Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

When you come to Winship Cancer Institute for treatment of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor, you have a multidisciplinary team of experts dedicated to your well-being. To request an appointment, call (404) 778-1900.

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.

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.

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 counselorsnurse navigatorsdietitians and social service professionals.

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.

Cascade Link

Wendy Baer MD

  • Psychiatric Oncologist
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                                 Wendy Baer MD
Wendy Baer MD

Wendy Baer MD

Anna Bausum ND

  • Integrative Oncology Specialist
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                                 Anna Bausum ND
Anna Bausum ND

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
  • (404) 778-0600

Laura Brachman MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Laura Brachman MD
Laura Brachman MD

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
  • (404) 778-6448

Suzy Cahn MMSc, CGC

  • Genetic Counselor
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                                 Suzy Cahn MMSc, CGC
Suzy Cahn MMSc, CGC

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
  • (404) 778-1900

Catherine Caprara Braga MSN, AGACNP-BC

  • Nurse Practitioner
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                                 Catherine Caprara Braga MSN, AGACNP-BC
Catherine Caprara Braga MSN, AGACNP-BC

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
  • (404) 778-1900

Kenneth Cardona MD, FACS

  • Surgical Oncologist
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                                 Kenneth Cardona MD, FACS
Kenneth Cardona MD, FACS

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
  • (404) 686-3203

Hannah H. Collins NP

  • Nurse Practitioner
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                                 Hannah H. Collins NP
Hannah H. Collins NP

Hannah H. Collins NP

Seth J. Concors MD

  • Surgical Oncologist
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                                 Seth J. Concors MD
Seth J. Concors MD

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
  • (404) 686-3811

Kimberly A. Curseen MD

  • Supportive Oncologist
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                                 Kimberly A. Curseen MD
Kimberly A. Curseen MD

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
  • (404) 778-6448

Adrien Edoo MTS

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Adrien Edoo MTS
Adrien Edoo MTS

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
  • (404) 991-8429

Fabienne Ehivet MS, CGC

  • Genetic Counselor
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                                 Fabienne Ehivet MS, CGC
Fabienne Ehivet MS, CGC

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
  • (404) 778-1900

Raul S. Gonzalez MD

  • Pathologist
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                                 Raul S. Gonzalez MD
Raul S. Gonzalez MD

Raul S. Gonzalez MD

  • Dr. Gonzalez specializes in gastrointestinal pathology.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 712-5227

Lindsay M. Hannan MD, MSc

  • Medical Oncologist
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                                 Lindsay M. Hannan MD, MSc
Lindsay M. Hannan MD, MSc

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
  • (404) 778-0032

Valerie Henderson MSW

  • Social Worker
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                                 Valerie Henderson MSW
Valerie Henderson MSW

Valerie Henderson MSW

Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C

  • Nurse Practitioner
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                                 Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C
Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C

Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C

Lisha Sheng Ho MPAS, PA-C

  • Physician Assistant
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                                 Lisha Sheng Ho MPAS, PA-C
Lisha Sheng Ho MPAS, PA-C

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
  • (404) 778-3307

Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD
Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD

Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD

Tatiana Johnson MMSc, LCGC

  • Genetic Counselor
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                                 Tatiana Johnson MMSc, LCGC
Tatiana Johnson MMSc, LCGC

Tatiana Johnson MMSc, LCGC

Steven Keilin MD, FASGE

  • Gastroenterologist
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                                 Steven  Keilin MD, FASGE
Steven Keilin MD, FASGE

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
  • (404) 778-3184

Ashish Khanna MD

  • Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist
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                                 Ashish Khanna MD
Ashish Khanna MD

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
  • (404) 778-1900

David A. Kooby MD, FACS

  • Surgical Oncologist
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                                 David A. Kooby MD, FACS
David A. Kooby MD, FACS

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
  • (404) 778-3307

Alyssa M. Krasinskas MD

  • Pathologist
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                                 Alyssa M. Krasinskas MD
Alyssa M. Krasinskas MD

