Your Care at Winship
The best long term outcome for a patient with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (or GIST) will be achieved with a comprehensive, coordinated approach by specialists at Winship Cancer Institute.
Your 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 GIST.
Our multidisciplinary care teams include oncology surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, pharmacists and advanced practice nurses with expertise in GIST. 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 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 a gastrointestinal stromal tumor, we are ready to help you. Call us at 1 (888) 946-7447 or (404) 778-1900 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 Cancer
Most gastrointestinal stromal tumors form in the stomach and the small intestine. A smaller percentage of GISTs develop in other areas of the gastrointestinal tract.
The stage of your disease indicates how much it has spread or metastasized. Early stage cancer is disease limited to the organ where the GIST initially developed. Late stage cancer indicates metastasis to other organs such as the liver 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 biopsy and imaging tests.
Your Treatment Options
Surgery is potentially curative for primary GIST.
A surgeon's approach to treating the cancer depends on many factors including the location of the GIST, the location of the tumor relative to blood supply to the organ and the patient's overall medical condition. During surgery, any section of the gastrointestinal tract impacted by GIST may be removed or resected.
Doctors at Winship have developed a minimally invasive procedure that uses both laparoscopy and endoscopy simultaneously, for tumors located in difficult areas of the stomach. In many cases, this procedure leads to complete and safe removal of the tumor and with fewer potential complications and less chances of long-term problems.
Targeted therapies: Targeted therapies are drugs that more selectively target cancer cells with fewer side effects. Targeted therapies are used in combination with surgery or alone as a treatment for GIST. 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. In addition to standard targeted 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 GIST.
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
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
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
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
Suzy Cahn MMSc, CGC
- Genetic Counselor
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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
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
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 of the trunk and extremities.
- Associate Chief Medical Officer, Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-3203
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
Seth J. Concors MD
- Surgical Oncologist
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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-3811
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
Adrien Edoo MTS
- Spiritual Health Provider
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
- adrien.nikki.edoo@emory.edu
- (404) 991-8429
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 and Emory Johns Creek Hospital
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Raul S. Gonzalez MD
- Pathologist
Raul S. Gonzalez MD
- Dr. Gonzalez specializes in gastrointestinal pathology.
- Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- rsgonza@emory.edu
- (404) 712-5227
Lindsay M. Hannan MD, MSc
- Medical Oncologist
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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
Valerie Henderson MSW
- Social Worker
Valerie Henderson MSW
- A social worker, Ms. Henderson assists radiation oncology and medical oncology patients.
- Social Worker, Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- 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 and Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3307
Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD
- Spiritual Health Provider
Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD
- Rizza provides spiritual and emotional support for oncology patients and their caregivers.
- Spiritual Health Clinician and Fellow, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- rizza.bella.ibanez.hohenstern@emory.edu
- (404) 778-1900
Tatiana Johnson MMSc, LCGC
- Genetic Counselor
Tatiana Johnson MMSc, LCGC
- Ms. Johnson provides genetic counseling for individuals and families at increased risk for hereditary cancer.
- Licensed Certified Genetic Counselor, Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Steven Keilin MD, FASGE
- Gastroenterologist
Steven Keilin MD, FASGE
- An attending gastroenterologist with expertise in advanced endoscopy, Dr. Keilin works with Winship's gastrointestinal teams to deliver top cancer care.
- Professor, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3184
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
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) 778-3307
Alyssa M. Krasinskas MD
- Pathologist
Alyssa M. Krasinskas MD
- Dr. Krasinskas specializes in gastrointestinal, pancreatobiliary and hepatic pathology.
- Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- alyssa.krasinskas@emory.edu
- (404) 712-4178
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, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448
Rupeng Li MD, PhD
- Pain Management Specialist
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
- rupeng.li@emory.edu
- (404) 686-2410
Jolinta Lin MD
- Radiation Oncologist
Jolinta Lin MD
- Dr. Lin practices general radiation oncology and specializes in the treatment of breast and gastrointestinal cancer.
- Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3473
Shishir K. Maithel MD, FACS, FSSO
- Surgical Oncologist
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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-5777
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 Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448
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.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Jamie Paysour MMSc, CGC
- Genetic Counselor
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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 616-1000
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
Beatrice T.B. Preti MD, MMEd
- Medical Oncologist
Beatrice T.B. Preti MD, MMEd
- A medical oncologist, Dr. Preti's clinical area of expertise is in gastrointestinal cancers.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
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
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
Missy Roberts MDiv
- Spiritual Health Provider
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
- melissa.roberts2@emory.edu
- (404) 778-1900
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
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
Charles A. Staley MD
- Surgical Oncologist
Charles A. Staley MD
- A leading expert in the care of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal malignancies, Dr. Staley leads the surgical oncology team at Winship.
- Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology, 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
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 at Emory Midtown
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Karin Van Vlack
- Spiritual Health Provider
Karin Van Vlack
- Karin provides spiritual and emotional support to patients receiving proton therapy treatment and palliative care.
- Spiritual Health Clinician and Fellow, Emory Proton Therapy Center
- karin.elizabeth.van.vlack@emory.edu
- (404) 807-6791
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
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
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.
- Associate Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3307
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
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