I entered medical school for the sole purpose of learning more about human diseases, so that I could focus my laboratory efforts on improving the human condition. However, I was surprised to find myself drawn to clinical care. I care for people afflicted by acute leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative neoplasms. In this role, I have had the privilege of treating people facing life-threatening illnesses. I strive to gain the trust of each of my patients, so that I can help them make difficult treatment decisions. I engage in clinical research, evaluating novel agents that directly target the cancer cell to improve the degree of success in treating this illness. My patients benefit from my understanding of the newest available treatments, and also have access to promising investigational agents, when appropriate. In my faculty position at Duke University, I enjoy educating current oncologists as well as the next generation of physicians. Dr. Erba is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. His top areas of expertise are Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Bone Marrow Aspiration, and Bone Marrow Transplant.

I study disorders of the bone marrow and bone marrow failure syndromes. I also see some leukemias and lymphomas and other blood malignancies. Duke offers a very personalized, individualized level of care to each patient. Nobody is the same, so we take the whole patient, we listen to them, and we offer our best recommendations for treatment options. We offer some of the latest treatment options that are available, usually in the setting of a clinical trial. If not, we offer the latest advancement in the field. When I was going through medical school, molecular biology was the new field. Everything was being described as a new cancer-causing gene. And to me that was so appealing – we’re going to figure out what causes cancer and new ways to treat it. That’s what really brought me into the hematology oncology world – things were being discovered that were new and exciting and hopefully would lead to new treatment options. Duke offers an extremely high standard of care. Though we’re not always successful and the disease sometimes wins, our goal is to give the patients the best possible care. Dr. Decastro is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. His top areas of expertise are Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), Aplastic Anemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

As a blood cancer specialist and also a palliative care physician, I bring a different focus to cancer care. I’m working hard to improve the treatment experience for patients who are living with blood cancers. By understanding your experience better, we can develop new ways to improve your quality of life, and provide additional support throughout your treatment and beyond. Dr. Leblanc is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. His top areas of expertise are Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Leukemia, Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation, Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Gwynn Long is a Transplant Surgeon in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Long has been practicing medicine for over 42 years and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. His top areas of expertise are Multiple Myeloma, Relapsed Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM), Smoldering Multiple Myeloma, Bone Marrow Transplant, and Colonoscopy.

People in need of a bone marrow transplantation can often be scared or intimidated by what is ahead of them -- my goal, when seeing a new patient, is to devote all the time and effort that is needed to address these emotions. My hope is that after this visit, my patient will feel reassured and hopeful that the Duke team of providers will do all that it can to restore them to health, and allow them to return to their lives. Dr. Horwitz is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (cGvHD), Graft Versus Host Disease (GvHD), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Bone Marrow Transplant, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

What makes Duke Health unique in bone marrow transplants is its holistic approach. We take care of the disease -- which is important, because these are very serious, potentially fatal diseases. But at the same time, we pay attention to patients’ emotional and psychological well-being in addition to their physical well-being. And not only for patients but also the whole family, because the caregivers and other parts of the family need attention as well. I wanted to go into medicine, because it was a great way to interact and take care of patients. In my mind, cancer is one of two diseases within internal medicine where you can actually cure people. The best part of bone marrow transplant is that the time between the laboratory and the patient is short. Patients who need a transplant tend to be relatively sick and in need of new therapies. That’s been very intellectually challenging and fun. Dr. Chao is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. His top areas of expertise are Graft Versus Host Disease (GvHD), Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (cGvHD), Multiple Myeloma, Bone Marrow Transplant, and Bone Graft.

I focus on treating patients with blood cancers who are considering stem cell or bone marrow transplantation. There have been significant improvements in transplantation over the last 20 years, which has improved outcomes. These improvements include the ability to use lower doses of chemotherapy to reduce toxicity for patients, as well as strategies to reduce the risk of relapse. I am interested in using new therapies and approaches to improve outcomes after stem cell transplantation for blood cancers. It is important to work together with patients to determine their goals for treatment and select the best path forward. I have enjoyed working with patients and their families for many years after their transplant. Dr. Alyea is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. His top areas of expertise are Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation, Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia with Maturation, and Bone Marrow Transplant.

