From Uncertainty to Understanding

A lifelong nature explorer and wildlife conservationist, Jenkins leads The Orianne Society, a nonprofit he describes as “the Audubon Society, but for snakes and reptiles.”

His pain worsened to the extent that even sitting or standing became unbearable. “At first, I thought it was just an old back injury flaring up,” Jenkins says. “I tried to push through it, but the pain just kept getting worse. I never imagined it would turn out to be something this serious.”

When his insurance required physical therapy before approving an MRI, Jenkins decided he couldn’t wait. He paid out of pocket for imaging, and the scan revealed a tumor pressing on his spinal cord.

A colleague urged him to contact Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. Within two days, he had an appointment at Winship’s Oncology Diagnostic Clinic (ODC), where he met Jessica Guadagno, a physician assistant who coordinated his consult, lab work and imaging that same day.

“The thing that stood out to me most about Winship’s Oncology Diagnostic Clinic is that I made a friend,” Jenkins says. Everyone at the Diagnostic Clinic was kind and helpful. The staff were straightforward and all-business in their roles, but they did it with a subtle kindness that helped ease the anxiety of the unknown.”

Because of the tumor’s delicate location, surgery was required to obtain a biopsy. The procedure confirmed follicular lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. His surgical team successfully removed the tumor and quickly began treatment planning with hematologist Jason Romancik and radiation oncologist Zachary S. Buchwald.

While the pain, the surgery and the recovery were intense, the team were able to identify the primary tumor and start treatment early. "If I was going to get cancer," Jenkins says, "this is the one I'm most suited to handle. It's not curable right now, but it's very treatable. I joke that I was built for it. Bring it on."

He credits Guadagno and the ODC team with helping him stay grounded and confident through those first overwhelming days. “I really appreciate Jessica,” he says. “She has a straightforward way of dealing with reality, but it’s comforting. I think about cancer and shout, ‘Let’s go!’ and I can picture Jessica right beside me saying it, too. Above all, she’s just a kind, good person who cares. I’m thankful for her.”

Jenkins’ positive experience was so profound that his wife, who had previously been receiving treatment for uveal melanoma in another state, decided to transfer her care to Winship as well. “The answer was simple,” Jenkins says. “We realized very quickly that the care Emory provides is unparalleled in the region. We know Emory gives both of us the greatest opportunity to live the longest, highest-quality life possible.”

He now encourages others to be active participants in their own care. “This is the first time I’ve really been a patient in my life, but instead of putting up barriers that force me to advocate for myself, the staff at Emory advocate with me,” he says. “With my career I can live anywhere in the world, but I’ll never again live more than three hours from Emory.”

A clinic designed for speed and support

For Guadagno, who helps lead the diagnostic process for many first-time Winship patients, the clinic’s mission is simple: provide rapid, accurate diagnosis and compassionate guidance from the very start.

“Our focus is on efficiency and accuracy. We order the right tests, whether it’s labs, imaging or procedures, to quickly establish a diagnosis,” Guadagno explains. “If we do identify a malignancy, we streamline the process so patients transition seamlessly to the treating oncologist and care team.”

Unlike most cancer clinics, which see patients after a confirmed diagnosis, Winship’s ODC is specifically designed for those in the uncertain stage before diagnosis, such as patients who are facing suspicious findings, abnormal scans or symptoms that could indicate cancer.

“Time is of the essence in cancer care,” Guadagno says. “Getting to a diagnosis quickly sets the foundation for everything that follows. Even when patients arrive anxious and overwhelmed, by the end of that first visit much of that anxiety is lifted. They leave feeling more in control and empowered.”

Compassion in action

That compassion is what Vivian Kim and her son, David, say they’ll never forget. Vivian came to Winship after an alarming MRI and soon met Guadagno, who helped guide her through the diagnostic process.

“The first appointment was gutting but also hopeful and warm,” Vivian recalls. “Jessica was both honest and kind and offered help 24/7.”

David, who served as his mother’s caregiver, says the clinic’s communication and empathy made all the difference in the diagnostic process and the transition to treatment for colon cancer which was confirmed in the process.

“Without the kindness of the Winship people, from check-in to oncologist, I don’t think anyone would make it,” he says. “Chemo is just that hard. No one can get through that alone.” The responsiveness and compassion they received from the entire team stood out to the Kim family. David says his family continues to be grateful for the care provided by Lindsay Hannan, Vivian’s oncologist.

“We’ve been so impressed with her knowledge and touched by her concern,” he says. “How does an oncologist care that much about a patient,” especially under such challenging circumstances? “Dr. Hannan is a miracle on legs.”

He adds, “I feel for people who aren’t near an NCI-designated Cancer Center and can’t access the best minds in the world. The only thing bigger than their expertise is their hearts.”

Leadership perspective: building a faster path to care

Shahid Ahmed, medical director of the Oncology Diagnostic Clinic, says the program was created to fill a critical gap in the spectrum of cancer care.

“Navigating a potential cancer diagnosis can be a challenging time for patients,” Ahmed says. “Delays are unfortunately common because of how complex the health care system can be. The Oncology Diagnostic Clinic was established so we can use all the resources available—quickly—to get patients a diagnosis sooner.”

Ahmed emphasizes that the ODC model is unique because it gives patients access to oncology-trained clinicians at the very beginning of their cancer care experience.

“Our providers are singularly focused on establishing a diagnosis,” he explains. “Because they’re part of Winship, they have direct access to our cancer specialists and the full resources of Emory. That collaboration is particularly valuable in complex cases.”

As referrals continue to grow, Ahmed says the clinic is expanding to accommodate more patients and further reduce diagnostic wait times.

“Our goal is to get patients from suspicion to treatment as quickly as possible,” he says. “We hope that improving waiting times ultimately improves outcomes—and reduces anxiety during what is often one of the most uncertain times in a person’s life.”

From uncertainty to understanding

For patients like Chris Jenkins and Vivian Kim, the Oncology Diagnostic Clinic turned fear and uncertainty into clarity and connection.

“The staff were amazing,” Jenkins says. “They were straightforward and professional, but they did it with kindness that made all the difference. Even in the middle of something scary, there was so much hope.”

Through its combination of timely diagnosis, compassionate care and multidisciplinary teamwork, Winship’s Oncology Diagnostic Clinic embodies the institute’s mission: delivering cutting-edge cancer care while walking beside every patient, and their loved ones, every step of the way.

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Andrea Clement, a longtime writer and health care media professional, serves as Winship’s associate director of public relations.