OpenHysterectomy near Roanoke, VA

Biography: My father was a physician and my mother was a nurse, so, growing up as a kid, I always imagined that I too, would find a career in medicine. Ultimately, I chose to become a gynecologic oncologist because I was attracted to the complexity of the medicine that was mixed with advanced surgical care for women diagnosed with cancers of the reproductive tract. \n More importantly, though, I chose to become a gynecologic oncologist because of the women battling these cancers, and the unique relationship that I would be able to develop with them and their families during their cancer journey. In caring for women diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, I believe it is important to engage them in the discussion of how best to direct their care. In doing so, my goal is to provide them with all available treatment options and access to state of the art surgical and oncologic care. \n In this unique role as a GYN oncologist, I am able to work closely with the patient and her family as she battles her cancer. In doing so, I have the opportunity to guide patients and their families through the ups and downs this battle, a privilege which I believe is critical to both positive outcomes for them as well as personal fulfillment for me. \n Women diagnosed with cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva and other reproductive organs want to know whether - and how - their lives might change during and after treatment. Some want to know if cancer will affect their fertility. Others want to know how treatments will affect their sex life or ability to participate in favorite activities. My goal is to guide them toward making decisions that work best for them given their type of gynecologic cancer and their personal priorities. \n To fulfill this goal, I work with a team of fellow oncologists specializing in surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapies to keep up with the latest advances in the fight against gynecologic cancers. I also work with physician assistants, nurses, physical therapists and social workers, who specialize in helping women with gynecologic cancers. \n I am a member of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, which promotes excellence in the care of women who are either at risk for or affected by such cancers through advocacy, education, research and collaboration. To support those efforts, I founded Athenas Run for Gyn Cancers in 2010. In its first decade, the event raised $500,000 for research, education, and outreach efforts in the Piedmont Triad Region. Weve helped pay for a cancer survivors symposium, an outreach program for minority women and a lecture series. \n I am also extremely interested in trying to decrease the disparities in medical care that exist in developing countries. I have had the opportunity to provide surgical/medical care and training on women's health issues to providers in Tanzania and the Dominican Republican. A native of Asheville, NC, in my spare time, I like to run, hike, and together, with my husband Jeffrey, watch our three kids pursue their passions, which often times means lots of soccer games and gymnastic meets!

Biography: Dr. De Shonta King, MD is an Obstetrics /amp Gynecology Specialist who practices in Winston Salem, NC. She is 50 years old. Dr. De Shonta King, MD is affiliated with Novant Winston-Salem NC.

Biography: Dr. Robin Dillard, MD is an Obstetrics /amp Gynecology Specialist who practices in Winston Salem, NC. She is 68 years old. Dr. Robin Dillard, MD is affiliated with Novant Winston-Salem NC.

Biography: Dr. Anthony Dorbu, MD is an Obstetrics /amp Gynecology Specialist who practices in Winston Salem, NC. He is 70 years old and has been practicing for 42 years. Dr. Anthony Dorbu, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Beverly Womack, MD is an Obstetrics /amp Gynecology Specialist who practices in Winston Salem, NC. She is 54 years old. Dr. Beverly Womack, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Samuel Hall, MD is an Obstetrics /amp Gynecology Specialist who practices in Winston Salem, NC. He is 67 years old and has been practicing for 41 years. Dr. Samuel Hall, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center.

Biography: A.J. Lewis, MD, believes in providing cutting-edge care for women with a personal touch that comes from a smaller practice. Dr. Lewis has time to get to know his patients in part because of unique, longer scheduling at their office. Dr. Lewis offers everything from prenatal care to help with gynecologic problems. From a surgical standpoint he is excited the way technology has made it possible to perform major procedures with minimally invasive methods. A Winston-Salem native, Dr. Lewis is happy to be serving the community he considers home. He and his wife, Diane, agree it's a great place to raise their two sons. He coaches baseball, serves on the board of the Winston-Salem Nationals Little League and is an avid Wake Forest sports fan.

Biography: Thomas Valaoras, MD, founded Novant Health Valaoras and Lewis OB/GYN in 1998 with the goal of building a smaller, patient-centered practice where providers could get to know patients very well. Dr. Valaoras and his team are centered on delivering individual care for each patients' medical needs. Dr. Valaoras enjoys being a part of women's lives and having a positive impact in them. He likes the variety of his specialty from surgery to delivering babies. Dr. Valaoras makes the most of his time away from the office with his wife and their son and daughter. Together, they love to fish, camp, travel and play sports. While his background is Greek, Dr. Valaoras is also fluent in Spanish.