Your Care at Winship
The experts at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University treat more patients with head and neck cancer than any other type of cancer.
Your Winship care team draws on Emory's vast expertise and resources in surgical oncology, radiation therapy and medical oncology, to provide the newest, most effective practices and treatments for head and neck cancer.
Head and neck cancer affects the mouth, throat, nose and sinuses and salivary glands. Oral and oropharyngeal, laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers are included in this group of diseases.
As specialists, our teams develop groundbreaking 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 head and neck 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 throughout the treatment process.
- Availability of new treatment options through clinical trials in radiation and systemic therapy.
- Access to support programs and groups for you and your caregivers.
Diagnosing Your Cancer
There are several ways your physician may diagnose your head and neck cancer:
- Physical examination
- Imaging via CT, MRI or PET scans
- Endoscopy: flexible or rigid endoscopes are used to look for abnormal tissue throughout the head and neck.
- Biopsy: a small sample of tissue is examined by a pathologist under a microscope to look for cancerous cells.
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
Winship’s head and neck specialists provide one or more of the following types of treatment:
Surgery: the main purpose of surgery for head and neck cancer patients is to remove the tumor and some of the healthy tissue around it. Reconstructive surgical options are also discussed before the start of treatment.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with surgery or radiation to maximize the treatment.
Radiation: Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. It may also be used in combination with a chemotherapy drug that makes the radiation more effective.
Proton therapy: Proton therapy is the next generation of radiation oncology. It uses protons to precisely treat cancerous tumors throughout the body and can be more precise than conventional forms of radiation treatment. The Emory Proton Therapy Center is the only center of its kind in Georgia to offer patients access to this state-of-the-art radiation therapy.
Immunotherapy: This type of treatment uses your body's immune system to recognize and to enhance its ability to tackle cancer cells.
Targeted therapies: Winship's most promising research in treating head and neck 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.
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 Next Steps
If you have been diagnosed with head and neck cancer, we are ready to help you.
Call us at 1 (888) 946-7447 or (404) 778-1900 to make an appointment or request an appointment online. Winship experts are available to provide a second opinion.
To schedule an appointment with Emory Head and Neck Surgery (Otolaryngology), please contact (404) 778-3381.
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.
Your Treatment Team
- Physicians
- Physician Diagnosticians
- Nurse Navigators
- Adv Practice
- Nurses
- Support Services
- Clinical Trials
- All
Summer Al-Majed LCSW
- Social Worker

Summer Al-Majed LCSW
- Ms. Al-Majed works with patients with brain and spine tumors, and aerodigestive malignancies at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Social Worker, Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- summer.al-majed@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-4593
Blythe Argenbright MSW
- Social Worker

Blythe Argenbright MSW
- Ms. Argenbright works with medical oncology and radiation oncology patients treated at Emory University Hospital Midtown.
- Social Worker, Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology, Emory University Hospital Midtown
- sarah.argenbright@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-1302
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
H. Michael Baddour, Jr. MD
- Head and Neck Surgeon

H. Michael Baddour, Jr. MD
- Dr. Baddour specializes in head and neck oncology and complex microvascular reconstruction.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3381
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
Jonathan J. Beitler MD, MBA, FACR, FASTRO
- Radiation Oncologist

Jonathan J. Beitler MD, MBA, FACR, FASTRO
- A board certified radiation oncologist, Dr. Beitler specializes in the care of patients with head and neck cancer.
- Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- radonc-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-2391
Brian J. Boyce MD, FACS
- Head and Neck Surgeon

Brian J. Boyce MD, FACS
- Dr. Boyce specializes in the comprehensive surgical care of patients with cancerous and non-cancerous tumors of the head and neck, including microvascular reconstruction.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3381
Stephen Brandt MD
- Endocrinologist

Stephen Brandt MD
- A board certified endocrinologist, Dr. Brandt specializes in adrenal disorders, diabetes mellitis, osteoporosis, pituitary disorders and thyroid disorders.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3280
Latoya Britt ANP-BC
- Nurse Practitioner

Latoya Britt ANP-BC
Russell Brown LMSW
- Social Worker

Russell Brown LMSW
- 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
Nikita Burke LMSW
- Social Worker

Nikita Burke LMSW
- Ms. Burke works with radiation oncology patients treated at the Emory Proton Therapy Center.
- Social Worker, Radiation Oncology, Emory Proton Therapy Center
- nikita.burke@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 251-2883
Grant W. Carlson MD, FACS
- Reconstructive Surgeon

Grant W. Carlson MD, FACS
- Dr. Carlson is a leading expert in breast reconstruction and skin sparing mastectomy for patients with breast cancer, and microvascular surgery for head and neck cancer patients.
- Wadley R. Glenn Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3307
Amy Y. Chen MD, MPH, FACS
- Head and Neck Surgeon

