Jennifer Garst is a Hematologist Oncology provider in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Garst is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. Her top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). Dr. Garst is currently accepting new patients.

When someone is faced with a diagnosis of lung cancer, they may be going through surgery, radiation treatment, chemotherapy or enrolling in a clinical trial. It’s a very complicated process to understand what’s involved and what may happen next. It’s also hard to hear all the answers if you’re by yourself. We encourage our patients to come with family members and friends and loved ones and particularly to identify one or two main go-to people in terms of care-giving and support. That way we can engage them in the whole process. Just as we have a team taking care of the patient, the patient has a team, too. At Duke, we have the opportunity to engage patients in the very latest treatment approaches, whether it’s a new surgical technique, the latest radiation approach, or some novel chemotherapy, immunology, or targeted therapy, several of which we’ve been developing. Duke provides patients with a real opportunity that they may not have elsewhere. Dr. Crawford is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. His top areas of expertise are ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), and Lung Adenocarcinoma.

I realized during a biology class in college that I could use my interest in science to help make a difference in people’s lives. It drove my decision to pursue a career in medicine. I realized early in medical school that I wanted to spend my career trying to understand cancer, how to fight it and caring for patients who have it. As a medical oncologist with Duke Cancer Center, I specialize in cancers of the chest, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Working closely with my patients, getting to know them personally and understanding their values and goals, allows me to develop individualized care and treatment plans for each one. The most rewarding part of my work is developing long term relationships with my patients and their families throughout their cancer journeys. I am motivated and inspired by how my patients live their lives everyday. Dr. Melson is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. His top areas of expertise are Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Lung Cancer, Lung Adenocarcinoma, and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC).

I am a part of the thoracic oncology program. I work with patients who have cancers of the lung, which includes non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, and mesothelioma. My focus is on clinical care, clinical trials, and developing new therapies for these diseases. When I first meet with a patient, I want them to understand what their diagnosis is, because there are actually multiple diagnoses of lung cancer and each are treated differently. Then I discuss with a patient whether they are a candidate for therapies such as molecular therapy or immunotherapy, and make sure they have a clear understanding of the treatment plan. There are some very promising new therapies for these diseases and we are fortunate to have those available to patients here at Duke. That’s one of the unique things we offer as an academic medical center. Dr. Stinchcombe is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. His top areas of expertise are Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Lung Cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), EGFR Positive Lung Cancer, and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.

I am a radiation oncologist, and I primarily focus on treating patients with cancer of the brain, lung, and spine. I find great satisfaction meeting with patients and working to provide the best care possible. During our visits, I enjoy getting to know patients and their families and learning about their hobbies, interests, and values. Working together, my goal is provide the tools and understanding so that they feel comfortable in making treatment decisions. I have the privilege of being a part of an excellent team of doctors, nurses, therapists, and treatment planners, who all work to design and carry out a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Outside of the clinic, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Dr. Mullikin is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. His top areas of expertise are Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma, Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma, and Lung Adenocarcinoma.

I am a medical oncologist and researcher who specializes in treating patients with lung cancer and head and neck cancer. I’ve been at Duke for eight years. I first realized I wanted to become a doctor in graduate school, because it gave me the opportunity to practically apply scientific evidence to help others. What I love most about my job is working with our research and clinical staff to come up with new and hopeful therapies for patients. When a patient comes to see me, I look at their past and current medical history, review their lab tests, and then work with a team to figure out which treatment would work best for them. If a patient comes from far away, we try to make sure we can fit in visits with all the relevant specialists before they leave. Outside of work, I enjoy exercising with friends and spending time with my children at their various activities. Dr. Ready is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. His top areas of expertise are Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), Lung Cancer, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), and Lung Adenocarcinoma.

I was drawn to the field of oncology because cancer is a terrifying diagnosis for most people. It is one of those health issues that make people very nervous. I find great satisfaction working with cancer patients to help allay their fears and provide the best care possible. For me, it is rewarding to work with individuals who express so much courage in overcoming a difficult diagnosis. It is very rare that a patient comes alone to an appointment. Usually they have a spouse, son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a mother or father accompanying them. I spend a lot of time answering family member’s questions, who often provide a significant amount of care and support for their loved one. My job is to help educate both the patient and the family and to formulate a plan by which we can provide comprehensive care for all of the patient’s needs. Dr. Kelsey is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. His top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).

James Vredenburgh is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Vredenburgh is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. His top areas of expertise are Glioma, Astrocytoma, Glioblastoma, Brain Tumor, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Scott Antonia is an Oncologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Antonia has been practicing medicine for over 36 years and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. His top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), and Lung Adenocarcinoma.

Robin Hardie is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Hardie has been practicing medicine for over 27 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. Her top areas of expertise are Paget Disease of the Breast, Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS), Familial Colorectal Cancer, and Colorectal Cancer.

