Dr. Edward Gerhardt

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 Lung Nodules. Her top areas of expertise are Lung Nodules, ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma, Vagotomy, and Mastectomy.

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. Damico is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lung Nodules. His top areas of expertise are ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Lung Nodules, Stomach Cancer, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

My aim at Duke Health is to provide outstanding care to those in need within a collaborative and high-quality setting. My most significant career accomplishments include establishing the first cardiothoracic imaging service in the Mid-South for heart and lung disease patients throughout the Mississippi Delta. I hope to use my training and relationships to pursue changes in health policy that will allow health services to be more affordable and sustainable in the United States. Dr. Optican is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lung Nodules. His top areas of expertise are Lung Nodules, Pleurisy, Pleural Effusion, and Adenosine Deaminase 2 Deficiency.