Dr. Joel R. Rivera

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 an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). 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.

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