Your Care at Winship
As a patient with colorectal cancer, your best long-term outcome will be achieved with a comprehensive, coordinated approach that incorporates all available therapies.
Your Winship care team draws on Emory's vast resources in surgical oncology, radiation therapy and medical oncology, to provide the newest, most effective practices and treatments for colorectal cancer.
Our multidisciplinary care teams include oncology surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, pharmacists and advanced practice nurses with expertise in colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers. As specialists, our teams develop groundbreaking surgeries and treatments that produce better outcomes and are adopted by other leading cancer centers.
The benefits of our multidisciplinary and highly experienced teams include:
- Access to doctors and surgeons who rank among the top colorectal 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 a nurse navigator to assist you through out the treatment process.
- Access to support groups and education classes for you and your caregivers.
- Availability of new treatment options within our clinical trials program.
Request an Appointment
If you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, we are ready to help you. Call us at (404) 778-0032 to make an appointment. 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 Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer includes cancers of both the colon and the rectum and is the third most common cancer in the U.S. for men and women.
Most colorectal cancers start as a growth, called a polyp, in the inner lining of the colon or rectum and slowly progresses through the other layers. Removing a noncancerous polyp early can keep it from becoming a cancerous tumor, which is why screening is such an important tool for preventing this disease.
The stage of your disease indicates how much it has spread through the layers of the wall of your colon or rectum, and whether it has spread to other organs and lymph nodes. Early stage cancer is disease limited to the colorectal wall and the adjacent lymph nodes. Late stage cancer indicates the disease has spread to other organs like the liver, lung or lining of the abdomen. 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 a blood test, biopsy, colonoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound (for rectal cancer only) and imaging tests. Endoscopic ultrasound is a procedure to determine the stage of rectal cancer in patients. This method uses a high frequency ultrasound transducer to provide detailed images of a rectal mass and its relationship with the four-layered structure of the rectal wall.
Screening for Colorectal Cancer
The recommended age to start screening for colorectal cancer is 45 years old based on the guidelines by the American Cancer Society. Talk to your primary care physician about colorectal cancer risk and to determine if scheduling a colonoscopy is needed, or call (404) 778-3184 to schedule a colorectal screening with Emory Healthcare.
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
Your individualized treatment plan will take into account the stage of your disease, your overall health, the unique genetic characteristics of your tumor, the side effects of the treatment, and relieving colorectal cancer symptoms.
Your care team will discuss treatment options with you and it is important to take time and consider all possible choices. It is also important to know that your chances for having the best possible outcome are highest in the hands of a multi-specialty medical team that is experienced in treating colorectal cancer. One or more of the following types of treatment will be used.
Surgery: Surgery is the main treatment method for early stage colorectal cancer when the disease is confined to the colon, rectum and adjacent lymph nodes. The most common operation is a partial colectomy, in which a piece of the colon or rectum with the tumor is removed and the ends are sewn back together. A section of normal tissue on either side of the tumor and local lymph nodes are also removed, and if there isn't enough tissue left to sew the ends together, one end is attached to the abdominal wall so that stool can empty into a bag attached outside the body. This type of surgery, called a colostomy, is much more rare than partial colectomy. Some patients with advanced stage disease (where the cancer has spread to other organs) may benefit from surgical treatment. These surgeries could include resection of parts of the liver, lung or lining of the abdomen. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with surgery or radiation.
Selecting patients for these specialized surgeries requires collaboration among a team of highly specialized colorectal experts including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and radiologists.
Surgical oncologist Patrick Sullivan, MD, describes enhanced recovery after surgery for those who have had colorectal cancer surgery.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Your doctor will design a treatment plan that may use one or more chemotherapy drugs with targeted agents to treat your colorectal cancer.
A chemotherapy procedure called heated intraperitoneal chemoperfusion, or HIPEC, may be used to treat advanced cancers involving the lining of the abdominal cavity such as colon cancer. HIPEC is designed to kill any remaining cancer cells once all visible disease is removed surgically.
Winship surgical oncologist Charles Staley, MD describes the HIPEC procedure.
Radiation: Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is typically used in combination with chemotherapy drugs that make the radiation more effective. Rectal cancer may be treated using external beam radiation before surgery to shrink the tumor.
Personalized medicine: In personalized medicine, doctors identify unique characteristics of tumors that make them vulnerable to known drugs so therapy can be tailored to an individual's cancer. Depending on the stage of your disease, your treating physician may perform additional genetic testing of your tumor to help identify the best personalized treatment for your cancer. Winship physicians and researchers are focused on expanding the application of personalized medicine in the management of colorectal cancer.
Immunotherapy: This type of treatment is a promising area of medicine for some patients with colorectal cancer. It uses medications to help your body's immune system recognize and enhance its ability to tackle cancer cells. At Winship, we offer immunotherapy for patients with colorectal cancer that have a specific pathological trait, called microsatellite instability, as part of standard treatment.
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 colorectal cancer.
Supportive Oncology Care
While 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 and social service professionals.
Your Treatment Team
- Physicians
- Physician Diagnosticians
- Nurse Navigators
- Adv Practice
- Nurses
- Support Services
- Clinical Trials
- All
Mehmet Akce MD
- Medical Oncologist

