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.

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).

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 an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). His top areas of expertise are Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), Lung Cancer, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), and Lung Adenocarcinoma.

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.

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 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). 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 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). 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.

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 a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). His top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Endoscopy, and Advanced Bronchoscopy.

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 a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Her top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Lung Nodules, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Vagotomy, and Advanced Bronchoscopy.

I graduated from Harvard University (BA) and the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University (MD). I received training in General Surgery and Thoracic Surgery at Duke University Medical Center. After completing a Fellowship in Thoracic Surgical Oncology at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, I joined the faculty at Duke University Medical Center. I am currently Professor and Vice Chairman of Surgery, Chief of the Section of General Thoracic Surgery, Director of the Training Program in Thoracic Surgery, and Chief Medical Officer of the Duke Cancer Institute. I specialize in the surgical management of lung cancer and esophageal cancer, with a focus on minimally invasive thoracic surgery. As Vice Chair of Surgery, I am responsible for the development of technology and innovation in the Department. As Director of the Thoracic Oncology Program of the Duke Cancer Institute, I supervise the clinical and research programs in lung cancer and esophageal cancer. I am also involved in improving safety and quality in cancer care, as a member of the Duke Safety and Quality Committee. Dr. D'amico is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). His top areas of expertise are Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Lung Cancer, Lung Adenocarcinoma, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

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 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). 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 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). His top areas of expertise are Glioma, Astrocytoma, Glioblastoma, Brain Tumor, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

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 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). 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, 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 an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). His top areas of expertise are Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma, Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma, and Lung Adenocarcinoma.

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 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). His top areas of expertise are Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, and Familial Prostate Cancer.

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 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). His top areas of expertise are Colorectal Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Ampullary Cancer, and Familial Colorectal Cancer.

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 Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). His top areas of expertise are Fibrosing Mediastinitis, Esophageal Perforation, Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Lung Transplant, and Thymectomy.

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 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). 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.

I'm a radiation oncologist, and I specialize in treating brain, base of skull and spine tumors, as well as tumors that arise in the body but go to the brain or the spine, as in certain cases of lung, breast and kidney cancer and melanoma. When I meet with a patient, it’s important for me to introduce them and their family to our team of doctors, therapists, nurses and treatment planners. The patient and their family will also become members of this team – truly the most important part - so we can work together to tailor care based on their wants and needs. At Duke, we’ve developed techniques to precisely and accurately treat small, complex lesions and tumors. We can minimize the amount of radiation that goes into normal tissues and at the same time maximize the amount of radiation where it is needed. Our team is geared to delivering every treatment to each patient exactly as planned, especially in complicated and difficult situations. As a patient or a physician, I think there’s no better place to be than Duke. I love my work, feel honored that my patients place their trust in our team and me and work hard to earn that trust. Dr. Kirkpatrick is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). His top areas of expertise are Brain Tumor, Meningioma, Glioma, Astrocytoma, and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.

I believe in finding the right treatment for each patient based on their unique situation. I am also a cancer researcher who focuses on developing new ways to treat head and neck, lung, and prostate cancers, as well as those with limited cancer spread. At the Durham VA Medical Center, I am the chief of the Radiation Oncology Service. I supervise the delivery of radiation for all types of cancer. Dr. Salama is rated as an Advanced 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), Prostate Cancer, and Prostatectomy.

Herbert Hurwitz is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and an Infectious Disease provider in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Hurwitz is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). His top areas of expertise are Agranulocytosis, Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer, Febrile Neutropenia, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Bone Marrow Transplant.