Syed Zafar is a Hematologist Oncology provider in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Zafar is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer, Lynch Syndrome, Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Myringotomy.

I specialize in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers with a focus on clinical trials. Clinical trial patients can come to me at any point during their disease, but they usually come to me looking for an alternative therapy once standard treatments have not been effective. I decided to become a doctor later in my career. I originally graduated from university with a non-science degree, but the excitement of advancing medical breakthroughs inspired me to start a career in medicine. As a Duke physician, I enjoy the diverse experiences that I get to have each week. In addition to taking care of patients and conducting research, I work closely with other doctors on crafting treatment plans. I also find it fulfilling to be able to apply my research to patient care. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, jogging and skiing. Dr. Strickler is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Colorectal Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Ampullary Cancer, and Familial Colorectal Cancer.

Kevin Naresh is a General Surgeon and a Surgical Oncologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Naresh has been practicing medicine for over 19 years and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Ampullary Cancer, Neuroendocrine Tumor, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor, Pancreatectomy, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

I’m a radiation oncologist who primarily treat patients with gastrointestinal cancers and breast cancer. I also do clinical research trials. I’m specifically researching how exercise impacts a patient’s cancer growth and side effects of cancer. I’ve always liked helping people and in college I volunteered in the oncology ward and knew then I had found my passion. Interacting with patients is my favorite part of my job. I like to explain to them how radiation works and how it can benefit them. My hope is to provide my patients with an explanation that gives them less anxiety and less fear about the treatment. Dr. Palta is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Ampullary Cancer, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery.

I am a cancer surgeon who specializes in treating patients with pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions of the pancreas, liver, bile ducts, stomach, and adrenal glands. I initially trained and practiced at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. During this time, I served one year on a forward surgical team in Iraq. Following this service, I practiced for 13 years as a surgical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. In 2018, I joined the faculty at Duke University and now serve as the chief of surgical oncology for Duke Health. I enjoy getting to know my patients and delivering the highest quality of cancer care. I am dedicated not only to treating and curing your cancer, but also providing you with the highest quality of life. Operations for cancers within the abdomen are a serious undertaking, and I am committed to making sure that they are performed with the highest level of expertise. Dr. Allen is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatoblastoma, Small Bowel Resection, and Pancreatectomy.

I decided to go to medical school during the early part of college and then never really looked back. I enjoyed every discipline while I was in medical school and had a difficult time selecting a specialty, until I did a rotation in Hematology/Oncology. After observing the relationships that oncologists develop with patients and their families, I knew that medical oncology was the right place for me. Getting to know my patients and their families and helping them achieve their goals, despite a cancer diagnosis, has become extremely important to me. I also enjoy working as part of a multidisciplinary team to make sure that patients get the most comprehensive care possible. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family, reading, and running. Dr. Uronis is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Stomach Cancer, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

My passion is the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. I strive to take the very best care of my patients that I possibly can. Working with world-class colleagues and a multidisciplinary team, which includes radiation and surgical oncologists, makes this possible. I first became interested in oncology as a first-year medical student when I got to see tumors in my pathology class. I came to appreciate the beauty of the gastrointestinal tract while observing GI surgeries as a second-year medical student. My fascination with how cancers develop and how we may develop new therapies to treat cancer led me to pursue a PhD in molecular cancer biology. This training honed the critical thinking skills that I still use to this day, as I decide how to best treat my patients. The close relationships that oncologists have with patients and their families clinched my decision to pursue a career as a medical oncologist. During my fellowship training, I sought out subspecialty training in GI oncology. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and four young children and running. Dr. Mettu is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, and Familial Colorectal Cancer.

I am a surgical oncologist and researcher whose primary areas of focus are cancers of the liver and pancreas. As a surgeon, I believe in using minimally-invasive techniques, when possible, to speed up a patient’s recovery and get them to other avenues of care faster. My research is focused on clinical practice and clinical outcomes. I became interested in surgical oncology, because I enjoy the opportunity to restore hope to patients who may feel despair after their initial cancer diagnosis. I aim to restore hope by connecting with patients individually and providing them with options for treatment when they might feel they have none. I also work closely with my radiology oncology and medical oncology colleagues in crafting a treatment and care plan. Working together as a team often allows us to come up with a much better treatment plan than any of us could by ourselves. Dr. Zani is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Neuroendocrine Tumor, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Pancreatectomy.

I treat patients with benign and cancerous conditions of the bile duct and pancreas. I specialize in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound, endoscopic stenting and the removal of large, complex colon polyps. I enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of performing these procedures. However, the most gratifying parts of my work are interacting with patients, relating to them on a personal level and providing compassionate care. Dr. Burbridge is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Choledocholithiasis, Bile Duct Stricture, Cholestasis, Endoscopy, and Gastrostomy.