Mehmet Akce MD
- Dr. Akce specializes in the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
Olatunji B. Alese MD
- Medical Oncologist

Olatunji B. Alese MD
- Dr. Alese specializes in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, particularly colorectal cancer.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
Ahmad H. Al-Hajj MD
- Medical Oncologist

Ahmad H. Al-Hajj MD
- Dr. Al-Hajj is a community oncologist treating patients with cancer at Emory Johns Creek Hospital and Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
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
Glen Charles Balch MD
- Colorectal Surgeon

Glen Charles Balch MD
- Dr. Balch specializes in the surgical management of colon and rectal malignancies.
- Associate Professor and Chief, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-2656
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
Tiffany Brosius RN, BSN, OCN
- Nurse Navigator

Tiffany Brosius RN, BSN, OCN
- An Oncology Certified Nurse, Mrs. Brosius is a nurse navigator working with patients with solid gastrointestinal tumors.
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Nurse Navigator, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
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
Shermaine Campbell LMSW
- Social Worker

Shermaine Campbell LMSW
- Ms. Campbell works with the medical oncology team to assist patients with neurological, aerodigestive, breast and gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Social Worker, Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- shermaine.campbell@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-4593
Saurabh Chawla MD
- Gastroenterologist

Saurabh Chawla MD
- A board certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Chawla specializes in the endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of pancreaticobiliary diseases and gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Director of Endoscopy, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3184
Valerie Chertin MS, CSO, RD, LD
- Nutrition Advisor

Valerie Chertin MS, CSO, RD, LD
- A Registered Dietitian, Ms. Chertin provides cancer patients who are undergoing treatment at Winship Cancer Institute with personalized nutrition advice.
- Clinical Dietitian, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- valeriya.chertina@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0296
Hilary G. Cohen LCSW, OSW-C
- Social Worker

Hilary G. Cohen LCSW, OSW-C
- Ms. Cohen assists radiation oncology patients at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Social Worker, Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- hilary.cohen@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-4627
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 of Supportive and Palliative Care Outpatient Services , Emory Healthcare
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448
Maria Diab MD
- Medical Oncologist

Maria Diab MD
- Dr. Diab is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer and other gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
Frank Eady LMSW
- Social Worker

Frank Eady LMSW
- Mr. Eady assists genitourinary, gastrointestinal and surgical oncology patients treated at Winship.
- Social Worker, GI/GU Cancer and Surgical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- frank.eady@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-5976
Fabienne Ehivet MS, CGC
- Genetic Counselor

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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Bassel El-Rayes MD
- Medical Oncologist

