SquamousCellCarcinomaofSkin near Statesville, NC

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: “We are committed to delivering the best care and an exceptional patient experience. We are devoted to providing services that are patient-centered and compassionate, and care for you as a person.”

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. Poras Patel, MD is a Hematology Specialist who practices in Mooresville, NC. He is 40 years old. Dr. Poras Patel, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Kuykendal has spent many years in North Carolina but has called Charlotte home since 2013. He believes in bringing the latest evidence-based medicine to his patients and working with them to make the best treatment decisions. During his career he has worked in basic science, clinical trials and patient outcomes research to advance the oncology field for current and future patients. He treats patients with a variety of cancers and blood diseases but has a special focus on cancers of the GI tract including colon, rectum, pancreas and liver cancer as well as prostate, kidney and testicular cancer. He has three children who keep him quite busy, and during his free time enjoys sporting events, theater and trying new restaurants.

Biography: Medicine, and oncology specifically, have been a calling for me from a young age. My family has no medical professionals, yet I knew from childhood that a career in medicine was in my future. I have always had a particular interest in the science of oncology and the incredible advancements in cancer treatments that have occurred in the last century. Today, I am a hematology and oncology specialist focusing on the treatment and management of breast and lung cancers. \n My colleagues and I believe in a team approach to care. That is why I serve on thoracic and breast tumor site councils and the committee for cancer at Novant Health. This is an opportunity for us to come together with our colleagues to discuss cases, explore treatment options and develop care plans for our patients as a team. \n What I love most about oncology is the relationships I develop with my patients and their families. Cancer can often be a long journey, and I consider it an honor to help patients navigate through these challenging times and beyond. \n I am originally from Columbia, South Carolina, and did most of my training in my home state at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. After completing my medical training, my husband and I relocated to Charlotte to be close to family. I am happily married to my husband, and we have two boys who are the light of our lives. In my personal time, I enjoy exploring nature with my children, traveling and reading, as well as daily exercise.

Biography: During residency, I worked alongside an oncologist who inspired me to pursue the specialty. I saw the tremendous impact new treatments could have for patients and wanted to offer the same life-prolonging and lifesaving treatments to my own patients. \n I also admired the close relationships my oncologist mentor had with his patients and their families. I liked the idea of using science, which I'd always loved, to help people fight this disease. \n It is a humbling privilege to care for patients facing cancer. I take the time to listen to their concerns and fears and provide them extensive education on their disease and possible treatment options. I also leverage all the expertise within our multidisciplinary cancer institute so patients get the best of our collective experience. \n Cancer can be isolating. It's easy for patients to feel vulnerable. So, throughout their treatment and follow-up, I stay in frequent communication with patients and their families. \n I am board-certified in oncology, hematology and internal medicine. I have a special interest in clinical research and appreciate that, at Novant Health, we can offer novel therapies through clinical trials. I've served as principal investigator and co-investigator on several phase I, II and III clinical trials. \n My wife, Nada, and I live in Concord with our daughter (Sophia), son (Sami) and our Goldendoodle, (Chippey). I treasure family time and enjoy coaching tennis, travel, skiing and road biking.