City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta has been ranked #3 in Georgia for Cancer Care for the second consecutive year by publisher and health care research firm Castle Connolly. In its annual 2026 Top Doctors list published in the January issue of Modern Luxury Medicine + Doctors magazine , the company recognized 18 physicians from City of Hope Atlanta as Top Doctors. This recognition signifies these physicians are among the top 7% of physicians in the nation -selected through a rigorous, peer-nominated process designed to highlight excellence in clinical care, education, and professional reputation.
In addition, four physicians have also been recognized as 2026 Atlanta Magazine Top Doctors.
The Meaning Behind Castle Connolly Recognition
Castle Connolly’s “Top Doctors” designation is a respected recognition in the medical community. The selection process requires physicians to be nominated by other physicians, and a physician-led research team reviews their professional achievements, education, hospital and faculty appointments, research leadership, professional reputation, disciplinary history and, when available, outcomes data. They are also evaluated on their communication, empathy, and the ability to instill trust. In 2026, Castle Connolly recognized more than 72,000 physicians.
A Leader in Comprehensive Cancer Care
Committed to expanding patient access to leading-edge, personalized care, City of Hope® brings a legacy of scientific discoveries and superior survival outcomes to Atlanta-area patients at its cancer center in Newnan and Paces Ferry outpatient location in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia.
“The physicians here are world-class specialists who want to make sure that you receive the best care possible,” says Kristin Higgins, M.D., chief clinical officer at City of Hope Atlanta. “Cancer care is all we do at City of Hope, and patients with cancer are our number one priority.”
In addition to expert cancer care close to home at City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta, patients benefit from being part of one of the nation’s largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment institutions. Through City of Hope’s national cancer system, Atlanta-area patients have access to nationally recognized expertise, leading-edge treatments and a shared commitment to advancing cancer care through research and innovation.
City of Hope Atlanta’s 2026 Top Doctors
- Dr. Bamidele A. Adesunloye — Chief of Medical Oncology
Recognitions: Castle Connolly Top Doctor - Dr. Francisco A. Almeida — Interventional Pulmonologist
Recognitions: Castle Connolly Top Doctor - Dr. Sabarish Ram Ayyappan — Medical Director of Cellular Therapies
Recognitions: Castle Connolly Top Doctor - Dr. Amy Y. Chen — Chief of Surgery and Medical Director of Thyroid Oncology
Recognitions: Castle Connolly Top Doctor - Dr. Carter G. Co — Medical Director of Inpatient Services
Recognitions: Castle Connolly Top Doctor - Dr. Said Elshihabi — Associate Clinical Professor
Recognitions: Castle Connolly Top Doctor - Dr. Shady Eldaif — Thoracic Surgeon
Recognitions: Castle Connolly Top Doctor; Atlanta Magazine Top Doctor - Dr. Sarah Friend — Medical Oncologist
Recognitions: Atlanta Magazine Top Doctor - Dr. Kristin Ann Higgins — Chief Clinical Officer
Recognitions: Castle Connolly Top Doctor - Dr. Suji Mathew — Chief of Medicine
Recognitions: Castle Connolly Top Doctor - Dr. Nathan Neufeld — Chief of Supportive Care Medicine
Recognitions: Castle Connolly Top Doctor; Atlanta Magazine Top Doctor - Dr. Elesyia D. Outlaw-Evans — Radiation Oncologist
Recognitions: Castle Connolly Top Doctor - Dr. Leslie Popplewell — Chief of Hematology
Recognitions: Castle Connolly Top Doctor - Dr. Farhang Rabbani — Urologist
Recognitions: Castle Connolly Top Doctor - Dr. Delia Radovich — Medical Oncologist
Recognitions: Castle Connolly Top Doctor - Dr. Lily Shakibnia — Chief of Radiation Oncology
Recognitions: Castle Connolly Top Doctor - Dr. Scott W. Shelfo — Medical Director of Urology
Recognitions: Castle Connolly Top Doctor - Dr. Kevin E. Woods — Director of Gastroenterology, Endoscopy & Nutrition
Recognitions: Castle Connolly Top Doctor; Atlanta Magazine Top Doctor - Dr. Frankie Hugh White — Hospitalist
Recognitions: Castle Connolly Top Doctor
“I am incredibly proud of each of our City of Hope Atlanta physicians for achieving this national ranking,” said Higgins. “Each of our physicians, nurses, and care team members are committed to providing leading-edge patient care and ensuring a high-quality experience every day.”
A Growing Impact on Cancer Care in Georgia and Beyond
City of Hope Atlanta makes an impact for thousands of patients across the Southeast each year with a whole-person, multidisciplinary approach to cancer care. Our specialists collaborate across disciplines to build individualized, evidence-based care plans that reflect each patient’s diagnosis, goals and preferences. Alongside advanced treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapies, City of Hope Atlanta offers integrated supportive care services—including nutrition, oncology rehabilitation and behavioral health—to help manage symptoms and side effects and support patients throughout treatment and recovery.
Read more about how care teams at City of Hope make an impact every day.
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