Bassel El-Rayes MD
- Dr. El-Rayes is the chief clinical research scientist responsible for coordinating and providing high-level direction to the clinical cancer research programs and clinical cancer trials across the Emory campuses.
- Associate Director for Clinical Research, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
Benjamin Fischer-Valuck MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Benjamin Fischer-Valuck MD
- Dr. Fischer-Valuck practices general radiation oncology and specializes in the treatment of lung, prostate and gastrointestinal cancers.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- radonc-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3473
Alexis Galambos MS, RD, LD
- Nutrition Advisor

Alexis Galambos MS, RD, LD
- Ms. Galambos offers personalized nutrition advice to optimize health throughout the stages of cancer, from diagnosis to survivorship.
- Registered Dietitian, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- alexis.galambos@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
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
- radonc-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 501-6925
Jamie M. Goldman MD
- Community Oncologist

Jamie M. Goldman MD
- Dr. Goldman practices general medical oncology and hematology with a focus on treating patients with genitourinary cancer at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Valerie Henderson MSW
- Social Worker

Valerie Henderson MSW
- Ms. Henderson assists radiation oncology and medical oncology patients at Emory University Hospital Midtown.
- Social Worker, Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology, Emory University Hospital Midtown
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
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
Lisha Sheng Ho MPAS, PA-C
- Physician Assistant

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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3307
Christina Jenkins MSN, MHA, FNP-C
- Nurse Practitioner

Christina Jenkins MSN, MHA, FNP-C
- Ms. Jenkins specializes in the care of patients with a variety of solid tumor diagnoses including brain, breast, lung, skin, gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancers.
- Nurse Practitioner, Inpatient Service, Emory University Hospital
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Sujata Kane MS, RD, PA-C
- Physician Assistant

Sujata Kane MS, RD, PA-C
- Ms. Kane works with the gastrointestinal medical oncology team at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Physician Assistant, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
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
Steven Keilin MD
- Gastroenterologist

Steven Keilin MD
- An attending gastroenterologist with expertise in advanced endoscopy, Dr. Keilin works with Winship's gastrointestinal teams to deliver top cancer care.
- Associate Director, Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship Program, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3184
Rachel Keller RD, LD
- Nutrition Advisor

Rachel Keller RD, LD
- 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
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
Robert J. Klafter MD, MBA
- Community Oncologist

Robert J. Klafter MD, MBA
- As part of Winship's community oncology team, Dr. Klafter provides personalized care to cancer patients at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Kelly Klimansky RN, BSN
- Nurse Navigator

Kelly Klimansky RN, BSN
- Ms. Klimansky assists gynecologic and gastrointestinal cancer patients throughout their treatment.
- Oncology Nurse Navigator, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
David A. Kooby MD, FACS
- Surgical Oncologist

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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3805
Alyssa M. Krasinskas MD
- Pathologist

Alyssa M. Krasinskas MD
- Dr. Krasinskas specializes in gastrointestinal, pancreatobiliary and hepatic pathology.
- Professor, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- alyssa.krasinskas@emory.edu
- (404) 712-4178
Colleen Lewis NP
- Nurse Practitioner

Colleen Lewis NP
- Ms. Lewis is Director of Clinical Operations for the Phase I Clinical Trials Program at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Director of Clinical Operations, Phase I Clinical Trials Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Jolinta Lin MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Jolinta Lin MD
- Dr. Lin practices general radiation oncology and specializes in the treatment of breast and gastrointestinal cancer.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- radonc-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3473
Shishir K. Maithel MD, FACS
- Surgical Oncologist

Shishir K. Maithel MD, FACS
- 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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-5777
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
Mark McDonald MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Mark McDonald MD
- Dr. McDonald specializes in the treatment of head and neck, gastrointestinal and lung cancers, skull base tumors, and tumors of the brain and spine, as well as proton therapy.
- Medical Director, Emory Proton Therapy Center
- proton-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- 1 (833) 3PROTON (377-6866)
Courtney Coursey Moreno MD
- Radiologist

Courtney Coursey Moreno MD
- Dr. Moreno's clinical specialties include CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound.
- Associate Professor, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-7777
Amina Naqvi MD
- Community Oncologist