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
  • (404) 712-4178

Susan K. Kunihiro MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Susan K. Kunihiro MD
Susan K. Kunihiro MD

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
  • (404) 778-6448

Rupeng Li MD, PhD

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 Rupeng Li MD, PhD
Rupeng Li MD, PhD

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
  • (404) 686-2410

Jolinta Lin MD

  • Radiation Oncologist
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                                 Jolinta Lin MD
Jolinta Lin MD

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
  • (404) 778-3473

Shishir K. Maithel MD, FACS, FSSO

  • Surgical Oncologist
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                                 Shishir K. Maithel  MD, FACS, FSSO
Shishir K. Maithel MD, FACS, FSSO

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
  • (404) 778-5777

Meredith Maxwell MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Meredith Maxwell MD
Meredith Maxwell MD

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
  • (404) 778-6448

Sonal Oza MD

  • Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist
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                                 Sonal Oza MD
Sonal Oza MD

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
  • (404) 778-1900

Jamie Paysour MMSc, CGC

  • Genetic Counselor
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                                 Jamie Paysour MMSc, CGC
Jamie Paysour MMSc, CGC

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
  • (404) 616-1000

Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv
Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv

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
  • (404) 778-8029

Beatrice T.B. Preti MD, MMEd

  • Medical Oncologist
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                                 Beatrice T.B. Preti MD, MMEd
Beatrice T.B. Preti MD, MMEd

Beatrice T.B. Preti MD, MMEd

M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD
M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD

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
  • (404) 686-2410

Margaret A. Riso MD

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 Margaret A. Riso MD
Margaret A. Riso MD

Margaret A. Riso MD

Missy Roberts MDiv

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Missy Roberts MDiv
Missy Roberts MDiv

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
  • (404) 778-1900

Juan M. Sarmiento MD, FACS

  • Surgeon
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                                 Juan M. Sarmiento MD, FACS
Juan M. Sarmiento MD, FACS

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
  • (404) 778-3712

Vinita Singh MD, MS

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 Vinita Singh MD, MS
Vinita Singh MD, MS

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
  • (404) 686-2410

Jesse A. Soodalter MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Jesse A. Soodalter MD
Jesse A. Soodalter MD

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
  • (404) 778-6448

Charles A. Staley MD

  • Surgical Oncologist
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                                 Charles A. Staley MD
Charles A. Staley MD

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
  • (404) 778-0210

Christine Stanislaw MS, CGC

  • Genetic Counselor
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                                 Christine Stanislaw MS, CGC
Christine Stanislaw MS, CGC

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
  • (404) 778-1900

Christine R. Tallo MMSc, CGC

  • Genetic Counselor
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                                 Christine R. Tallo MMSc, CGC
Christine R. Tallo MMSc, CGC

Christine R. Tallo MMSc, CGC

Karin Van Vlack

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Karin Van Vlack
Karin Van Vlack

Karin Van Vlack

Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC
Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC

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
  • (404) 778-1900

Field F. Willingham MD, MPH

  • Gastroenterologist
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                                 Field F. Willingham MD, MPH
Field F. Willingham MD, MPH

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
  • (404) 778-3184

Joshua H. Winer MD

  • Surgical Oncologist
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                                 Joshua H. Winer MD
Joshua H. Winer MD

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
  • (404) 778-3307

Melissa Woodstock FNP-C, MSN

  • Nurse Practitioner
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                                 Melissa Woodstock FNP-C, MSN
Melissa Woodstock FNP-C, MSN

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
  • (404) 778-1900

Nan Xiang MD

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 Nan Xiang MD
Nan Xiang MD

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
  • (404) 686-2410

Ali J. Zarrabi MD

  • Palliative Oncologist
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                                 Ali J. Zarrabi MD
Ali J. Zarrabi MD

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
  • (404) 778-6448
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