Your Care at Winship
The team of specialists in gynecologic cancer at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University takes a coordinated approach to treating cervical cancer that incorporates all available therapies.
Our experts draw on Emory’s vast resources in gynecologic oncology, radiation oncology and medical oncology, to provide the newest, most effective practices and treatments for cervical cancer.
Our multidisciplinary care teams also include radiologists, pathologists, pharmacists and advanced practice nurses with expertise in cervical cancer.
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.
- Review of patient cases by a multidisciplinary team of experts.
- Coordinated scheduling for appointments among various specialties.
- Access to a nurse navigator to assist you throughout the treatment process.
- Access to support programs and groups for you and your caregivers.
- Availability of new treatment options within our clinical trials program.
Request an Appointment
If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer, we are ready to help you. To request an appointment with our gynecologic cancer team, please contact us at (404) 778-3401. 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.
Diagnosing Your Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer typically grows slowly with the development of precancerous changes in normal cells. Detection of abnormal cells is possible with a regular Pap smear. If a Pap smear reveals abnormal cells, further diagnostic tests are performed to determine a diagnosis
Additional tests that may be performed include:
Colposcopy: the use of a lighted instrument to closely examine the cervix. Vinegar (acetic acid) may be swabbed on the surfaces of the cervix to be examined. The acid solution makes abnormal tissues turn white and therefore easier to see. A camera may be attached to the instrument.
Biopsy: removal of a small sample of tissue for examination by a pathologist. The procedure is typically done without anesthesia and is associated with minimal pain or bleeding. It is possible to perform the biopsy during a colposcopy.
Learn About Cancer
For reliable, in-depth information about cancer symptoms, staging and diagnosis, visit CancerQuest, an educational and outreach program at Emory University.
Your Treatment Options
There are several options for treatment depending on the stage of your cervical cancer and your desire for future fertility or to avoid early menopause. Your doctor will review which of the following options will best treat your cancer.
Surgery
- Cone Biopsy - used to preserve fertility in women with early stage cancer or to obtain a sample for further study; a cone-shaped section of tissue is taken from the cervix.
- Trachelectomy - used to preserve fertility in women with early stage cancer; removes the entire cervix leaving the uterus in place.
- Simple Hysterectomy - removes the uterus and cervix; results in infertility.
- Radical Hysterectomy - removes the uterus, cervix, tissue surrounding the cervix (parametria), and the upper vagina; results in infertility.
- Salpingo-ophorectomy – removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries may also be recommended; results in infertility and menopause.
- Lymph Node Dissection – depending on the stage of your cancer, you may also need to have lymph nodes removed from the pelvis.
- Pelvic Exenteration - for recurrent cancer isolated to the pelvis; this is a complex procedure for select patients and requires removal of the same organs as a radical hysterectomy in addition to removal of the bladder, rectum, vagina, and possibly colon.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is used to treat cervical cancers that have spread beyond the cervix or for very large tumors (larger than 4 centimeters). External and internal radiation are used to treat cervical cancer. In many cases, chemotherapy is given with radiation. Low levels of chemotherapy make the cancer cells more sensitive to the radiation. The technique is called chemoradiation or radiosensitization.
Proton therapy
Proton therapy is the next generation of radiation oncology. It uses protons to precisely treat cancerous tumors throughout the body while minimizing the potential toxicity to surrounding normal tissues. Learn about proton therapy for cervical cancer.
Chemotherapy
Several different chemotherapy drugs may also be used to treat primary or recurrent cervical cancer.
Targeted therapies
Winship's most promising research in treating cervical cancer is in personalized medicine and targeted therapies. In personalized medicine, researchers identify unique characteristics of tumors that make them vulnerable to known drugs so therapy can be tailored to an individual's cancer. In targeted therapies, investigators look for new drugs that more selectively target cancer cells with fewer side effects.
Clinical Trials
In addition to standard therapy, 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 cervical cancer. Consider talking with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial at Winship.
Reproductive Health Care
Some patients with cervical cancer may be candidates for preserving their fertility, the ability to get pregnant or maintain a pregnancy. Our cancer team works closely with the Emory Reproductive Center to support patients when their fertility may be impacted by cancer treatment. Ask your doctor if this is an option with your cancer diagnosis and to be referred to a fertility specialist.
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 counselors, nurse navigators, dietitians, social service professionals, and additional specialists trained in the management of cancer symptoms, such as pain or nausea.
Your Treatment Team
- Physicians
- Physician Diagnosticians
- Nurse Navigators
- Adv Practice
- Nurses
- Support Services
- Clinical Trials
- All
Susan C. Modesitt MD, FACOG, FACS
- Gynecologic Oncologist

Susan C. Modesitt MD, FACOG, FACS
- Dr. Modesitt specializes in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies and leads the gynecologic oncology program at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3401
Karen Anderson MDiv
- Spiritual Health Provider

Karen Anderson MDiv
- Rev. Anderson provides spiritual and emotional support for oncology patients and their caregivers at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.
- Chaplain and Spiritual Health Fellow, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- karen.anderson@emory.edu
- (470) 808-2581
Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C
- Social Worker

Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C
- Ms. Arnold works with patients of all cancer types providing resource referrals and counseling services.
- Social Worker, Medical Oncology, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
- rebecca.arnold@emoryhealthcare.org
- (678) 843-7021
Wendy Baer MD
- Psychiatric Oncologist

Wendy Baer MD
- Dr. Baer helps patients and their families deal with the stress of receiving a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
- Director of Psychiatric Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD
- Nutrition Advisor

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
- tiffany.barrett@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-5646
Anna Bausum ND
- Integrative Oncology Specialist

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
- integrativeoncology@emory.edu
- (404) 778-0600
George G. Birdsong MD
- Pathologist

George G. Birdsong MD
- Located at Grady Memorial Hospital, Dr. Birdsong specializes in gynecologic cytopathology.
- Professor, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- gbirdso@emory.edu
- (404) 712-5947
Whitney Bond RD, LD
- Nutrition Advisor

Whitney Bond RD, LD
- Ms. Bond offers personalized nutrition advice to optimize health throughout the stages of cancer, from diagnosis to survivorship.
- Registered Dietitian, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- whitney.e.bond@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Laura Brachman MD
- Palliative Care Specialist

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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448
Russell Brown LCSW
- Social Worker

Russell Brown LCSW
- Mr. Brown works with gastrointestinal, genitourinary, breast cancer, brain cancer, gynecological, aerodigestive, and sarcoma patients at Emory University Hospital Midtown.
- Social Worker, Medical Oncology, Emory University Hospital Midtown
- russell.h.brown@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-5191
Catherine Caprara Braga MSN, AGACNP-BC
- Nurse Practitioner

Catherine Caprara Braga MSN, AGACNP-BC
- Ms. Caprara serves as lead nurse practitioner and co-investigator on early drug development trials in the Phase 1 Clinical Trials Unit at Winship.
- Lead Nurse Practitioner, Phase I Unit, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Hannah H. Collins NP
- Nurse Practitioner

Hannah H. Collins NP
- Ms. Collins is a Nurse Practitioner for the Phase I Clinical Trial Unit at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Phase I Clinical Trials Nurse Practitioner, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Kimberly A. Curseen MD
- Supportive Oncologist

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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448
Sarah Dilley MD, MPH, FACOG
- Gynecologic Oncologist

Sarah Dilley MD, MPH, FACOG
- Dr. Dilley treats patients with gynecologic cancer including cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer.
- Assistant Professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3401
Tony Y. Eng MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Tony Y. Eng MD
- Dr. Eng practices general radiation oncology and specializes in the treatment of gynecologic and prostate cancers.
- Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3473
Lisa Flowers MD, MPH, FACOG
- Gynecologist and Obstetrician

Lisa Flowers MD, MPH, FACOG
- Dr. Flowers specializes in the treatment of women with abnormal pap tests, HPV-related disease, and pre-cancerous gynecologic conditions.
- Director of Colposcopy Services, Grady Cancer Center
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3401
Heather G. Gatcombe MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Heather G. Gatcombe MD
- Dr. Gatcombe practices general radiation oncology at Emory Decatur Hospital and Emory Hillandale Hospital.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 501-6925
Chanhee Han MD
- Gynecologic Oncologist

Chanhee Han MD
- Dr. Han specializes in the treatment of gynecologic cancers.
- Assistant Professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3401
Sheela Hanasoge MBBS, PhD
- Radiation Oncologist

Sheela Hanasoge MBBS, PhD
- Dr. Hanasoge practices general radiation oncology and specializes in the treatment of breast, genitourinary and gynecological cancer.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 616-1000
Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C
- Nurse Practitioner

Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C
- Ms. Hitron is a Nurse Practitioner in the Phase I Clinical Trial Unit at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Phase I Clinical Trials Nurse Practitioner, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Emily M. Huskey RD, CSO, LD
- Nutrition Advisor

Emily M. Huskey RD, CSO, LD
- A Registered Dietitian, Ms. Huskey provides cancer patients who are undergoing treatment at Winship Cancer Institute with personalized nutrition advice.
- Registered Dietitian, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- emily.huskey@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-4526
April Jones MDiv
- Spiritual Health Provider

April Jones MDiv
- Rev. Jones provides spiritual and emotional support for oncology patients and their caregivers at Emory University Hospital Midtown.
- Chaplain and Spiritual Health Fellow, Emory University Hospital Midtown
- april.dawn.jones@emory.edu
- (404) 686-2767
Sandra J. Karem LCSW
- Social Worker

Sandra J. Karem LCSW
- Ms. Karem works at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital with patients of all cancer types providing resource referrals and counseling services.
- Social Worker, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
- sandra.karem@emoryhealthcare.org
- (678) 843-7826
Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN
- Nutrition Advisor

Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN
- Ms. Keller offers advice and counseling to help patients optimize their health and nutrition from diagnosis to survivorship.
- Registered Dietitian, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
- rachel.keller@emoryhealthcare.org
- (678) 843-7115
Namita Khanna MD, MSPH
- Gynecologic Oncologist

