I study disorders of the bone marrow and bone marrow failure syndromes. I also see some leukemias and lymphomas and other blood malignancies. Duke offers a very personalized, individualized level of care to each patient. Nobody is the same, so we take the whole patient, we listen to them, and we offer our best recommendations for treatment options. We offer some of the latest treatment options that are available, usually in the setting of a clinical trial. If not, we offer the latest advancement in the field. When I was going through medical school, molecular biology was the new field. Everything was being described as a new cancer-causing gene. And to me that was so appealing – we’re going to figure out what causes cancer and new ways to treat it. That’s what really brought me into the hematology oncology world – things were being discovered that were new and exciting and hopefully would lead to new treatment options. Duke offers an extremely high standard of care. Though we’re not always successful and the disease sometimes wins, our goal is to give the patients the best possible care. Dr. Decastro is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). His top areas of expertise are Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), Aplastic Anemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Richard Lopez is a Transplant Surgeon in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Lopez has been practicing medicine for over 36 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). His top areas of expertise are Multiple Myeloma, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Smoldering Multiple Myeloma, Bone Marrow Transplant, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Since studying basic immunology prior to beginning my clinical training, I have been deeply interested in applying immunological perspective for the treatment of cancers including hematologic malignancies. Interestingly emerging immunotherapies showed very promising results in recent years. In my clinic, I treat patients with multiple myeloma which is one type of cancer arising from plasma cells. My research will focus on developing early phase clinical protocols utilizing novel cellular therapy approach and also improving the outcomes of blood and marrow transplantation. My ultimate goal is to provide better treatment options than the current standard approach to patients. Dr. Choi is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). His top areas of expertise are Multiple Myeloma, Smoldering Multiple Myeloma, Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS), Bone Marrow Transplant, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

What makes Duke Health unique in bone marrow transplants is its holistic approach. We take care of the disease -- which is important, because these are very serious, potentially fatal diseases. But at the same time, we pay attention to patients’ emotional and psychological well-being in addition to their physical well-being. And not only for patients but also the whole family, because the caregivers and other parts of the family need attention as well. I wanted to go into medicine, because it was a great way to interact and take care of patients. In my mind, cancer is one of two diseases within internal medicine where you can actually cure people. The best part of bone marrow transplant is that the time between the laboratory and the patient is short. Patients who need a transplant tend to be relatively sick and in need of new therapies. That’s been very intellectually challenging and fun. Dr. Chao is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). His top areas of expertise are Graft Versus Host Disease (GvHD), Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (cGvHD), Multiple Myeloma, Bone Marrow Transplant, and Bone Graft.

I’m a pediatric blood and bone marrow transplant specialist. I see patients from all over the world, many of whom have very rare diseases. I take care of patients with leukodystrophies, leukemias and other blood disorders that are resistant to standard treatment, and children with brain injuries like cerebral palsy. It’s rewarding to make a difference when treating challenging diseases. I’ve been fortunate over my career to be able to develop new treatments in the laboratory that I take into the clinic to help patients. In fact, here at Duke I was involved in the first cord-blood transplant anywhere in the world. When meeting with patients, I focus on making their experience more than just the medicine. We have a family support program for things beyond medical needs, which is especially helpful for families that are far from home. Outside of work, I like to knit, bike and spend time with my family. Dr. Kurtzberg is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). Her top areas of expertise are Graft Versus Host Disease (GvHD), Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, Congenital Athymia, Leukodystrophy, and Bone Marrow Transplant.

John Sleasman is an Allergy and Immunologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Sleasman has been practicing medicine for over 44 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). His top areas of expertise are Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), HIV/AIDS, Infantile Neutropenia, and DiGeorge Syndrome.

I treat children with cancer and blood disorders, such as anemia and sickle cell disease. When families come in, there is understandably a huge amount of anxiety. I try to spend a lot of time with them and discuss what we know, what we need to find out, and how we plan to care for their children. My goal is to make it the least scary as possible for both the children and the parents/caregivers while providing the best care. Even in the setting of severe illness, interacting with children is uplifting and extremely rewarding. Children truly demonstrate the resilience of the human spirit. What I love most about my job is having relationships with children and seeing them grow; it is a wonderful experience. Dr. Rothman is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). Her top areas of expertise are Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, Anemia, Hemolytic Anemia, Congenital Hemolytic Anemia, and Splenectomy.

