
Overview
I specialize in treating patients with complex abdominal wall hernias and foregut conditions, such as acid reflux, hiatal hernias, and swallowing disorders. I am passionate about helping people return to the activities and quality of life they enjoy. By using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery, I am able to repair complex problems in a way that often leads to less pain and a quicker recovery. I understand that surgery can feel overwhelming, and my goal is to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. I believe in listening closely to each patient’s goals and working together to create a treatment plan that fits their needs and values. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, and staying active on the golf course. I look forward to caring for you and your family.
Dr. Kushner is highly rated in 2 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Choledocholithiasis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.
His clinical research consists of co-authoring 42 peer reviewed articles and participating in 1 clinical trial. MediFind looks at clinical research from the past 15 years.
Insurance
Accepted insurance can change. Please verify directly with the provider.
Accepted insurance plans:
- EPO
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- PPO
- INSURANCE PLAN
- MEDICARE MAPD
- HMO
- INDEMNITY
- POS
- PPO
- OTHER MANAGED MEDICAID
- OTHER MEDICAID
- STATE MEDICAID
- INSURANCE PLAN
- MANAGED MEDICAID PLAN
- MEDICARE MAPD
- MEDICARE PDP
- MEDICARE SNP
- MEDICARE-MEDICAID PLAN
- OTHER MEDICARE PART D
- HMO
- INSURANCE PLAN
- MANAGED MEDICAID PLAN
- MEDICARE MAPD
- MEDICARE SNP
- MEDICARE-MEDICAID PLAN
- OTHER COMMERCIAL
- OTHER MEDICARE
- OTHER MEDICARE PART D
- EPO
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- INSURANCE PLAN
- MANAGED MEDICAID PLAN
- MEDICARE MAPD
- MEDICARE PDP
- MEDICARE SNP
- MEDICARE-MEDICAID PLAN
- OTHER MEDICARE
- OTHER MEDICARE PART D
Locations
120 E Carver St, Durham, NC 27704
40 Duke Medicine Cir, Durham, NC 27710
407 Crutchfield St, Durham, NC 27704
Clinical Research
Clinical research consists of overseeing clinical studies of patients undergoing new treatments and therapies, and publishing articles in peer reviewed medical journals. Providers who actively participate in clinical research are generally at the forefront of the fields and aware of the most up-to-date advances in treatments for their patients.
1 Clinical Trials
Duke Cancer Center
I am a cancer surgeon who specializes in treating patients with pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions of the pancreas, liver, bile ducts, stomach, and adrenal glands. I initially trained and practiced at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. During this time, I served one year on a forward surgical team in Iraq. Following this service, I practiced for 13 years as a surgical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. In 2018, I joined the faculty at Duke University and now serve as the chief of surgical oncology for Duke Health. I enjoy getting to know my patients and delivering the highest quality of cancer care. I am dedicated not only to treating and curing your cancer, but also providing you with the highest quality of life. Operations for cancers within the abdomen are a serious undertaking, and I am committed to making sure that they are performed with the highest level of expertise. Dr. Allen is highly rated in 33 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatectomy, and Hepatectomy.
Duke Heart Transplant Clinic - Clinic 2F/2G
Carmelo Milano is a General Surgeon and a Transplant Surgeon in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Milano has been practicing medicine for over 36 years is highly rated in 12 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Tricuspid Regurgitation, Constrictive Pericarditis, Heart Tumor, Heart Transplant, and Heart Bypass Surgery.
Duke Cardiothoracic Surgery - Clinic 2F/2G
I am a general thoracic surgeon specializing in the treatment of thoracic malignancies such as lung cancer, as well as lung transplantation for patients with end-stage lung diseases. For cancer surgery, I offer minimally invasive approaches—including robotic-assisted and thoracoscopic surgery—that promote faster recovery and reduce postoperative pain. In cases of advanced cancer, I take a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating closely with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and other specialists to provide comprehensive care. Lung transplantation has been the central focus of my career. I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable recovery of patients once debilitated by severe dyspnea. I am honored to be part of the Duke Lung Transplant Program, which has performed more than 2,600 lung transplants, making it the largest program of its kind in the United States. Before joining Duke, I practiced in Japan, where I personally performed more than 400 lung transplants, including 180 living-donor lung transplants—the largest such experience in the world. Dr. Date is highly rated in 12 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Thymic Epithelial Tumor, Lung Adenocarcinoma, Thymectomy, and Endoscopy.
Areas of Expertise
MediFind evaluates expertise by pulling from factors such as number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials, speaking at industry conferences, prescribing and referral patterns, and strength of connections with other experts in their field.
Learn more about MediFind’s expert tiers
- Elite
- HerniaDr. Kushner isElite. Learn about Hernia.
- Advanced
- CholedocholithiasisDr. Kushner isAdvanced. Learn about Choledocholithiasis.
- Experienced
- Diaphragmatic HerniaDr. Kushner isExperienced. Learn about Diaphragmatic Hernia.
- EndoscopyDr. Kushner isExperienced. Learn about Endoscopy.
- Gallbladder RemovalDr. Kushner isExperienced. Learn about Gallbladder Removal.
- GastrectomyDr. Kushner isExperienced. Learn about Gastrectomy.
- Gastric BypassDr. Kushner isExperienced. Learn about Gastric Bypass.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)Dr. Kushner isExperienced. Learn about Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).



