Neuroendocrine Tumors

When you come to Winship Cancer Institute for treatment of neuroendocrine tumors, you have a multidisciplinary team of experts dedicated to your well-being. To request an appointment, call (404) 778-0032.

The Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University offers patients a multidisciplinary approach and a total solution for neuroendocrine tumor care.

At Winship, our specialized doctors and nurses work together with you to determine the best treatment options. We realize you want to start treatment as soon as possible. By scheduling one appointment at the clinic, you will have access to three specially trained oncologists and a nurse navigator who will help guide you and your family through treatment. The goal of this clinic is to provide you with complete care and answers to all of your questions.

The benefits of our multidisciplinary and highly experienced teams include:

  • Access to doctors and surgeons who rank among the top cancer experts in the world.
  • Weekly review of patient cases by the full team of experts.
  • Coordinated scheduling for appointments among various specialties.
  • Access to support services and programs for you and your caregivers.
  • Availability of new treatment options within our clinical trials program.

Request an Appointment

If you have been diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors, we are ready to help you. Call us at (404) 778-0032. Winship experts are available to provide a second opinion.

We understand that this is a very stressful time. We welcome your questions and requests for help. Learn what to expect on your first visit.

Neuroendocrine tumors are a rare type of cancer that develops in cells of the neuroendocrine system, a network of glands and organs in the body that produce hormones.

These types of tumors can be found throughout the body including the gastrointestinal tract, brain and lungs. Neuroendocrine tumors are also referred to as carcinoid or islet cell tumor.

The stage of your disease indicates how much it has spread. Early stage cancer is a disease limited to one organ. Late stage cancer indicates spread to other organs like to the liver, lung or to the bone. Determining the stage of your cancer will affect your treatment plan. Your Winship care team may use one or more tests and procedures to determine the stage of your cancer, including:

  • Physical exam and blood work
  • CT and/or PET scan
  • MRI
  • Octreotide scan: this method is used specifically for neuroendocrine tumors to see if the disease has spread to other parts of the body.
  • Dotatate PET scan: this method is used to find, evaluate and diagnose neuroendocrine tumors. Our specialists have deep expertise in Dotatate PET scans.
  • Biopsy: a sample of tissue will be removed and examined by a pathologist.

Specialty imaging uses powerful imaging modalities to provide for better diagnosis and treatment of various cancers. At Winship, our highly experienced radiologists offer advanced MR and CT for imaging neuroendocrine tumors. We are home to the only PET-MRI in Georgia which combines the power of MR and PET in one machine.

Ask your doctor if specialty imaging may benefit you.

Treatment of neuroendocrine tumors can be challenging due to the various types, where they present in the body, and the symptoms they produce.

Here are some of the treatment options:

Surgery: a physician will remove the tumor using the latest techniques including minimally invasive procedures when appropriate.

Liver directed therapies: are a group of minimally invasive procedures guided by imaging modalities and usually performed by interventional radiologists. These procedures include ablation and transcatheter therapies.

  • Ablation means the destruction of the tumors by directly applying heat, cold or energy (microwave). Laser ablation is used to treat tiny neuroendocrine tumors in the liver early, resulting in improved outcomes for patients.
  • Transcatheter therapies include injecting small particles of radioactive material directly into the blood vessels that supply the tumor. Liver directed therapies may be used to shrink tumors in preparation for surgery. Y90 microsphere therapy treats more widespread neuroendocrine tumors in the liver.

Nuclear medicine uses radiotracers or radioactive drug therapies to diagnose, evaluate, and treat various diseases including neuroendocrine tumors. We have pioneered the use of radioactive drug therapies in Georgia, such as Luthatera. Our team at Emory University Hospital Midtown performs the most Lutathera treatments in Georgia and is one of the top centers in the US.

Chemotherapy and targeted therapies: drugs are used to kill or slow the growth of the tumor. In addition to standard targeted therapies, participating in clinical trials may be an option in certain cases. Clinical trials provide patients access to new medications that are being developed to treat neuroendocrine cancer.

Clinical Trials

Consider talking with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial at Winship. Through these trials, you may have access to treatments for neuroednocrine tumors that are not widely available.

Supportive Oncology Care

In addition to delivering the highest quality medical care, we recognize the importance of the psychological and emotional aspects of living with a cancer diagnosis and of dealing with treatment. Our supportive oncology team addresses these issues in a timely manner with additional support from counselorsnurse navigatorsdietitians and social service professionals.

