Your Care at Winship
As a patient with gallbladder 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 gallbladder cancer.
The benefits of our multidisciplinary and highly experienced teams include:
- Access to doctors and surgeons who rank among the top 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 throughout 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 gallbladder cancer, 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.
Diagnosing Your Gallbladder Cancer
Patients with gallbladder cancer may not have any signs or symptoms before they are diagnosed.
Correctly diagnosing and staging the extent of your disease is essential to your treatment. The stage of your disease indicates how much it has spread in the liver, and whether it has spread to other organs and lymph nodes. Early stage cancer is disease limited to the gallbladder. Late stage cancer indicates spread to other organs like liver, lung or 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 blood tests and imaging tests.
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 side effects of the treatment, and relieving gallbladder 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 medical team that is experienced in treating gallbladder cancer.
One or more of the following types of treatment will be used.
Surgery: Surgery is the main treatment method for gallbladder cancer. The entire gallbladder will be removed in patients with early stage disease. This procedure is called a cholecystectomy. For those with advanced gallbladder cancer, surgery will be performed to remove the gallbladder and a portion of the liver and bile ducts. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used after surgery.
Chemotherapy: drugs are used to kill or slow the growth of the tumor. Chemotherapy is sometimes used in addition to surgery and radiation. In addition to standard therapies, participating in clinical trials maybe an option in certain cases. Clinical trials provide patients access to new medications that are being developed to treat bile duct cancer.
Radiation therapy: radiation may be used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy. It may also be used when surgery is not an option.
Targeted therapies: Winship’s most promising research in treating gallbladder 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.
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 and social service professionals.
Clinical Trials at Winship
Consider talking with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial at Winship. Through these trials, you may have access to treatments that are not widely available.
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
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.
- Medical 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
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
Kenneth Cardona MD, FACS
- Surgical Oncologist

Kenneth Cardona MD, FACS
- Dr. Cardona is a board certified surgeon and surgical oncologist who specializes in the management of retroperitoneal sarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas. Additionally, he is an expert in the treatment of complex gastrointestinal malignancies (such as stomach, pancreas, and liver cancers).
- Sarcoma Disease Team Lead, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-3203
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
Lori Little MMSc, PA-C, PT
- Physician Assistant
Lori Little MMSc, PA-C, PT
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
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
Michelle Reid MD, MSc
- Pathologist

Michelle Reid MD, MSc
- Dr. Reid specializes in the pathology of hepatopancreatobiliary malignancies.
- Professor, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- michelle.reid@emory.edu
- 404) 686-5227
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
Juan M. Sarmiento MD, FACS
- Surgeon

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
- jsarmie@emory.edu
- (404) 778-3712
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
Mihir M. Shah MD
- Surgical Oncologist

Mihir M. Shah MD
- A board certified surgeon, Dr. Shah specializes in the surgical management of tumors of the liver, pancreas, biliary tree, stomach, esophagus, bile duct, small bowel and retroperitoneum.
- Assistant Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3307
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
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
Collin J. Weber MD
- Surgeon

Collin J. Weber MD
- Dr. Weber specializes in endocrinology surgery, parathyroid surgery and thyroid surgery.
- William C. McGarity Professor of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- 1-855-366-7989
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
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
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
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