Namita Khanna MD, MSPH
- Dr. Khanna collaborates with Winship's gynecologic cancer teams to deliver top care to patients with ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers.
- Director, Pelvic Surgery Fellowship, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3401
Ashish Khanna MD
- Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist

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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Susan K. Kunihiro MD
- Palliative Care Specialist

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, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448
Meredith Maxwell MD
- Palliative Care Specialist

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 Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448
Joy McCall LCSW, OSW-C
- Social Worker

Joy McCall LCSW, OSW-C
- Located at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital and Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Ms. McCall works with the medical oncology teams and their patients.
- Social Worker, Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- joy.mccall@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 938-0918
Jane Lowe Meisel MD
- Medical Oncologist

Jane Lowe Meisel MD
- Dr. Meisel is passionate about women's health, and specializes in treating patients with breast and gynecologic malignancies.
- Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Marina Mosunjac MD
- Pathologist

Marina Mosunjac MD
- Dr. Mosunjac's specializes in gynecologic and breast pathology.
- Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- mmosunj@emory.edu
- (404) 712-5947
Neela Natarajan MD
- Community Oncologist

Neela Natarajan MD
- A board certified medical oncologist, Dr. Natarajan sees patients with cancer at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Sonal Oza MD
- Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist

Sonal Oza MD
- Dr. Oza is a board-certified physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) with fellowship training in cancer rehabilitation medicine.
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Michelle Park MD
- Palliative Care Specialist

Michelle Park MD
- Dr. Park helps improve quality of life for patients with cancer at any stage of their illness by addressing symptoms and collaborating with the multidisciplinary care team at Winship.
- Assistant Professor, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448
Ashish B. Patel MD, MBA
- Radiation Oncologist

Ashish B. Patel MD, MBA
- Dr. Patel treats patients with gynecologic, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, head and neck, and thoracic malignancies, and sarcoma, and specializes in brachytherapy and stereotactic body radiotherapy.
- Medical Director, Radiation Oncology, Emory Decatur Hospital and Emory Hillandale Hospital
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3473
Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv
- Spiritual Health Provider

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
- caroline.peacock@emory.edu
- (404) 778-8029
Natalie Brooke Peeples MD
- Palliative Care Specialist

Natalie Brooke Peeples MD
- A palliative care specialist, Dr. Peeples, provides care and treatments to improve quality of life for patients in any stage of their cancer journey.
- Assistant Professor, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448
M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD
- Pain Management Specialist

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
- yawar.qadri@emory.edu
- (404) 686-2410
William Read MD
- Medical Oncologist

William Read MD
- Dr. Read cares for patients with gynecologic malignancies, brain tumors, cardiac tumors, sarcomas of soft tissue and bone and complicated skin cancers.
- Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Jill Remick MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Jill Remick MD
- Dr. Remick specializes in the treatment of head and neck cancer, and gynecologic cancer.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3473
Margaret A. Riso MD
- Pain Management Specialist

Margaret A. Riso MD
- Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
- margaret.ann.riso@emory.edu
- (404) 686-2410
Vinita Singh MD, MS
- Pain Management Specialist

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
- vinita.singh@emory.edu
- (404) 686-2410
Jesse A. Soodalter MD
- Palliative Care Specialist

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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448
Kristen D. Starbuck MD
- Gynecologic Oncologist

Kristen D. Starbuck MD
- Located at Emory Decatur Hospital, Dr. Starbuck specializes in the treatment of patients with gynecologic cancers.
- Assistant Professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3401
Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD
- Nutrition Advisor

Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD
- Ms. Sturgill works with patients receiving proton therapy to optimize their health and nutrition during and after treatment.
- Registered Dietitian, Emory Proton Therapy Center
- alison.sturgill@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-5646
Dallas Thompson MDiv
- Spiritual Health Provider

Dallas Thompson MDiv
- Rev. Thompson provides spiritual and emotional support for oncology patients and their caregivers at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital and Emory Johns Creek Hospital.
- Chaplain and Spiritual Health Fellow, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital and Emory Johns Creek Hospital
- dallas.anne.thompson@emory.edu
- (470) 487-2457
Gulisa Turashvili MD, PhD
- Pathologist

Gulisa Turashvili MD, PhD
- An anatomic pathologist, Dr. Turashvili specializes in gynecologic and breast pathology.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- gulisa.turashvili@emory.edu
- (404) 712-5227
Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC
- Spiritual Health Provider

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
- raymond.walker@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Qun Wang MD, PhD
- Pathologist

Qun Wang MD, PhD
- Dr. Wang's clinical focus is in breast and gynecologic pathology with a subspecialty in cytopathology.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- qun.wang@emory.edu
- 404-712-5227
Pepper Wilson RD, LD, CSO
- Nutrition Advisor

Pepper Wilson RD, LD, CSO
- Mrs. Wilson provides individualized nutrition care to optimize health throughout the stages of cancer, from diagnosis to survivorship.
- Registered Dietitian, Emory Johns Creek Hospital
- pepper.wilson@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 293-5837
Nan Xiang MD
- Pain Management Specialist

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
- nan.xiang@emory.edu
- (404) 686-2410
Ali J. Zarrabi MD
- Palliative Oncologist

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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448