Cascade Link

Olatunji B. Alese MD

  • Medical Oncologist
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                                 Olatunji B. Alese MD
Olatunji B. Alese MD

Olatunji B. Alese MD

Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C

  • Social Worker
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                                 Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C
Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C

Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C

Wendy Baer MD

  • Psychiatric Oncologist
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                                 Wendy Baer MD
Wendy Baer MD

Wendy Baer MD

Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD

  • Nutrition Advisor
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                                 Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD
Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD

Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD

  • Ms. Barrett leads the nutritional services team at all Winship locations providing personalized nutrition advice to patients who are undergoing cancer treatment.
  • Manager of Winship Dietitians, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-5646

Anna Bausum ND

  • Integrative Oncology Specialist
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                                 Anna Bausum ND
Anna Bausum ND

Anna Bausum ND

  • Dr. Bausum supports patients with cancer by incorporating a variety of integrative medicine tools alongside patients' conventional oncology care regimens.
  • Integrative Oncology Specialist, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0600

Laura Brachman MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Laura Brachman MD
Laura Brachman MD

Laura Brachman MD

  • Dr. Brachman provides patients with cancer with relief from their symptoms and helps improve their quality of life throughout their journey.
  • Assistant Medical Director, Outpatient Palliative and Supportive Care, Emory Healthcare
  • (404) 778-6448

Valerie Buckley MS, CSO, RD, LD

  • Nutrition Advisor
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                                 Valerie Buckley MS, CSO, RD, LD
Valerie Buckley MS, CSO, RD, LD

Valerie Buckley MS, CSO, RD, LD

  • A Registered Dietitian, Ms. Buckley provides cancer patients who are undergoing treatment at Winship Cancer Institute with personalized nutrition advice.
  • Clinical Dietitian, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0296

Suzy Cahn MMSc, CGC

  • Genetic Counselor
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                                 Suzy Cahn MMSc, CGC
Suzy Cahn MMSc, CGC

Suzy Cahn MMSc, CGC

  • Ms. Cahn provides comprehensive genetic counseling services for individuals who are at risk for hereditary cancer.
  • Licensed Certified Genetic Counselor, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and Emory Decatur Hospital
  • (404) 778-1900

Seth J. Concors MD

  • Surgical Oncologist
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                                 Seth J. Concors MD
Seth J. Concors MD

Seth J. Concors MD

  • Dr. Concors' primary clinical focus is gastrointestinal surgical oncology, particularly hepatobiliary and peritoneal surface malignancies.
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 686-3811

Kimberly A. Curseen MD

  • Supportive Oncologist
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                                 Kimberly A. Curseen MD
Kimberly A. Curseen MD

Kimberly A. Curseen MD

  • Board certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Dr. Curseen is the primary provider for the Supportive Oncology Clinic at Winship.
  • Director, Palliative Medicine Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-6448

Sunil W. Dutta MD

  • Radiation Oncologist
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                                 Sunil W. Dutta MD
Sunil W. Dutta MD

Sunil W. Dutta MD

Frank Eady LMSW

  • Social Worker
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                                 Frank Eady LMSW
Frank Eady LMSW

Frank Eady LMSW

Adrien Edoo MTS

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Adrien Edoo MTS
Adrien Edoo MTS

Adrien Edoo MTS

  • Adrien provides spiritual and emotional support for oncology patients and their caregivers.
  • Spiritual Health Clinician and Fellow, Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown
  • (404) 991-8429

Fabienne Ehivet MS, CGC

  • Genetic Counselor
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                                 Fabienne Ehivet MS, CGC
Fabienne Ehivet MS, CGC

Fabienne Ehivet MS, CGC

  • Ms. Ehivet provides comprehensive genetic counseling for individuals and families at increased risk for hereditary cancer.
  • Licensed Certified Genetic Counselor, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital and Emory Johns Creek Hospital
  • (404) 778-1900

Olumide B. Gbolahan MBBS, MSc

  • Medical Oncologist
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                                 Olumide B. Gbolahan MBBS, MSc
Olumide B. Gbolahan MBBS, MSc

Olumide B. Gbolahan MBBS, MSc

  • Dr. Gbolahan specializes in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, particularly biliary tract, liver and pancreatic malignancies.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-0032

Raghuveer K. Halkar MD

  • Nuclear Radiologist
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                                 Raghuveer K. Halkar MD
Raghuveer K. Halkar MD

Raghuveer K. Halkar MD

Lindsay M. Hannan MD, MSc

  • Medical Oncologist
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                                 Lindsay M. Hannan MD, MSc
Lindsay M. Hannan MD, MSc

Lindsay M. Hannan MD, MSc

  • Dr. Hannan specializes in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers including hepatobiliary malignancies.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-0032

Lisha Sheng Ho MPAS, PA-C

  • Physician Assistant
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                                 Lisha Sheng Ho MPAS, PA-C
Lisha Sheng Ho MPAS, PA-C

