Liberty Regional, in partnership with St. Joseph’s/Candler, brings the latest in cancer care to Hinesville and our region.
Liberty Regional Medical Center and the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion at St. Joseph’s/Candler have partnered to create a new oncology program to deliver the latest treatments to Liberty County cancer patients.
This new partnership was fueled by the commitment of the Liberty County community who came together to raise more than $400,000 to bring in needed Chemotherapy and Medical Oncology services. But it also fits perfectly with the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion’s longstanding goal to bring the best cancer treatments to people where they live. The fundraising drive resulted in a new oncology space on the Liberty Regional campus and the recruitment of Dr. Bulbul, who is board certified in Oncology, Hematology and Internal Medicine and will serve as the Medical Director.
The program works collaboratively with the medical staffs at both hospitals to build a robust cancer program by using the expertise of local specialists at Liberty Regional and the experience of the programs and expertly trained team at the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion. The centerpiece of the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion model are the Clinical Effectiveness Teams who meet regularly to assure best practices in treatment regimens offered. Physicians in Liberty will have opportunities to present cases for multi-disciplinary discussions with physicians in Savannah for individualized treatment plans. Dr. Bulbul and other Liberty Regional specialists as appropriate will be part of those teams for the benefit of his Liberty County patients.
Clinical Effectiveness Teams are comprised of physicians with related specialties and support personnel who meet regularly to review individual cases. St. Joseph's/Candler has multidisciplinary teams for the following areas:
· Breast Cancer
· Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer
· Genitourinary (GU) Cancer
· Gynecologic Oncology
· Head and Neck Cancer
· Neuro-Oncology
· Skin/Melanoma
· Thoracic (Lung) Cancer
Better access to cancer care, clinical trials
This joint venture provides the expertise of the National Cancer Institute’s Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), which the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion has been a part of for more than six years. Georgia NCORP affords all Georgians deeper cancer services and boarder regional accessibility, with 110 oncology clinical providers in more than 40 different locations throughout the state. It also allows easier access to clinical trials and research to patients in their own local communities so they don’t have to travel far distances or leave loved ones.
About Dr. Bulbul
Dr. Ajaz Bulbul is triple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology. He received his undergraduate degrees in medicine and surgery from the University of Jammu in India. Dr. Bulbul completed his medical residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Southern California. He was then accepted to the prestigious USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center for a Hematology and Oncology Fellowship, subsequently graduating as the Chief Hematology Fellow.
Dr. Bulbul has authored more than 50 publications and presented at major international conferences around the world. His research on desmoplastic small round blue cell sarcomas has led to the discovery of new targets for its treatment. He has written expert commentaries in treating lung cancer and targeting these cancers with precision therapies. Additionally, he has published and presented on breast cancer, kidney cancer, immunotherapy, benign and malignant blood disorders among other publications.
Nationally, he serves on the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s steering committee for rural Medical Oncology where he works to develop best practices in care.
Prior to joining the LCRP, Dr. Bulbul served as Medical Director for the Division of Hematology/Oncology, New Mexico Hematology and Oncology Specialists at Artesia General Hospital.
Outside of work, Dr. Bulbul enjoys being with his family. He also likes long hikes, music, traveling and cricket. Dr. Bulbul has qualified for multiple mountain trail ultra-marathons (running more than 50 miles and climbing mountains) around the world.
About Tiffany Harkleroad, ARNP
Tiffany Harkleroad is an accomplished Hematology-Oncology Nurse Practitioner at St. Joseph's/Candler Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion where she has dedicated her career to advancing oncology care since January 2020. With a profound passion for oncology, Tiffany plays a pivotal role in educating patients about their disease processes, ensuring they receive proper management and treatment during both inpatient and outpatient therapies. Her expertise allows her to evaluate diverse patient populations through a multidisciplinary approach to hematological and oncological disease processes.
In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Tiffany is committed to building cooperative relationships with her patients, actively seeking to understand their unique issues and needs. She passionately aligns treatment protocols with clinical evaluations and laboratory analyses, providing personalized care that enhances patient outcomes.
Her early career experience as a Registered Nurse at Memorial Satilla Health and Registered Respiratory Therapist at South Georgia Medical Center further solidified her patient-care expertise, where she demonstrated strong leadership and coordination skills in acute care settings, honed in on her comprehensive assessment and evaluation skills for geriatric patients, emphasizing safe medication administration and tailored behavioral management plans.
Tiffany holds a Master of Science in Nursing and has received multiple accolades, including the Suntrust Scholarship and multiple award nominations to include the Lisa Purvis Spirit Award and the Catherine McAuley award. She remains actively involved in her professional community, serving on the Oncology Nursing Society Board and contributing her voice at various healthcare engagements, including speaking at Breast Cancer Awareness events and committing to an executive committee member role for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, for which she is serving as co-chair for the 2025-2026 term.
A passionate promoter for community engagement, Tiffany plays a vital role in the Waycross Service League, where she recently served as Provisional Co-Chair for the 2024-2025 term and recently accepted the honor of Long Range Planning Chair for the upcoming term. In these leadership positions, she actively collaborates with fellow members to organize community service initiatives that address local needs. Tiffany's dedication extends beyond her nursing profession, as she leads various projects focused on improving health and wellness in the community. Her engagement with the Waycross Service League reflects her commitment to fostering community spirit and making a tangible difference in the lives of others. This involvement not only enriches the community but also enhances her understanding and connection to the patients she serves.
Outside of her work with the Waycross Service League, she has dedicated her time to other charitable endeavors to include Dancing with the Southern Stars for the Magnolia House and recently accepted an invitation to help with the Bethesda House annual Mom Prom event. Tiffany also participates in planning boards to facilitate ongoing education for fellow healthcare professionals, particularly with the local Oncology Nursing Society – Southeast Chapter, ensuring that she plays a comprehensive role in supporting both her colleagues and the community.
With a clear vision and unwavering dedication, Tiffany Harkleroad continues to make significant contributions to the field of oncology, advocating for patient-centered care and advancing comprehensive treatment approaches, particularly in the rural areas of Southeast Georgia where access to resources is pivotal.
Previously a long-time resident of Ware County, Tiffany now resides in Pierce County since 2017 alongside her husband and their two children.
Our Location
The new Oncology & Infusion Services practice is located on the Liberty Regional campus at:
455 S. Main Street, Suite 202, Hinesville, GA
This practice provides Chemotherapy and Infusion Services, a clinic for Dr. Bulbul and an area for the highly-trained and experienced chemotherapy pharmacists from the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion to mix the chemo drugs.
Call us at: 912-819-4646.
