SquamousCellCarcinomaofSkin near Hickory, NC

Biography: I chose medicine, and oncology as an area of specialty, as a way to pursue two passions: studying science and connecting with people. I saw the positive impact this combination can have as a child watching my mother. She spent most of her life taking care of cancer patients as an oncology nurse. \n While I treat patients with a variety of cancers and blood disorders, I have a special interest in cancers affecting organs in the upper section of the gastrointestinal tract, or digestive system, and genitourinary system. As a physician who is board-certified in hematology and medical oncology, I am committed to providing my patients with up-to-date, comprehensive and individualized care. At Novant Health, this means participating in tumor boards, where surgical, medical and radiation oncologists collaboratively review each cancer patient's condition to determine the best treatment plan. \n I was born in the Philippines and then moved to New Jersey, where I spent most of my childhood near the beach. My husband and I moved to Charlotte in 2019 with our newborn daughter. We enjoy the outdoors, particularly hiking and going to the beach, as well as experiencing other cultures through travel. Closer to home, we enjoy discovering new restaurants. Music is also a passion of mine and a large part of our family activities.

Biography: Dr. Natalie Sun, MD is a Dermatologist who practices in Concord, NC. She is 42 years old. Dr. Natalie Sun, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Rowan Medical Center.

Biography: One of the hardest things anyone can do is face a cancer diagnosis. \n While I was in medical school, a close friend learned he had cancer. With most current treatment modalities unavailable in our country - Nepal - at the time, the disease took its toll. I witnessed the physical suffering and emotional turmoil he endured. I saw the far-reaching consequences cancer can have on people's lives, their work, their relationships. \n But at the same time, I was learning about new and promising treatment options that were giving hope to millions. This, I realized, was an area of medicine that would allow me to have an impact on patients' quality of life and their very survival. \n The following year, I began my residency with a mission statement: "To practice medicine with vigor and enthusiasm, serve the ideals of goodness and beauty through medicine and to love what I do, for it shall enrich patients' lives as well as my own." \n There were such exciting advancements being made in hematology and oncology. I wanted to be part of that work, so I embarked on a challenging, yet rewarding, career as a hematologist and oncologist. \n Delivering compassionate care and developing long-term relationships with patients are as rewarding as I thought they'd be when I was a medical student. I love to take the complexity of cancer and try to simplify it so my patients understand their disease and treatment plan. \n I appreciate being part of Novant Health, because we believe in taking care of the whole patient, not just an organ. And not just their disease. And we practice the art, as well as the science, of medicine. \n My wife, who's also originally from Nepal, and I and have two daughters, and we love spending time together as a family. I enjoy all manner of outdoor activities, especially playing tennis.