Lisha Sheng Ho MPAS, PA-C

  • Ms. Ho specializes in the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
  • Physician Assistant, Surgical Oncology/Colorectal Surgery, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital and Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown
  • (404) 778-3307

Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD
Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD

Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD

Sol Jacobs MD

  • Endocrinologist
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                                 Sol Jacobs MD
Sol Jacobs MD

Sol Jacobs MD

  • Dr. Jacobs' clinical interests include thyroid disorders, pituitary disorders, diabetes mellitus, Grave's disease, neuroendocrinology and osteoporosis.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3280

Tatiana Johnson MMSc, LCGC

  • Genetic Counselor
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                                 Tatiana Johnson MMSc, LCGC
Tatiana Johnson MMSc, LCGC

Tatiana Johnson MMSc, LCGC

Sandra Karem LCSW

  • Social Services
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                                 Sandra Karem LCSW
Sandra Karem LCSW

Sandra Karem LCSW

Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN

  • Nutrition Advisor
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                                 Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN
Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN

Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN

Ashish Khanna MD

  • Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist
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                                 Ashish Khanna MD
Ashish Khanna MD

Ashish Khanna MD

  • Dr. Khanna focuses on the identification and treatment of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and other issues resulting from cancer and related treatments.
  • Director of Cancer Rehabilitation, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

David A. Kooby MD, FACS

  • Surgical Oncologist
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                                 David A. Kooby MD, FACS
David A. Kooby MD, FACS

David A. Kooby MD, FACS

  • Dr. Kooby is involved in multicenter clinical research and is an international leader in minimally invasive pancreatic, liver and biliary tract surgery.
  • Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3307

Susan K. Kunihiro MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Susan K. Kunihiro MD
Susan K. Kunihiro MD

Susan K. Kunihiro MD

  • Dr. Kunihiro works to improve quality of life for patients with cancer, no matter the stage of illness - from initial diagnosis, during treatment, in remission or closer to end of life.
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448

Rupeng Li MD, PhD

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 Rupeng Li MD, PhD
Rupeng Li MD, PhD

Rupeng Li MD, PhD

  • Dr. Li works with care teams at Winship to treat chronic pain symptoms in patients with cancer.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 686-2410

Shishir K. Maithel MD, FACS, FSSO

  • Surgical Oncologist
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                                 Shishir K. Maithel  MD, FACS, FSSO
Shishir K. Maithel MD, FACS, FSSO

Shishir K. Maithel MD, FACS, FSSO

  • Dr. Maithel is a board certified surgeon and surgical oncologist with special interest in hepatobiliary malignancies such as liver cancer as well as cancer of the pancreas, stomach, colon, and small intestine.
  • Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-5777

Meredith C. Mason MD

  • Surgical Oncologist
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                                 Meredith C. Mason MD
Meredith C. Mason MD

Meredith C. Mason MD

  • Dr. Mason treats tumors of the liver, biliary tract, pancreas, tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, neuroendocrine tumors and sarcoma.
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 616-1000

Meredith Maxwell MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Meredith Maxwell MD
Meredith Maxwell MD

Meredith Maxwell MD

  • Dr. Maxwell collaborates with the multidisciplinary care team at Winship to help patients address symptoms and improve their quality of life during their journey with cancer.
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448

Kendelle Miller MSW, LCSW, ACM-SW

  • Social Worker
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                                 Kendelle Miller MSW, LCSW, ACM-SW
Kendelle Miller MSW, LCSW, ACM-SW

Kendelle Miller MSW, LCSW, ACM-SW

Sonal Oza MD

  • Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist
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                                 Sonal Oza MD
Sonal Oza MD

Sonal Oza MD

  • Dr. Oza is a board-certified physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) with fellowship training in cancer rehabilitation medicine.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-1900

Jamie Paysour MMSc, CGC

  • Genetic Counselor
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                                 Jamie Paysour MMSc, CGC
Jamie Paysour MMSc, CGC

Jamie Paysour MMSc, CGC

  • Ms. Paysour provides genetic counseling for individuals and families who are at risk for hereditary cancer.
  • Licensed Certified Genetic Counselor, Grady Memorial Hospital, Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence
  • (404) 616-1000

Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv
Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv

Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv

  • Dr. Peacock leads the Winship Spiritual Health Team in the work of offering compassionate, inclusive, supportive, evidence based care to patients, families and staff.
  • Director of Spiritual Health, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-8029

Beatrice T.B. Preti MD, MMEd

  • Medical Oncologist
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                                 Beatrice T.B. Preti MD, MMEd
Beatrice T.B. Preti MD, MMEd

Beatrice T.B. Preti MD, MMEd

M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD
M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD

M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD

  • A cancer pain management expert, Dr. Qadri collaborates with oncologists at Winship to treat patients with cancer suffering from chronic pain symptoms.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 686-2410