Amy Y. Chen MD, MPH, FACS
- Dr. Chen specializes in advanced thyroid cancers and endocrine head and neck surgery.
- Willard and Lillian Hackerman Professor of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3381
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
Scott Edelman MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Scott Edelman MD
- Dr. Edelman is a radiation oncologist at Atlanta VA Medical Center specializing in head and neck malignancies.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- radonc-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 321-6111
Mark W. El-Deiry MD, FACS
- Head and Neck Surgeon

Mark W. El-Deiry MD, FACS
- Dr. El-Deiry specializes in upper aerodigestive tract, skin cancer of head and neck, and complex microvascular reconstruction.
- Director of the Head and Neck Oncology Surgery Center, Emory Healthcare
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3381
Badi El Osta MD
- Medical Oncologist

Badi El Osta MD
- Dr. El Osta's clinical expertise includes head and neck, and thoracic medical oncology and early phase clinical trials.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Joan Giblin NP
- Survivorship Program

Joan Giblin NP
- An experienced nurse practitioner specialist with extensive patient care involvement, Ms. Giblin facilitates continued good health and quality of life for cancer survivors.
- Survivorship Program Director, Winship Cancer Institute
- survivorship@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Christopher C. Griffith MD, PhD
- Pathologist

Christopher C. Griffith MD, PhD
- Dr. Griffith is a board certified pathologist specializing in head and neck cancer.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- chris.griffith@emory.edu
- (404) 712-5947
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
Sara Herrin MSN, FNP-C
- Nurse Practitioner

Sara Herrin MSN, FNP-C
- Sara Herrin is a nurse practitioner in the Head and Neck Oncology Clinic at Emory University Hospital Midtown.
- Nurse Practitioner, Head and Neck Oncology, Emory University Hospital Midtown
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Kristin Higgins MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Kristin Higgins MD
- A board certified radiation oncologist, Dr. Higgins specializes in the treatment of lung, head and neck cancers.
- Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- radonc-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3473
Patricia A. Hudgins MD, FACR
- Radiologist

Patricia A. Hudgins MD, FACR
- Dr. Hudgins specializes in the imaging of the head and neck and has been recognized for her exceptional achievements and techniques in radiology.
- Director, Head and Neck Radiology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- phudgin@emory.edu
- (404) 712-7036
Emily M. Huskey RD, LD
- Nutrition Advisor

Emily M. Huskey RD, LD
- A Registered Dietitian, Ms. Huskey provides cancer patients who are undergoing treatment at Winship Cancer Institute with personalized nutrition advice.
- Registered Dietitian, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- emily.huskey@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-4526
Azeem S. Kaka MD
- Head and Neck Surgeon

Azeem S. Kaka MD
- Dr. Kaka specializes in head and neck surgery and complex microvascular reconstruction.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3381
Allison Kamm MSN, NP
- Nurse Practitioner

Allison Kamm MSN, NP
- Ms. Kamm collaborates with physicians to care for patients undergoing treatment at Emory Proton Therapy Center.
- Nurse Practitioner, Emory Proton Therapy Center
- proton-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 251-2960
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
Meryl Kaufman MEd, CCC-SLP, BRS-S
- Speech-Language Pathologist

Meryl Kaufman MEd, CCC-SLP, BRS-S
- Ms. Kaufman works closely with the otolaryngology team to address laryngeal conditions of all types, including problems that affect the voice, swallowing, and airway.
- Lead Speech-Language Pathologist, Emory University Hospital Midtown
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3381
Adam Klein MD, FACS
- Head and Neck Surgeon

Adam Klein MD, FACS
- As Director of the Emory Voice Center, Dr. Klein specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders.
- Willard and Lillian Hackerman Professor in Voice, Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-1850
Emily Walters Klein RD, CSO, LD
- Nutrition Advisor

Emily Walters Klein RD, CSO, LD
- Ms. Klein offers personalized nutrition advice to cancer patients treated at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital.
- Registered Dietitian, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
- emily.walters@emoryhealthcare.org
- (678) 843-7115
Irina Knudsen NP
- Nurse Practitioner

Irina Knudsen NP
- Nurse Practitioner, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology , Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Colleen Lewis NP
- Nurse Practitioner

Colleen Lewis NP
- Ms. Lewis is the Nurse Practitioner Lead for the Phase I Clinical Trial Unit at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Phase I Clinical Trials Nurse Practitioner Lead, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Douglas E. Mattox MD
- Head and Neck Surgeon

Douglas E. Mattox MD
- Dr. Mattox is board certified in both otolaryngology and neurotology and specializes in the treatment of malignant and non-malignant tumors of the ear.
- William Chester Warren, Jr., MD Chair and Professor, Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3381
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)
Charles E. Moore MD
- Head and Neck Surgeon

