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 a nurse navigator to assist you through out 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 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.
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
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.
Winship experts are using a groundbreaking hybrid procedure to surgically remove tumors located in difficult areas of the stomach.
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.
- Medical Director of Psychiatric Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
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
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
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
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
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
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
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) 778-3805
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
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
Nancy Reynics NP
- Nurse Practitioner

Nancy Reynics NP
- Working with the surgical oncology team, Ms. Reynics coordinates care for breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, melanoma and sarcoma patients.
- Nurse Practitioner, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (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
- 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
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
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.
- 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