical programs at NECS: a high-risk program that focuses on early detection and risk reduction, and our survivorship program for patients who have moved past their cancer treatment and are focusing on their long-term health and any lifestyle adjustments that may be needed.
Dr. Dennis completed her medical education at Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Illinois, followed by an Internal Medicine residency at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, which is affiliated with Columbia University in upstate New York. She most recently served as the director of an adult cancer survivorship program before joining NECS.
Dr. Dennis is married with two sons and two dachshunds. Away from the office, you're likely to find her outdoors, traveling, or indulging in her passion for ballroom dancing.
Call (207) 303-3300
Laura Salama MD
- Education
Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria, Egypt -
Residency
Florida Atlantic University, Charles E Schmidt College of Medicine
- Board-Certified
Internal Medicine - Board Eligible
Medical Oncology/ Hematology - Fellowship
Hematology Oncology Fellowship, Brown University, Brown University Health cancer institute at Rhode Island and the Miriam Hospitals
It was during medical school that she met her husband, a fellow physician, and together they pursued their shared passion for advancing their careers in medicine. This journey led them to the United States, where Dr. Salama deepened her focus on breast cancer care and research. She joined the breast cancer and lymphedema studies program at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School as a research fellow under the mentorship of Dr. Alphonse G. Taghian. During her time there, Dr. Salama contributed to groundbreaking breast cancer clinical trials and research on patient-reported outcomes, resulting in multiple published studies. Her dedication was recognized with the prestigious Partners in Excellence Award for outstanding performance in 2016.
Dr. Salama continued her medical training, completing her residency and serving as Chief Resident at Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. She then pursued a fellowship in hematology and oncology at the Brown Health Cancer Institute at Brown University, where she was mentored by leading breast oncologists Drs. Stephanie Graff, Don Dizon, Mary Anne Fenton, and Sabrina Witherby. After fellowship, Dr. Salama began her career as a breast oncologist at Dartmouth Hitchcock Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine.
As a longtime Seacoast resident, Dr. Salama felt a strong connection to the community and decided to return to Portsmouth to join the exceptional breast cancer team at New England Cancer Specialists (NECS). She is proud to support NECS’ mission of delivering state-of-the-art, personalized breast cancer care to patients across the Seacoast.
Dr. Salama is passionate about clinical research and improving patient-reported outcomes, ensuring her patients receive not only advanced treatments but also compassionate and personalized care. Outside of her practice, Dr. Salama prioritizes time with her husband and son. She loves to travel, learn about different cultures and cuisines, spend time boating and swimming, and capture moments through photography.
Jillian Smith Surgeon
- Education
University of Massachusetts Medical School - Residency
University of Massachusetts Medical School
- Board-Certified
General Surgery - Fellowship
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Dr. Smith is thrilled to be partnering with her colleagues to build an exceptional surgical program at NECS’s Center for Breast Health. They are committed to delivering industry leading treatments and personalized care.
Outside of work, Dr. Smith enjoys time with her husband, their two energetic young children, and their spunky little dog. An outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys exploring Maine’s natural beauty and staying active with her family.
Dr. Smith looks forward to serving the people of Maine and beyond, providing expert surgical care with the warmth and empathy that defines her practice.
