Dr. Laura J. Havrilesky

Surgery and management of patients with cancer is very complex and challenging. I enjoy working at Duke because of the breadth and quality of people we have here. I really feel like I’m working with the best when I’m working with my colleagues. I went into obstetrics and gynecology, because I enjoyed working with women patients. Then as a resident, I found that oncology patients were among the most gratifying to take care of because they appreciate so much everything you try to do for them. In high school and college, I was very interested in science and mathematics, and the human body and physiology. In college, meeting different types of people, I realized that I wanted a profession that gave me the opportunity to interact with all different kinds of people. My wife and I moved here 25 years ago and have never regretted it. It’s a great area to live. Dr. Berchuck is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. His top areas of expertise are Ovarian Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Ovarian Carcinosarcoma, Tubal Ligation, and Oophorectomy.

My practice and research focuses on patients who have female-specific cancers, such as ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vulvar or vaginal cancer. I offer my patients access to variety of treatments, ranging from surgery to chemotherapy and radiation. My dad was a physician, and my mom was a nurse, so I was exposed to health care at an early age. I enjoy my work on female cancers, because it is one of the few subspecialties to blend surgery and chemotherapy. It also gives me the chance to develop strong relationships with my patients, since I get to take care of my patients before and during their surgery, as well as continue to see them for the rest of their lifetime. I’ve found those patients, who have been able to face their diagnosis with unwavering optimism, to be incredibly inspiring. I have three children, so outside of work I spend as much time as I can with my family. Dr. Alvarez is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Her top areas of expertise are Ovarian Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Hysterectomy, and Intrauterine Device Insertion.

As a specialist in gynecologic cancers, including uterine, ovarian, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, I take care of women from the time of diagnosis, perform their surgeries if needed, and coordinate chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy according to the treatment plan we set out together. I have experience with a wide variety of surgical techniques, including robotic and laparoscopic approaches tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient. I strongly believe that cancer care continues from the time of diagnosis all the way through survivorship. I try to focus on clear communication and discussion of all of the appropriate treatment options to determine what makes the most sense for each individual woman. Duke has been a wonderful place to work because of the diverse and talented team members encompassing every part of women's cancer care. We are also conducting exciting research to determine how best to treat women with cancer or at risk of cancer. Outside of work, I spend as much time as possible with friends and family as well as yoga, biking, and traveling. Dr. Mcnally is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Her top areas of expertise are Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumor, Endometrial Cancer, Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma, and Vulvar Cancer.