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

Jennifer Garst is a Hematologist Oncology provider in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Garst is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesothelioma. 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.

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 Mesothelioma. His top areas of expertise are Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Lung Cancer, Lung Adenocarcinoma, and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC).

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 Mesothelioma. His top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), and Lung Adenocarcinoma.

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 Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesothelioma. 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.

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

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 an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesothelioma. His top areas of expertise are Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Lung Cancer, Lung Adenocarcinoma, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

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

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 Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesothelioma. Her top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Lung Nodules, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Vagotomy, and Advanced Bronchoscopy.

I am a radiologist who specializes in the diagnosis of all diseases related to the heart and lungs. This includes the interpretation of chest radiographs, CT, and MRI. I am passionate about clinical care and radiology education and serve as a consultant to all providers at Duke Health who order imaging studies for their patients. Dr. Henry is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesothelioma. His top areas of expertise are Pleural Effusion, Lung Nodules, ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Chronic Cough, and Aortic Valve Replacement.

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

Jared Christensen is a Radiologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Christensen is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesothelioma. His top areas of expertise are Lung Nodules, Pleurisy, Pleural Effusion, and ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Dr. Christensen is currently accepting new patients.

Edward Patz is a Radiologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Patz is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesothelioma. His top areas of expertise are Pleurisy, Pleural Effusion, Lung Nodules, and Subcutaneous Emphysema. Dr. Patz is currently accepting new patients.

Bryan O'sullivan is a Thoracic Surgeon in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. O'sullivan is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesothelioma. His top areas of expertise are Pulmonary Valve Stenosis, Pleural Effusion, Pleurisy, and ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

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

My goals are to develop and provide treatments that prolong and improve quality of the lives of patients with aggressive prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular cancer. This work involves the direct care of patients in the clinic and clinical research involving the development of new therapies in clinical trials. I devote over half of my time to understanding how prostate cancer spreads and resists therapies, as well as methods of measuring this biology in patients, which may lead to improved therapies designed to block this process. Outside of work, I have a busy family life with three children, and a wife who is a Duke pediatrician. I enjoy playing soccer and hiking. Dr. Armstrong is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesothelioma. His top areas of expertise are Prostate Cancer, Familial Prostate Cancer, Clear Cell Sarcoma, and WT1-Related Wilms Tumor Syndromes.

Joseph Mammarappallil is a Thoracic Surgeon in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Mammarappallil has been practicing medicine for over 16 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesothelioma. His top areas of expertise are Pleural Effusion, Lung Nodules, Pleurisy, and Interstitial Lung Disease.

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 Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesothelioma. His top areas of expertise are Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma, Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma, and Lung Adenocarcinoma.

I have specialized in cancer care since 2008, with a focus on lung cancer care since 2014. My patients are the reason I continue to love what I do. I try everyday to be a better nurse practitioner for them. Ms. Conn is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesothelioma. Her top areas of expertise are ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer, and Mesothelioma.