Meet Our Team

Dr. Ana Tergas

Dr. Ana Tergas is the Director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and University Hospital. She is a 2024 Rutgers Presidential Faculty Scholar and a member of the Rutgers Hispanic Center of Excellence. She is an NIH-funded physician scientist whose research focuses on health inequities among marginalized groups, particularly in end-of-life care delivery and HPV/cervical cancer screening and prevention. She has been recognized by the NIH as a Health Disparities Research Institute Scholar and an NCI Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities Early Investigator Advancement Program Scholar. She also serves as a standing member of the NCI career development grant review study section.

Dr. Tergas received her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, completed residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Chicago, and fellowship in gynecologic oncology at Johns Hopkins. During her fellowship, she obtained a Master of Public Health degree from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. After completing her graduate medical training, she joined the faculty in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the Columbia University Irvine Medical Center (2013 – 2021), where she also completed a post-doctoral research fellowship with the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health Training Program in Cancer-Related Population Science (2013 – 2015). In 2021, she was recruited to join City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, CA, with a dual appointment in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Division of Health Equities, Department.

Dr. Tergas is an active member of national professional organizations in the field of gynecologic oncology. She currently serves as an Editorial Board member of the journal Gynecologic Oncology. Previously, she served as the inaugural SGO Health Equity Subcommittee Chair and was an active member of the SGO DE&I committee, including co-leading the Diversity, Inclusion, and Health Equity Column in the SGO bimonthly newsletter. She was one of the inaugural co-leaders of the Gynecologic Oncology Fellows Research Network, a member of the Quality and Outcomes committee, and the SGO 2022 Annual Meeting Program Committee, and a former member of the Foundation for Women’s Cancer Patient Education Committee.

She is a dedicated mentor to high school, college, and medical students, as well as OB-GYN residents and gynecologic oncology fellows. She was recently a mentor for the SGO Leadership, Engagement, and Action in Diversity Program. Previously, she was a mentor in the NCI Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities Continuing Umbrella of Research Experience Program, a summer internship program in cancer research for economically disadvantaged and underrepresented minority high school and undergraduate students.

Dr. Lisa Gabor

Dr. Gabor serves as a committee member and on the board of multiple professional organizations.  She is also involved in clinical research and quality improvement initiatives at the hospitals where she sees patients.  In addition, she is a passionate educator, having won national teaching awards. She takes great pride in training medical students, residents, and gynecologic oncology fellows.  She is currently the Associate Program Director of the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

Dr. Gabor attended medical school at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School where she was elected into the Gold Humanism Honor Society.  She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia-New York Presbyterian Hospital where she received multiple honors and served as the administrative chief resident.  Dr. Gabor pursued a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center.

Dr. Gabor is originally from New Jersey and has settled here with her family.  She proudly serves the patients of Hudson and Essex counties and others across the state.  She is affiliated with Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School and sees patients at University Hospital and Jersey City Medical Center.

Dr. Nancy Zhou

Dr. Nancy Zhou is a board-certified Gynecologic Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Health at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Zhou provides comprehensive gynecologic oncology care. Her focus is on delivering compassionate, patient-centered, evidence-based treatments that optimize oncologic outcomes and quality of life while supporting and educating patients through the various phases of their care. Dr. Zhou treats ovarian, uterine, cervical, and vulvar cancers along with gynecologic pre-cancers and hereditary cancer syndromes. She has extensive training in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including the robotic platform, as well as complex cytoreductive procedures for advanced cancers and complex benign conditions. Dr. Zhou is an active member of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology and serves on its Cervical Cancer Task Force.

Dr. Zhou graduated from New York University and earned her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology from New York Medical College and subsequently completed her fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.

Dr. Udele Tagoe

Dr. Udele Tagoe is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Health at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, where she also serves as Director of Complex Gynecologic Surgery and Systemic Therapy in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology.

Dr. Tagoe provides comprehensive care for patients with gynecologic pre-cancers and cancers of the uterus, ovary, fallopian tube, cervix, vulva, and vagina. She has advanced surgical expertise in minimally invasive laparoscopic, robotic, and vaginal approaches. She is committed to delivering care that is evidence-based, compassionate, and centered around the goals and values of each patient. Dr. Tagoe prioritizes clear communication and shared decision-making to help patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options.