I am a radiation oncologist specializing in genitourinary malignancies including prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancer. I have a special interest in using short course, high dose and precision radiotherapy known as Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) for the treatment of cancers. I chose to be a radiation oncologist because I believe in the amazing ability of radiotherapy to not only treat cancer, but also to maintain and improve a patient's quality of life. I love to cook and eat delicious food and to spend time with my wonderful family. Dr. Koffer is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. His top areas of expertise are Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, and Familial Prostate Cancer.

I’m a medical oncologist specializing in thoracic oncology. I mostly see patients with lung cancer, but I also see mesothelioma and cancer of the thymus. Being an oncologist is such an exciting, challenging, and rewarding career. Every patient is unique and no two clinical cases are the same. Very early in my medical training, I saw how oncologists engaged with life-threatening diseases, helped patients overcome medication toxicities, and formed a unique bond with cancer patients. I was immediately hooked and pursued medical oncology as a career. I love traveling to Puerto Rico to visit friends and family while enjoying the beach, the food, and the music. I also like playing tennis. Dr. Rivera is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. His top areas of expertise are Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma, Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma, and ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Ivy Altomare is a Pediatric Hematologist Oncology provider in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Altomare is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. Her top areas of expertise are Colorectal Cancer, Adult Immune Thrombocytopenia, Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), Purpura, and Splenectomy.

Olga James is a Nuclear Medicine provider in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. James has been practicing medicine for over 32 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. Her top areas of expertise are Prostate Cancer, Familial Prostate Cancer, Lung Nodules, and Melanoma.

I am a medical oncologist who primarily focuses on treating breast cancer. I’ve been at Duke Raleigh since 2007, and I also serve as the hospital’s chief medical officer. My favorite part of my job is the initial patient visit. It’s not unusual for patients to arrive for their appointment feeling fearful and anxious. I enjoy making them feel more comfortable and at ease with their diagnosis and treatment plan by the end of the visit. To further build that bond and trust, I encourage my patients to have full access to me, even on weekends or holidays, so I can help guide their treatment. I decided to become a doctor when I was 18 years old and heading to college. I felt that I would be passionate about taking care of people and my intuition turned out to be right. I am married to a physician and my oldest son is a medical school graduate, so medicine is now firmly in my family’s blood. Dr. Spiritos is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. His top areas of expertise are Paget Disease of the Breast, Breast Cancer, Angiosarcoma, and Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

I am a hematology/oncology specialist who first decided to work with cancer patients after volunteering for several years at the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program. I have a concentration in breast cancer but treat all types of cancer and blood disorders. I have been privileged to work with a very diverse, multicultural patient population from all areas of the world. I feel that it is very important to take a multidisciplinary approach to address all patient needs throughout their cancer journey. I remain deeply committed to that goal, involving their caregivers and all other team members to provide the highest level of support and patient care. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and did my medical training in the Washington, D.C. region. In my free time, I enjoy being a wife and devoted mother to two sons, going to the opera, singing, traveling, and cooking. Dr. Howard is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. Her top areas of expertise are Paget Disease of the Breast, Breast Cancer, Hemangioma Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS).

I am a board-certified hematologist-oncologist. I diagnose and treat many types of cancers. I also diagnose and treat benign conditions that impact the bone marrow, blood cells, and cause concerning bleeds or thrombosis (clots). Through my volunteering, work, and personal life, I have witnessed the impact of a cancer diagnosis or complex medical illness on patients and their loved ones. I have always been drawn to helping people and their families during such critical times. I work with a diverse, multicultural patient population from North Carolina and around the world. I aim to provide empathetic, thorough care for all my patients. I was born in New York, raised in New Mexico, and my education and experiences have taken me to places like Washington, D.C., Chicago, and New York/New Jersey. Each has shaped me to be a better physician and person. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, being in nature, and exploring vegan recipes and eateries. Dr. Ganga is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. Her top areas of expertise are Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Richter Syndrome, Chronic B-Cell Leukemia (CBCL), and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

Linda Sutton is an Oncologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Sutton has been practicing medicine for over 38 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. Her top areas of expertise are Breast Cancer, Paget Disease of the Breast, Colorectal Cancer, and Familial Colorectal Cancer.

I am a North Carolina native with a special interest in airway disease management, specifically asthma and COPD. I like to form a partnership with my patients and help them understand the disease process and educate them on the indications, risk and benefits of their medicines. Dr. Rabil is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. His top areas of expertise are Lung Metastases, Acute Interstitial Pneumonia, Interstitial Lung Disease, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Susan Blackwell is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Physician Assistant in Durham, North Carolina. Ms. Blackwell is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma. Her top areas of expertise are Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Lung Cancer, EGFR Positive Lung Cancer, and Lung Adenocarcinoma. Ms. Blackwell is currently accepting new patients.