Nicholas Shaheen is a Gastroenterologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Shaheen is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Barrett Esophagus, Esophagitis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Endoscopy, and Tissue Biopsy. Dr. Shaheen is currently accepting new patients.

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 Esophageal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatoblastoma, Small Bowel Resection, and Pancreatectomy.

Brian Czito is a Radiation Oncologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Czito has been practicing medicine for over 29 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Anal Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Familial Pancreatic Cancer, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

With over 20 years of experience as a busy general thoracic surgeon, I am referred patients with cancers in the chest and other difficult problems involving all the organs of the chest that are not from cancer. One of the things that attracted me to the field is the long-term relationship with my patients. I tell all my patients that I’m their doctor for life. I see patients for many, many years. Back in 2000, when we had a 26-inch snow here -- it was a Tuesday -- on my clinic day, everyone said no one would come to clinic. But I actually had 23 or 24 patients show up in four-wheel drives. It’s not that I’m such a fabulous doctor that they came to see me. It’s that they are cancer patients and this was their annual visit or their follow up. It was important to them. So we were here for them, and they came. I enjoy seeing my patients back 12, 13, 14 years later and learning what they’ve been up to and what their families have been up to. That’s a bond you get in oncology that a lot of other fields don’t have that treat patients then turn them back over to their primary care physicians. We as a team follow people, and I like that. Dr. Harpole is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Endoscopy, and Advanced Bronchoscopy.

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 an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Colorectal Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Ampullary Cancer, and Familial Colorectal Cancer.

Katherine Garman is a Gastroenterologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Garman has been practicing medicine for over 23 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Barrett Esophagus, Esophageal Cancer, Helicobacter Pylori Infection, Stomach Cancer, and Endoscopy.

I am a cardiac surgeon caring for adult patients with a broad spectrum of cardiovascular disease, with a particular interest in aortic disease, such as aneurysm or dissection. I also perform many general cardiac surgery operations, such as bypass surgery for blockages in the coronary arteries and valve repair or replacement for narrowed or leaky valves. Every year, we continue to expand our transcatheter treatments for valve diseases and endovascular treatments for aortic diseases. Both of these approaches involve small incisions in the leg, addressing the problem with wires and catheters, rather than traditional open surgery. I chose to train and work as heart surgeon because it allows me to care for patients with life threatening conditions and debilitating symptoms, such as shortness of breath. Our goal at Duke Health is to extend lives and restore quality of life, enabling patients to return to their passions at home. I hope that heart surgery is something most patients only go through once in a lifetime. I strive to create an atmosphere where patients and their loved ones feel they are educated and involved leading up to surgery and during their recovery process. Dr. Vekstein is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, Aortic Dissection, Mitral Valve Regurgitation, Heart Bypass Surgery, and Heart Valve Repair.

As a gastroenterologist, I specialize in digestive disorders that affect the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, and pancreas. In addition to seeing patients, I perform upper endoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy. I was drawn to Gastroenterology as a specialty because digestive disorders come in many different forms and affect patients of all backgrounds and ages. My practice focuses on patient-centered care and shared decision making, and I enjoy working with patients to develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific problems. I believe patients should feel empowered to participate in their medical care. Outside of the office, I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my wife and children and music, especially playing the guitar. Dr. Lloyd is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Colitis, Viral Gastroenteritis, Chronic Erosive Gastritis, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

I have a clinical practice that focuses on the evaluation and management of patients with esophageal and swallowing disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), Barrett’s esophagus and achalasia. Also, I have a strong academic and professional interest in health outcomes and quality of care. I am excited to be a part of Duke Health, where I can utilize revolutionary technologies like high resolution esophageal manometry and radiofrequency ablation to improve the care of my patients. Dr. Leiman is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Swallowing Difficulty, Esophagitis, Abdominal Wall Surgery, and Endoscopy.

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 Esophageal Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Choledocholithiasis, Bile Duct Stricture, Cholestasis, Endoscopy, and Gastrostomy.

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 an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Ampullary Cancer, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery.

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 Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Stomach Cancer, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

I have the privilege of treating patients with both benign and malignant conditions of the chest. While in college at Georgia Tech, I envisioned a career as a biomedical engineer. What I quickly learned, however, was that I was more interested in patients and their medical problems than developing the technology to care for them. During my medical education and training, I learned not only how to become a surgeon, but also learned the value of teamwork and family in caring for patients. As a thoracic surgeon, one of the best and most important aspects of my job is being able to establish a relationship with my patients and their families, working together to help them through their illness. Dr. Tong is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Lung Nodules, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Vagotomy, and Advanced Bronchoscopy.

Mathias Worni is a Surgical Oncologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Worni is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Lymphadenectomy, and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery.

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 Esophageal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor, Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Pancreatectomy.

Many years ago, I came across a quote from Mahatma Gandhi that said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. Since that time, those words have guided my professional life from the field I chose to how I care for my patients who experience discomfort from acid reflux, hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia. With every individual and their families, I make sure that they appreciate my understanding of how their health issues provide them with new stresses that may leave them confused and scared. As a result, I pride myself on reassuring my patients and making sure that by the time they leave their clinic visit they know that I have their best interests at heart. Personally, my wife and I are the proud parents of three boys. Consequently, I like to spend my free time making use of their unlimited energy by running them around at all the great parks in the local area. Dr. Klapper is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Fibrosing Mediastinitis, Esophageal Perforation, Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Lung Transplant, and Thymectomy.

Evan Dropkin is a Physician Assistant in Durham, North Carolina. Ms. Dropkin has been practicing medicine for over 21 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Ampullary Cancer, Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer, Anal Cancer, and Colorectal Cancer.

I am a medical oncologist who treats colorectal, pancreatic, and esophagogastric cancers while conducting research in tumor immunology and immunotherapy. My interest in oncology stems from experience in a cancer vaccine laboratory and working with oncologists during my undergraduate degree, who inspired my curiosity when I did not have scientists or doctors in my family. I conduct primarily laboratory-based and translational research, with the goal of finding new immunotherapeutic options supported by precision biomarkers to identify patients. In the clinic, I aim to treat my patients with innovative therapies, learn more about their cancer through research, and offer understanding through a shared decision-making process. Outside of work, I play guitar and trumpet, work on cars, and love to travel with my family. Dr. Devito is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Anal Cancer, Melanoma, Pancreatic Cancer, and Familial Colorectal Cancer.

Michael Morse is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and an Oncologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Morse has been practicing medicine for over 35 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Neuroendocrine Tumor, Fibrolamellar Carcinoma, Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Appendix Cancer, and Liver Embolization.

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 Esophageal Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Lynch Syndrome, Anal Cancer, and Ampullary Cancer.