A Newark native, Dr. Tagoe earned her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. She completed residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Drexel University College of Medicine, where she received multiple awards, including recognition for excellence in teaching and the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) Award for surgical excellence. She practiced as a board-certified gynecologic surgeon in Philadelphia and internationally in Accra, Ghana, before completing fellowship training in Gynecologic Oncology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine–Montefiore Medical Center. Her many years of experience have taught her the importance of approaching patient care with adaptability in different environments, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration with colleagues to ensure that the patient remains at the center of the care team.

Throughout her career, Dr. Tagoe has remained actively involved in educating medical students and residents. Her broad clinical and international experience has reinforced her commitment to cultural sensitivity, collaboration across disciplines, and treating patients as the central decision-makers in their care.

Dr. Tagoe is a member of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, the International Gynecologic Cancer Society, the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She has been invited to speak at national conferences and has proctored surgical workshops both in the United States and abroad.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Tagoe enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, art and reading.

Marnelli Manuel, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-BC

Marnelli Manuel is a board-certified Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specializing in gynecologic oncology at University Hospital. She provides comprehensive care for patients with ovarian, uterine, cervical, and vulvar cancers and plays an integral role across the full continuum of care, including perioperative management, treatment support, and long-term survivorship.

Marnelli has an extensive background in oncology and chemotherapy, bringing strong clinical expertise to the management of complex cancer treatments and symptom control. She is an active member of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology and the Oncology Nursing Society and is committed to improving quality of care and patient outcomes.

She earned her Master of Science in Nursing with honors from Chamberlain University.

Marnelli is a dedicated patient advocate who focuses on helping patients navigate the complexities of cancer treatment with clarity and confidence. She prioritizes symptom management, quality of life, and long-term support, partnering closely with patients throughout every stage of their journey.

What We Treat

We provide care for a wide range of gynecologic conditions, including:

• Ovarian cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Endometrial (uterine) cancer
• Vulvar and vaginal cancers
• Abnormal Pap smears
• HPV-related conditions
• Hereditary gynecologic cancers

How We Treat

Our program offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art care:

• Advanced surgical options, including robotic and minimally invasive surgery
• Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy
• Genetic counseling
• Fertility preservation
• Access to clinical trials
• Survivorship and long-term follow-up care

What to Expect

Your care journey is personalized, but may include:

• An initial consultation to review your medical history and concerns
• Imaging or diagnostic testing, if needed
• A clear discussion of your diagnosis and treatment options
• Shared decision-making to align care with your goals
• Coordination of surgery, chemotherapy, or other treatments
• Ongoing follow-up and survivorship care

Our team will guide you through each step so you feel informed and supported.

When to Seek Care

Consider contacting us if you experience:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain
• Bloating or changes in appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abnormal Pap test results

If you are unsure, we encourage you to reach out—we are here to help.

 

Patient Support Services

We provide support beyond medical treatment to help you navigate your care:

• Nurse navigators
• Financial counseling and insurance assistance
• Transportation and lodging resources
• Support groups and counseling services
• Palliative care
• Access to social workers

Insurance & Access

We accept most major insurance plans. Our team can help you:

• Verify your insurance coverage
• Understand treatment costs
• Access financial assistance programs

For Referring Providers

We welcome referrals and strive to provide timely access to care.
📞 Please call (973) 972-2714 to refer a patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral?
Some insurance plans require referrals. Our team can help you determine what is needed.

How quickly can I get an appointment?
We aim to offer timely appointments and will work with you to schedule care as soon as possible.

What should I bring to my first visit?
Please bring your insurance card, identification, medical records, and any imaging or test results if available.

Do you offer second opinions?
Yes, we are happy to provide second opinions and review your diagnosis and treatment options.

Contact Us

Gynecologic Oncology at University Hospital
Ambulatory Care Center
140 Bergen Street
Newark, NJ 07102

📞 (973) 972-2714