Amina Naqvi MD
- A board certified medical oncologist, Dr. Naqvi treats patients with breast, gastrointestinal and gynecological cancer, and hematological malignancies and disorders.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
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
Janice M. Newsome MD, FSIR
- Interventional Radiologist

Janice M. Newsome MD, FSIR
- Dr. Newsome's clinical specialties include uterine fibroid embolization, ablative and catheter-directed treatments for cancer, among others.
- Division Director and Chief, Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Emory University Hospital Midtown
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-4747
William (Bill) O'Connell MD
- Interventional Radiologist

William (Bill) O'Connell MD
- Dr. O'Connell specializes in minimally invasive vascular and non-vascular interventional radiology procedures.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
- william.o'connell@emoryhealthcare.org
- (470) 344-4013
Pretesh Patel MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Pretesh Patel MD
- Dr. Patel specializes in the treatment of genitourinary and gastrointestinal malignancies as well as the use of high-dose rate brachytherapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy and proton therapy.
- Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- radonc-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3473
Ashish B. Patel MD, MBA
- Radiation Oncologist

Ashish B. Patel MD, MBA
- Dr. Patel specializes in the treatment of gastrointestinal and gynecologic cancers, and in brachytherapy and stereotactic body radiotherapy
- Medical Director, Radiation Oncology, Emory Decatur Hospital and Emory Hillandale Hospital
- radonc-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3473
Terrah Paul Olson MD
- Colorectal Surgeon

Terrah Paul Olson MD
- Dr. Paul Olson specializes in laparoscopic surgery and treats patients with colorectal cancer, anal cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases. She also performs colorectal cancer screenings.
- Assistant Professor, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-8394
Caroline Peacock LCSW, MDiv
- Spiritual Health Manager

Caroline Peacock LCSW, MDiv
- Caroline has a passion for offering compassionate, respectful, and effective patient/family-centered care in a multi-faith, multi-cultural environment.
- Manager of Spiritual Health Support and Community Care, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- caroline.peacock@emory.edu
- (470) 446-7844
Lindsay Pearson PA-C
- Physician Assistant

Lindsay Pearson PA-C
- Physician Assistant, Surgical Oncology/Colorectal Surgery, Emory Johns Creek Hospital
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3307
Seth A. Rosen MD
- Colorectal Surgeon

Seth A. Rosen MD
- Specializing in robotic and laparoscopic surgery, Dr. Rosen treats colorectal patients at Emory Johns Creek Hospital.
- Associate Professor, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-7283
Soumon Rudra MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Soumon Rudra MD
- Dr. Rudra specializes in the treatment of head and neck cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- radonc-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-2391
Maria C. Russell MD
- Surgical Oncologist

Maria C. Russell MD
- Dr. Russell's treats tumors of the liver, biliary tract, pancreas, spleen and gallbladder, metastatic tumors to the liver, tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, neuroendocrine tumors, melanoma and metastatic melanoma.
- Associate Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0680
Kristen Schappeler RN, BSN, OCN
- Nurse Navigator

Kristen Schappeler RN, BSN, OCN
- Mrs. Schappeler assists patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
- Oncology Nurse Navigator, Emory Johns Creek Hospital
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Nikhil T. Sebastian MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Nikhil T. Sebastian MD
- Dr. Sebastian specializes in the treatment of lung, gastrointestinal and breast cancer.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- radonc-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3473
Aarti Sekhar MD
- Radiologist

Aarti Sekhar MD
- Dr. Sekhar specializes in image-guided interventions for the treatment of gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancers.
- Associate Professor, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-9729
Virginia O. Shaffer MD
- Colorectal Surgeon

Virginia O. Shaffer MD
- Dr. Shaffer is a surgeon based at Emory University Hospital treating patients with colorectal cancer, anal cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases, and specializing in laparoscopy surgery.
- Associate Professor, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3648
Walid L. Shaib MD
- Medical Oncologist