Charles E. Moore MD
- Dr. Moore specializes in otolaryngology and the surgical treatment of cancers of the head and neck with a focus craniomaxillofacial and anterior skull base surgery.
- Chief of Service, Otolaryngology, Grady Memorial Hospital
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 489-9000
Melvin R. Moore MD
- Medical Oncologist

Melvin R. Moore MD
- Dr. Moore treats head and neck, lung and genitourinary cancer patients at Grady Memorial Hospital.
- Visiting Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 489-9000
Taofeek Owonikoko MD, PhD, MSCR
- Medical Oncologist

Taofeek Owonikoko MD, PhD, MSCR
- Dr. Owonikoko's clinical specialties include lung cancer, thyroid cancer and other cancers of the aerodigestive tract.
- Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine; Co-Chair, Clinical and Translational Review Committee, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Sandra Parker NP-C
- Team Member

Sandra Parker NP-C
- Ms. Parker is an advanced registered nurse practitioner in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital.
- Nurse Practitioner, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
- referrals@radonc.emory.org
- (678) 843-7004
Mihir R. Patel MD
- Head and Neck Surgeon

Mihir R. Patel MD
- Dr. Patel focuses on minimally invasive surgical techniques to treat head and neck cancers.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3381
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
Avril M. Phillips LCSW, ACM-SW
- Social Worker

Avril M. Phillips LCSW, ACM-SW
- Ms. Phillips works with head and neck cancer patients at Emory University Hospital Midtown.
- Social Worker, Medical Oncology, Emory University Hospital Midtown
- avril.phillips@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-7269
Steven Roser MD, DMD, FACS
- Surgeon

Steven Roser MD, DMD, FACS
- Dr. Roser specializes in palate and maxillofacial surgery.
- DeLos Hill Professor of Oral Surgery and Chief, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-4500
Martha J. Ryan MS, FNP-C
- Lead Nurse Practitioner

Martha J. Ryan MS, FNP-C
- Working with the physician team at the Emory Head and Neck Surgery Center, Ms. Ryan coordinates surgical care for head and neck oncology patients.
- Lead Advanced Practice Provider, Emory Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery , Emory Healthcare
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3381
Nabil F. Saba MD, FACP
- Medical Oncologist

Nabil F. Saba MD, FACP
- Dr. Saba is an internationally recognized expert in the treatment of head and neck cancer.
- Director, Head and Neck Medical Oncology Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Merry E. Sebelik MD, FACS
- Head and Neck Surgeon

Merry E. Sebelik MD, FACS
- Dr. Sebelik is a head and neck surgeon with a clinical focus on thyroid and parathyroid surgery.
- Director, Head and Neck Oncology, Atlanta VA Medical Center
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 321-6111
Dong Moon Shin MD, FACP, FAAAS
- Medical Oncologist

Dong Moon Shin MD, FACP, FAAAS
- As a medical oncologist, Dr. Shin is sought after for the treatment of lung cancer, head and neck cancer along with mesothelioma, thymoma and thymic carcinoma.
- Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
C. Arturo Solares MD
- Skull Base Surgeon

C. Arturo Solares MD
- Dr. Solares specializes in benign and malignant diseases of the anterior and lateral skull base, and head and neck surgery.
- Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3381
Conor E. Steuer MD
- Medical Oncologist

Conor E. Steuer MD
- Dr. Steuer's clinical specialties include thoracic and head and neck oncology.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
William Stokes MD
- Radiation Oncologist

William Stokes MD
- Dr. Stokes practices general radiation oncology and specializes in the treatment of head and neck cancer, and lung cancer in addition to stereotactic body radiotherapy and proton therapy.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- radonc-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3473
Traci Switzer MS, ANP-C
- Adult Care Nurse Practitioner

Traci Switzer MS, ANP-C
- Hospital Adult Care Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Emory Healthcare
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3381
Elizabeth Turner RN, BSN, OCN
- Nurse Navigator

Elizabeth Turner RN, BSN, OCN
- Ms. Turner offers individualized assistance to patients with head and neck cancer through out their treatment.
- Oncology Nurse Navigator, Head and Neck Oncology, Emory University Hospital Midtown
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-1363
Craig Villari MD
- Head and Neck Surgeon

Craig Villari MD
- Dr. Villari specializes in endoscopic treatment of early laryngeal cancers and premalignant lesions.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3381
David Yu MD, PhD
- Radiation Oncologist

David Yu MD, PhD
- A radiation oncologist, Dr. Yu specializes in treating head and neck, breast and lung cancers at Loughlin Radiation Oncology Center at Grady.
- Jerome Landry MD Chair of Cancer Biology and Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine; Director, Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- radonc-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3473
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