BiliaryTractCancer near Wilmington, NC

Biography: It's not often that a squashed bug leads to a career in medicine, but that is exactly what led me to the medical field. I was about 8 years old when I saw that flattened bug in my driveway, and I remember thinking about how its organs functioned to allow it to live before it was squashed flat. I became fascinated with living things and how bodies worked; science became my favorite subject, and "doctor" became my one and only career choice. \n I find myself frequently thinking about the trust patients put into my decisions and care; it is a huge privilege and responsibility. I see my role as an oncologist as not only providing care, but as coaching the patient through treatment and recovery. I'm honored to be able to follow them through the entire process. \n When I am not working, I spend most of my time with my family. I am married and have two children. Together, we love to cook and try different cuisines. Kids' activities also keep us busy; whether they are playing hockey, performing musical theater or competing in Rubik's cube competitions, we are there to support our kids in all that they do. I am also passionate about staying healthy through diet and exercise, love to travel, and enjoy watching the Carolina Hurricanes whenever I can.

Biography: As a little boy, I fell in love with the idea of helping make people feel better. That notion was inspired by our family doctor. When I was in high school, my mother's younger sister - also my Godmother - was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in her late 40s. Her diagnosis led me to a career in oncology. \n Providing excellent healthcare requires a foundation of what I call "the three Cs". They are competence, compassion and communication. Beyond that base, my partners and colleagues in Radiation Oncology on the coast strive to provide superior care through technological advancements and an academic bent that includes clinical research. \n I have been honored as a Fellow of the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) and won the American Cancer Society (ACS) Silent Angel Award. Our department is Accreditation Program for Excellence (APEx)-certified by the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and was the first radiation oncology practice in the country to win the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Clinical Trials Award. \n I am a founding board member of the New Hanover Community Endowment (NHCE) and sit on the investment committee. \n In addition, I have served as principal investigator of major grants funded by the National Cancer Institute with the goal of improving cancer care for underserved populations in southeastern North Carolina. I have authored many peer-reviewed scientific publications, as well as a book, "When Cancer Hits Home", for patients and families about cancer. \n When not caring for patients or spending time with my family, I enjoy adventure travel and endurance sports. An avid investor, I earned a Master of Science in Finance and Investment Management from UNC Wilmington and am pursuing the chartered financial analyst (CFA) designation.

Biography: I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be a doctor. I went into radiation oncology because I found it a perfect blend of technology and patient care and because several family members have battled cancer. My mom died of metastatic colon cancer. \n So, my work as radiation oncology director at Scotts Hill is deeply personal to me. \n Cancer is incredibly complex, and patients tell me they appreciate how I break things down to an understandable level and give them a clear and accurate description of their situation and our treatment plan. \n I retired from the U.S. Navy Medical Corps as captain and won numerous awards and citations during my years in the military. I was an honor graduate of my flight surgery class, specialty leader for all of Navy radiation oncology and chief of radiation oncology at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for nine years. For my work in helping rebuild healthcare systems in Afghanistan in 2008, I was honored to receive the Joint Defense Meritorious Service Medal. \n I enjoy the research aspect of my job and participate in NRG Oncology trials. I've been the principal investigator in national lung studies. \n My wife, Mimi, and I have been married for more than three decades and have three grown children. Our daughter is a software developer in New York, and one son is a Marine Corps staff sergeant in New Bern, North Carolina, and our youngest son is an accomplished chef. When not working, you can find me outdoors - likely golfing, boating or snowboarding.