SquamousCellCarcinomaofSkin near Charlotte, NC

Biography: I became interested in medicine as a child when I realized there was a predisposition to cancer and cardiovascular disease in my family. During medical school, members of my family were diagnosed with cancer, and that is when I made it my mission to pursue a career in oncology. Today I am board-certified in medical oncology and hematology, with a focus on breast oncology. \n After practicing in upstate New York for several years, I joined Novant Health in 2017. I love working with my patients and have continued to advance my knowledge of cancer treatments through participation in our clinical research trials program. Here, I've also found a passion for teaching medical residents. One of the key lessons I try to drive home with my students is to recognize the unique needs of every cancer patient and those of his or her family. My style of practice is patient-centric, with a strong emphasis on shared decision making to achieve the best outcome possible. \n When not at work, I enjoy spending time with family. Together we enjoy biking and spending time at the beach.

Biography: My focus is caring for women through all stages of breast cancer - from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and beyond. At Novant Health, I've been able to pursue this mission through a highly rewarding combination of clinical work and research. I have been principal investigator on several clinical trials involving drugs targeting proteins that cause cancer to grow and spread. These targeted therapies are particularly exciting because the drugs can manage specific types of breast cancer that are difficult to eliminate through surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. \n My role as a medical oncologist is to develop a clear treatment plan that takes advantage of the growing options available and be available to address all your questions. I strive to make sure my patients take advantage of the many resources Novant Health offers, whether that's participation in a clinical trial, helping you prevent hair loss during chemotherapy, or referring you to our cancer wellness exercise program for cancer survivors. \n The opportunity to work with patients over an extended period is a big part of what attracted me to oncology. During my residency, I had the opportunity to see the meaningful relationships that patients form with their oncologist and how rewarding it can be to guide a patient through their cancer journey. This is why I volunteer to participate in every initiative I can that supports and benefits my breast cancer warriors. \n I have lived in Charlotte since 2010, when I moved here with my husband and two kids after completing my training in New York City. I enjoy travelling, relaxing at the beach, reading, and watching my kids play sports and mentoring young children through Charlotte's Wayfinders program.

Biography: I entered medicine to help people and found a calling in oncology, a field that allows me to combine the most current medical knowledge with compassionate humanistic care on a daily basis. \n I am a general hematologist-oncologist who treats a wide range of blood and cancer conditions. My clinical interest is in treating GI cancer and breast cancer. \n I believe that, regardless of how common or rare the diagnosis, each patient deserves personalized care. To me, the key to good patient care is to listen and pay attention to the small details. I pride myself on striving to provide the most thorough and attentive care to each person under my care, at each visit and at every juncture. \n My husband, daughter and I are originally from the Philadelphia area. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, traveling, nature photography and spending time with my loved ones.

Care Philosophy: Dr. Bertsch is a board-certified surgery who values a personalized, integrative approach to surgery as well as collaboration with the patient's full health care team.

Biography: Dr. Catherine Pointon, MD is a Dermatologist who practices in Charlotte, NC. She is 62 years old and has been practicing for 35 years. Dr. Catherine Pointon, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

Biography: I see adult patients with blood disorders and cancers of all types. My approach to healthcare is to treat each person as I would members of my own family. I strongly believe involving patients in decisions about treatment and coordinating care with other physicians yields the best results. \n I have always loved to help people, and oncology gives me a unique opportunity to do that in a way that is rewarding to me. I get to know patients and care for them during a challenging time in their lives. \n Helping cancer patients requires a team effort, and I am grateful to be working alongside such a wonderful team of doctors and nurses. \n In 2012, I moved to Charlotte. I enjoy spending my spare time with my husband Kam and son Cyrus. We travel together, explore new restaurants, play board games, swim and spend time with extended family. I also love to read and play badminton with Cyrus.