After completing a general gastroenterology fellowship as well as an additional advanced endoscopy fellowship at Duke, I joined the talented faculty. This opportunity allows me to continue my clinical focus on caring for patients with complicated pancreas and biliary tree disorders. Outside of the hospital I enjoy spending time with my wife and young daughter. Dr. Spaete is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Pancreatitis, Hereditary Pancreatitis, Acute Pancreatitis, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

My specialty focuses on diseases of the pancreas, diseases of the bile duct, as well as therapeutic endoscopy procedures for complicated GI problems that may not be provided in the community such as treatment of malignant obstruction, Zenker’s diverticula, fistulae or endoscopic removal of premalignant or malign lesions of the GI tract. I’ve been at Duke for over 25 years, and the thing that has kept me here all these years has been the opportunity to provide care for patients that need these advanced services and the wonderful people I work with. I very much enjoy working with colleagues who want to provide the best possible care for our patients and the opportunity to train the future leaders in gastroenterology. We have a great facility, great technology, but most importantly my colleagues and the people I work with share the same vision and values. You take this for granted until you go somewhere else. I wouldn’t be able to provide what I hope is excellent care without the assistance of great nurses, physicians and staff at Duke. I hope you will have this same experience when you come to Duke University Health System. Dr. Stanley is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Bile Duct Stricture, Cholestasis, Bile Duct Obstruction, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

I’m a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist who specializes in the surgical management of patients with gastrointestinal malignancies—including soft tissue sarcomas and pancreas, colorectal and gastric cancers. Many of my patients have advanced malignancies and I am always amazed at their resilience. Their determination to fight inspires me to aggressively pursue every surgical option and to study novel techniques to improve surgical outcomes. One of the most important reasons for patients to be treated at Duke is the emphasis on a team-oriented approach to every patient. Nearly every surgical cancer patient is discussed in a multidisciplinary tumor conference in order to assure state of the art care. When I am not in the hospital, my wife and I can be found chasing our two young children or running with our dog. Dr. Blazer is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor, Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Pancreatectomy.

Sarah Ann Reed is an Oncologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Ann Reed has been practicing medicine for over 19 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Ampullary Cancer and Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer.

Brian Czito is a Radiation Oncologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Czito has been practicing medicine for over 30 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Anal Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Familial Pancreatic Cancer, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Evan Dropkin is a Physician Assistant in Durham, North Carolina. Ms. Dropkin has been practicing medicine for over 22 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Ampullary Cancer, Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer, Anal Cancer, and Colorectal Cancer.

Kara Threatt is a Nurse Practitioner in Durham, North Carolina. Ms. Threatt has been practicing medicine for over 30 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Ampullary Cancer, Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma, and Gallbladder Disease.

Durham born and raised, my medical career started early as a volunteer here at Duke (remember candy-stripers?). Even as a teenager, I was drawn to the oncology world and the unique interactions with patients. As a physician assistant, I am able to help shape the quality care our patients receive and improve their experiences. Working in oncology helps foster an appreciation for each and every day and I try to celebrate this in big and small ways. I especially enjoy exploring our world and seeking out new adventures with my family. Dr. Mahon is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Lynch Syndrome, Anal Cancer, and Ampullary Cancer.

I’m a radiation oncologist that specializes in gastrointestinal malignancies. My approach to patient care is to spend a lot of time getting to know patients first. Then, I carefully evaluate all their tests and work with other colleagues to develop an individual plan. Using a team approach, we are either able to cure patients through combined modality treatments or help ease their symptoms. Dr. Willett is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Anal Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, and Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer).

I specialize in patients with gastrointestinal diseases with a special emphasis on colorectal and pancreatic cancer. Duke is a special place because of its compassionate clinicians and multidisciplinary care. Working in the same building with our colleagues in surgical and radiation oncology allows us to offer a holistic approach to cancer care. At the same time, we’re doing research on many of the cancers we’re seeing to try to move the field forward, and that gives patients access to clinical trials that are at the cutting-edge. When I see a patient with cancer, I know they are dealing with a major change in their life, and I know it’s very scary for them. I look at every patient I see as someone who could be my mother or my brother or my child. I take that responsibility very seriously. I love interacting with patients and getting to know them not just as patients but as families and members of our community. Dr. Blobe is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Familial Colorectal Cancer, and Pancreatoblastoma.

Diane Reidy is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Reidy is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ampullary Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Neuroendocrine Tumor, Pancreatic Islet Cell Tumor, Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Liver Embolization.