The Division of Cellular Therapy does bone marrow transplants and stem cell transplants for patients with different types of blood cancers. Specifically, I see patients with multiple myeloma or other plasma cell issues like amyloidosis. Many of the cases in my clinic are difficult. So I spend a lot of time talking with my patients, explaining the disease when they come as new patients and talking about the complexity of the disease, because it’s important that they understand what to ask their physicians here at Duke and at home. There’s no standard treatment for myeloma. We have different options – continuation of therapy, immediate transplant or transplant later. I like to explain to patients why I favor a certain treatment approach and why I think it would be the best approach for them. Dr. Gasparetto is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. Her top areas of expertise are Multiple Myeloma, Smoldering Multiple Myeloma, Relapsed Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM), Bone Marrow Transplant, and Colonoscopy.

Joshua Zeidner is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Zeidner is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. His top areas of expertise are Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Leukemia, Bone Marrow Aspiration, and Bone Marrow Transplant. Dr. Zeidner is currently accepting new patients.

I see patients with blood related cancers, primarily lymphoma. I provide them with comprehensive care from the time they come in for diagnosis until they are cured. Duke is special because I can bring the power of a large medical center with expertise across disciplines together for the care of each patient. One of the nicest parts of my job is the Christmas cards I receive from patients that I’ve treated. For many patients who are doing well, we discharge them from the clinic after five years. The Christmas cards give me the opportunity to see that they are getting on with their lives and to hear about how their families are doing. Outside of work, my wife and I spend a lot of our free time with our two daughters and their children. We like the beach, biking and hiking as a family. Dr. Diehl is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. His top areas of expertise are Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), B-Cell Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Richard Lopez is a Transplant Surgeon in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Lopez has been practicing medicine for over 36 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. His top areas of expertise are Multiple Myeloma, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Smoldering Multiple Myeloma, Bone Marrow Transplant, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

I became a physician assistant after practicing as a pharmacist for several years because I loved the field of medicine and wanted to have a closer interaction with patients and guide their medical care in a holistic manner. I feel I truly make a difference in the lives of the patients we treat in the Division of Cellular Therapy and Hematological Malignancies. I try to communicate with my patients in a sincere and candid style so they have a clear picture of their disease and transplant journey. My core clinical focus is autologous, allogeneic and cord blood hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients with blood cancers. I am also part of the autologous stem cell transplant team for patients with systemic scleroderma. In my free time, I enjoy running and participating in races of various distances. I love spending time with my husband, children, and grandchildren. I find a lot of pleasure in gardening and being outside as much as possible. Ms. Ann Helms is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. Her top areas of expertise are Multiple Myeloma, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation, and Smoldering Multiple Myeloma.

I am a doctor and researcher who specializes in bone marrow transplants. Patients usually come to me after their cancer treatment has been unsuccessful or when their disease is high-risk and may require further care. When I first see a patient, it is important for me to hear their story, the history of their condition and their treatment goals. This information is important so we can decide, together, which treatments to pursue and to what degree. For me, it is a privilege to get to know where people come from and to help families through their difficult time. I grew up working in a restaurant, so I was exposed to serving the public at an early age. As I became educated, I decided that I wanted to help others in a different capacity, so I pursued medicine. Outside of work, I like spending time enjoying nature and the beauty of North Carolina with my children and husband. Dr. Sarantopoulos is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. Her top areas of expertise are Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (cGvHD), Graft Versus Host Disease (GvHD), Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Chronic B-Cell Leukemia (CBCL), and Bone Marrow Transplant.