People in need of a bone marrow transplantation can often be scared or intimidated by what is ahead of them -- my goal, when seeing a new patient, is to devote all the time and effort that is needed to address these emotions. My hope is that after this visit, my patient will feel reassured and hopeful that the Duke team of providers will do all that it can to restore them to health, and allow them to return to their lives. Dr. Horwitz is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). His top areas of expertise are Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (cGvHD), Graft Versus Host Disease (GvHD), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Bone Marrow Transplant, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Nothing gives me more satisfaction than when I care for people. I try to give patients and families an experience that makes them feel safe and secure. I chose oncology because when I was 19 my father died from lung cancer. I felt so helpless because I did not know what was happening and did not feel like the bedside care was appropriate during that challenging time. It was at that time that I decided to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner. I wanted to be a person that could provide the security and compassion that patients and families need when they get a cancer diagnosis. Ms. Smith is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). Her top areas of expertise are Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) and Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH).

Charles Hunter is a Physician Assistant in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Mr. Hunter is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). His top areas of expertise are Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Lung Nodules, and Vitamin D Deficiency. Mr. Hunter is currently accepting new patients.

Margaret Williford is a Radiologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Williford is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). Her top areas of expertise are Pleurisy, Pleural Effusion, Chronic Cough, and ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

I have the privilege of caring for patients with various myeloproliferative neoplasms including, polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytosis, primary myelofibrosis, systemic mastocytosis, and chronic myeloid leukemia. My goal is to provide the best possible care for each individual patient in an era where the number of therapeutic options for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms is rapidly expanding. As a clinical investigator leading several clinical studies in both early and late stages of development, I strive to offer patients access to investigational agents with novel mechanisms of action via participation in clinical trials. I believe that every patient has a unique diagnosis and personal experience with their cancer. I aim to consider the disease, the patient and individual care goals in partnering with patients to develop and implement personalized treatment plans. Dr. Rein is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). Her top areas of expertise are Systemic Mastocytosis, Myelofibrosis, Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

As an allergist and immunologist, and the spouse of someone with a food allergy, I bring both professional expertise and personal insight to my work. I am passionate about improving the quality of life for those with asthma, eczema, and food and environmental allergies. Having firsthand experience with the real-world challenges of managing allergic conditions, I take a collaborative approach to care, partnering with families to develop treatment plans that are not only effective, but also practical and aligned with their goals. I also have the privilege of caring for children with primary immunodeficiencies, including severe combined immunodeficiency and congenital athymia. My research focuses on optimizing newborn screening guidelines for these conditions, particularly in premature infants. I am committed to advancing treatment strategies and providing compassionate support to families navigating these complex conditions. Outside of work, I cherish time with my spouse and two children and take every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Dr. Hall is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). His top areas of expertise are Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), Infantile Neutropenia, Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency Type 1, and Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH).

Alfredo Rivadeneira is a Rheumatologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Rivadeneira is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). His top areas of expertise are Necrotizing Vasculitis, Behcet Disease, Takayasu Arteritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Dr. Rivadeneira is currently accepting new patients.

Paul Martin is a Pediatric Hematologist Oncology provider in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Martin is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). His top areas of expertise are Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Leukemia, Infantile Neutropenia, Graft Versus Host Disease (GvHD), and Bone Marrow Transplant.

Hendrik Vandeventer is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Vandeventer is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). His top areas of expertise are Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Aplastic Anemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation, and Bone Marrow Aspiration. Dr. Vandeventer is currently accepting new patients.

Brandi Reeves is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Reeves is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). Her top areas of expertise are Multiple Myeloma, Polycythemia Vera, Essential Thrombocythemia, Bone Marrow Aspiration, and Bone Marrow Transplant. Dr. Reeves is currently accepting new patients.

David Margolis is an Infectious Disease provider in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Margolis is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). His top areas of expertise are HIV/AIDS, Sepsis, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and Myelitis. Dr. Margolis is currently accepting new patients.

Krystin Fmura is a Nurse Practitioner in Morrisville, North Carolina. Ms. Fmura is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). Her top areas of expertise are Smoldering Multiple Myeloma, ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, and Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). Ms. Fmura is currently accepting new patients.

Rebecca Sawchak is a Nurse Practitioner in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Ms. Sawchak is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). Her top areas of expertise are Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN), Smoldering Multiple Myeloma, Relapsed Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM), and Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). Ms. Sawchak is currently accepting new patients.