Walid L. Shaib MD
- Dr. Shaib is a part of the medical oncology team and specializes in gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
David D. Shepard MD
- Community Oncologist

David D. Shepard MD
- Dr. Shepard provides personalized care to cancer patients at Emory Decatur Hospital.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Vinita Singh MD
- Pain Management Specialist

Vinita Singh MD
- Dr. Singh collaborates with oncologists to provide state-of-the-art therapies to cancer patients suffering from pain symptoms.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
- vinita.singh@emory.edu
- (404) 686-2410
Charles A. Staley MD
- Surgical Oncologist

Charles A. Staley MD
- Dr. Staley leads the surgical oncology team and as Chief Quality Officer works collaboratively with leadership on tracking and improving patient services and satisfaction as well as focusing on cancer outcomes at Winship.
- Chief Quality Officer, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0210
Christine Stanislaw MS, CGC
- Genetic Counselor

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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Patrick Sullivan MD, FACS
- Colorectal Surgeon

Patrick Sullivan MD, FACS
- Dr. Sullivan specializes in diseases of the colon and rectum with expertise in the surgical management of primary and recurrent malignancy of the colon and rectum, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, and anorectal disorders.
- Associate Professor, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-2163
Stephen M. Szabo MD
- Community Oncologist

Stephen M. Szabo MD
- Dr. Szabo practices general medical oncology and specializes in the treatment of breast cancer and gastrointestinal cancers.
- Director of Community Oncology, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Ajay Tadepalli MD
- Community Oncologist

Ajay Tadepalli MD
- Dr. Tadepalli is a community oncologist treating cancer patients at Emory Johns Creek Hospital and The Emory Clinic at Buford.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Christine R. Tallo MMSc, CGC
- Genetic Counselor

Christine R. Tallo MMSc, CGC
- Ms. Tallo provides genetic counseling for individuals and families at increased risk for hereditary cancer.
- Licensed Certified Genetic Counselor, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Derek Lamont West MD, MS
- Interventional Radiologist

Derek Lamont West MD, MS
- Dr. West is a board certified interventional radiologist specializing in the treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and other genitourinary cancers.
- Acting Associate Professor, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
- derek.west@emory.edu
- (404) 712-7118
Morgan J. Whitmore MD
- Interventional Radiologist

Morgan J. Whitmore MD
- Dr. Whitmore is an interventional radiologist with a clinical practice encompassing the full spectrum of minimally invasive vascular and non-vascular interventional radiology procedures.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-4747
Jennifer L. Williams MD
- Colorectal Surgeon

Jennifer L. Williams MD
- Dr. Williams specializes in complex laparoscopic and robotic surgery for the treatment of cancer of the colon and rectum, and hereditary colorectal cancer.
- Assistant Professor, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-2656
Field F. Willingham MD, MPH
- Gastroenterologist

Field F. Willingham MD, MPH
- Dr. Willingham is a leading expert in interventional and therapeutic endoscopy, seeing patients for specialized procedures from the United States and abroad.
- Director of Endoscopy, Division of Digestive Disease, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3184
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
Joshua H. Winer MD
- Surgical Oncologist

Joshua H. Winer MD
- Dr. Winer's specialties include HIPEC, laparoscopic and robotic pancreas, liver, and gastric resections, and minimally invasive colon surgery.
- Assistant Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-8059
Melissa Woodstock FNP-C, MSN
- Nurse Practitioner

Melissa Woodstock FNP-C, MSN
- Ms. Woodstock is a nurse practitioner serving the inpatient population with gastrointestinal cancers and outpatient population in medical oncology at Winship.
- Family Nurse Practitioner, Department of Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Christina Wu MD
- Medical Oncologist

Christina Wu MD
- Dr. Wu is a board certified medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
Ali J. Zarrabi MD
- Supportive Oncologist

Ali J. Zarrabi MD
- Dr. Zarrabi provides physical, emotional, and spiritual care for patients living with serious illness.
- Associate Director, Outpatient Supportive and Palliative Care, The Emory Clinic
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448