Since studying basic immunology prior to beginning my clinical training, I have been deeply interested in applying immunological perspective for the treatment of cancers including hematologic malignancies. Interestingly emerging immunotherapies showed very promising results in recent years. In my clinic, I treat patients with multiple myeloma which is one type of cancer arising from plasma cells. My research will focus on developing early phase clinical protocols utilizing novel cellular therapy approach and also improving the outcomes of blood and marrow transplantation. My ultimate goal is to provide better treatment options than the current standard approach to patients. Dr. Choi is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. His top areas of expertise are Multiple Myeloma, Smoldering Multiple Myeloma, Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS), Bone Marrow Transplant, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Murat Arcasoy is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Arcasoy is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. His top areas of expertise are Essential Thrombocythemia, Polycythemia Vera, Myelofibrosis, Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS), and Bone Marrow Aspiration. Dr. Arcasoy is currently accepting new patients.

Thomas Aberant is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Physician Assistant in Durham, North Carolina. Mr. Aberant is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. His top areas of expertise are Multiple Myeloma, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation, and Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL). Mr. Aberant is currently accepting new patients.

My particular interest is in disorders of the blood including bleeding, clotting, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, myelodysplastic syndromes, disorders of high and low white blood cells and platelets, and anemia. I have a background in malignant hematology as well (leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, bone marrow transplant) and the newest treatment options for patients suffering with these ailments. I provide care for inpatients and have a particular interest in TeleMedicine and remote care for rural based patients. I believe that a patient who understands their illness is the best partner in battling that illness. I try to make sure that my patients understand their illness as I believe that the best chance one has to fight is knowledge. It is my goal to make sure that my patients and their families have a clear understanding of what their diagnosis means and how best to treat it. I appreciate that patients are willing to have me walk with them on a journey that can be life changing and, sometimes, terrifying. When I’m not at the hospital, I enjoy spending time with my husband and child along with our two rescue dogs, Sushi and Dim Sum. In addition, my favorite hobbies are reading and baking. Dr. Goldberg is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. Her top areas of expertise are Thrombocytopenia, Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), Adult Immune Thrombocytopenia, Hemangioma Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Gowthami Arepally is a Hematologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Arepally has been practicing medicine for over 36 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. Her top areas of expertise are Thrombocytopenia, Adult Immune Thrombocytopenia, Sickle Cell Disease, and Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP).

I have the privilege of caring for patients with various myeloproliferative neoplasms including, polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytosis, primary myelofibrosis, systemic mastocytosis, and chronic myeloid leukemia. My goal is to provide the best possible care for each individual patient in an era where the number of therapeutic options for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms is rapidly expanding. As a clinical investigator leading several clinical studies in both early and late stages of development, I strive to offer patients access to investigational agents with novel mechanisms of action via participation in clinical trials. I believe that every patient has a unique diagnosis and personal experience with their cancer. I aim to consider the disease, the patient and individual care goals in partnering with patients to develop and implement personalized treatment plans. Dr. Rein is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. Her top areas of expertise are Systemic Mastocytosis, Myelofibrosis, Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

I am a physician assistant who provides cancer care to adult patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and those who have had a bone marrow transplant. I work closely with our physician and nursing partners to provide evidence-based care including caring for patients who are on clinical trials. I am grateful to my patients for allowing me to participate in their care. I strive to help my patients maintain the best quality of life during their treatment and recovery. I also manage and advocate for the Advanced Practice Providers in Oncology at Duke Health. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given and to work with a dedicated team in the Division of Hematological Malignancies and Cellular Therapy. Duke University has provided an environment that has provided continuous learning from the physicians, nurses, and ancillary staff. I’m originally from Michigan but have lived in Durham since 2001. Outside of work, I enjoy riding my bike, going to yoga, taking my labradoodle Lucy for walks, and spending time with family and friends. Ms. Hennig is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation. Her top areas of expertise are Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia with Maturation, and T-Cell Lymphoma.