Margaret A. Riso MD

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 Margaret A. Riso MD
Margaret A. Riso MD

Margaret A. Riso MD

Missy Roberts MDiv

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Missy Roberts MDiv
Missy Roberts MDiv

Missy Roberts MDiv

  • Missy provides spiritual and emotional support for oncology patients and their caregivers.
  • Spiritual Health Clinician and Fellow, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Maria C. Russell MD

  • Surgical Oncologist
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                                 Maria C. Russell MD
Maria C. Russell MD

Maria C. Russell MD

  • A surgical expert in the care of complex gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary malignancies, Dr. Russell as Chief Quality Officer collaborates with Winship leadership on tracking and improving patient services and satisfaction as well as focusing on cancer outcomes.
  • Chief Quality Officer, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 686-1001

Juan M. Sarmiento MD, FACS

  • Surgeon
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                                 Juan M. Sarmiento MD, FACS
Juan M. Sarmiento MD, FACS

Juan M. Sarmiento MD, FACS

  • Dr. Sarmiento, an expert in liver, biliary tract and pancreas surgery, is one of only a handful of surgeons with a commitment to hepatopancreatic biliary surgery.
  • Director of Hepatopancreatic Biliary Surgery, Emory University Hospital
  • (404) 778-3712

Neil D. Saunders MD

  • Surgical Oncologist
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                                 Neil D. Saunders MD
Neil D. Saunders MD

Neil D. Saunders MD

  • A board certified surgeon and surgical oncologist, Dr. Saunders specializes in cancers of the endocrine organs including thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas and adrenal glands.
  • Associate Professor, Division of General and GI Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3712

David M. Schuster MD, FACR

  • Nuclear Radiologist
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                                 David M. Schuster MD, FACR
David M. Schuster MD, FACR

David M. Schuster MD, FACR

  • Dr. Schuster is board certified in radiology and nuclear medicine, and specializes in molecular medicine and integrative imaging.
  • Professor, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 712-4859

Ila Sethi MD

  • Nuclear Radiologist
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                                 Ila Sethi MD
Ila Sethi MD

Ila Sethi MD

  • Dr. Sethi's practice includes all aspects of general and therapeutic nuclear medicine.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 712-4843

Vinita Singh MD, MS

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 Vinita Singh MD, MS
Vinita Singh MD, MS

Vinita Singh MD, MS

  • Dr. Singh collaborates with oncologists to provide state-of-the-art therapies to cancer patients suffering from pain symptoms.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 686-2410

Jesse A. Soodalter MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Jesse A. Soodalter MD
Jesse A. Soodalter MD

Jesse A. Soodalter MD

  • A palliative care specialist, Dr. Soodalter provides specialized outpatient medical care with a focus on relief from the symptoms and stress of cancer and other illnesses.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448

Christine Stanislaw MS, CGC

  • Genetic Counselor
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                                 Christine Stanislaw MS, CGC
Christine Stanislaw MS, CGC

Christine Stanislaw MS, CGC

  • Ms. Stanislaw provides genetic counseling, including risk assessment and test coordination, for individuals concerned about the possibility of hereditary cancer susceptibility.
  • Director of Genetic Counseling, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD

  • Nutrition Advisor
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                                 Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD
Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD

Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD

Christine R. Tallo MMSc, CGC

  • Genetic Counselor
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                                 Christine R. Tallo MMSc, CGC
Christine R. Tallo MMSc, CGC

Christine R. Tallo MMSc, CGC

Karin Van Vlack

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Karin Van Vlack
Karin Van Vlack

Karin Van Vlack

Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC
Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC

Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC

  • Raymond provides administrative leadership to the Winship Spiritual Health Team, supporting and assisting in their work of compassionate and inclusive care of patients, staff, and their loved ones.
  • Process Improvement Specialist III, Senior Spiritual Health Clinician, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Joshua H. Winer MD

  • Surgical Oncologist
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                                 Joshua H. Winer MD
Joshua H. Winer MD

Joshua H. Winer MD

  • Dr. Winer's specialties include HIPEC, laparoscopic and robotic pancreas, liver, and gastric resections, and minimally invasive colon surgery.
  • Associate Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3307

Nan Xiang MD

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 Nan Xiang MD
Nan Xiang MD

Nan Xiang MD

  • Dr. Xiang specializes in managing chronic pain symptoms for patients with cancer.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 686-2410

Ali J. Zarrabi MD

  • Palliative Oncologist
Photo of 
                                 Ali J. Zarrabi MD
Ali J. Zarrabi MD

Ali J. Zarrabi MD

  • Dr. Zarrabi provides physical, emotional, and spiritual care for patients living with serious illness.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448
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