Ovarian Cancer

When you come to Winship Cancer Institute for ovarian cancer treatment, you have a multidisciplinary team of gynecologic cancer experts dedicated to your well-being. To request an appointment, call (404) 778-3401.

As a patient with ovarian 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 and medical oncology, to provide the newest, most effective practices and treatments for ovarian cancer.

Our multidisciplinary care teams also include pathologists, pharmacists and advanced practice nurses with expertise in ovarian cancer and other gynecologic cancers. As specialists, our teams develop groundbreaking surgeries and treatments that produce better outcomes.

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.
  • Review of patient cases by a multidisciplinary 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 ovarian cancer, we are ready to help you. To request an appointment with our gynecologic cancer team, please contact us at (404) 778-3401. 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 ovarian cancers are either ovarian epithelial carcinomas that form on the surface of the ovary or malignant germ cell tumors that begin in the egg cells.

Your physician may be able to detect ovarian cancer during a routine exam.

Surgery is used to make a diagnosis, to determine the stage of the disease and to remove the tumor and any abnormal tissue.

For the treatment of ovarian cancer, most women have a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.

Surgery

During surgery, the surgeon will make a cut in the wall of the abdomen in a procedure called a laparotomy. Depending on where the cancer is found, one of the following surgeries may be performed:

  • Salpingo-oophorectomy - removal of one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
  • Hysterectomy - removes the uterus and cervix.
  • Staging procedures - removal of surrounding lymph nodes, tissue samples from the pelvis and abdomen, or the omentum which is the fatty tissue that covers the intestines.
  • Tumor debulking or cytoreduction – removal of visible tumor nodules or masses, which may include removal of the spleen, parts of the bowel, the liver.
  • Fertility-sparing – keeping one ovary and/or the uterus.

Chemotherapy

Several different drugs may also be used to treat primary or recurrent ovarian cancer. These drugs are given through a vein (IV or intravenous), directly into the abdomen (IP or intraperitoneally), or orally.

Targeted Therapy

Winship's most promising research in treating ovarian 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.

 

Clinical Trials

In addition to standard therapy, participating in clinical trials may be an option in certain cases. Clinical trials provide patients access to new medications that are being developed to treat ovarian cancer and other gynecologic cancers. Consider talking with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial at Winship.

Reproductive Health Care

Some patients with ovarian cancer may be candidates for preserving their fertility, the ability to get pregnant or maintain a pregnancy. Our cancer team works closely with the Emory Reproductive Center to support patients when their fertility may be impacted by cancer treatment. Ask your doctor if this is an option with your cancer diagnosis and to be referred to a fertility specialist.

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, social service professionals, and additional specialists trained in the management of cancer symptoms, such as pain or nausea.

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Susan C. Modesitt MD, FACOG, FACS

  • Gynecologic Oncologist
Photo of 
                                 Susan C. Modesitt MD, FACOG, FACS
Susan C. Modesitt MD, FACOG, FACS

Susan C. Modesitt MD, FACOG, FACS

  • Dr. Modesitt specializes in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies and leads the gynecologic oncology program at Winship Cancer Institute.
  • Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3401

Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C

  • Social Worker
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                                 Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C
Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C

Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C

Wendy Baer MD

  • Psychiatric Oncologist
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                                 Wendy Baer MD
Wendy Baer MD

Wendy Baer MD

Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD

  • Nutrition Advisor
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                                 Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD
Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD

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
  • (404) 778-5646

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

George G. Birdsong MD

  • Pathologist
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                                 George G. Birdsong MD
George G. Birdsong MD

George G. Birdsong MD

  • Located at Grady Memorial Hospital, Dr. Birdsong specializes in gynecologic cytopathology.
  • Professor, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 712-5947

Whitney Bond RD, LD

  • Nutrition Advisor
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                                 Whitney Bond RD, LD
Whitney Bond RD, LD

Whitney Bond RD, LD

  • Ms. Bond offers personalized nutrition advice to optimize health throughout the stages of cancer, from diagnosis to survivorship.
  • Registered Dietitian, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

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

Hannah H. Collins NP

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

Hannah H. Collins NP

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

Sarah Dilley MD, MPH, FACOG

  • Gynecologic Oncologist
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                                 Sarah Dilley MD, MPH, FACOG
Sarah Dilley MD, MPH, FACOG

Sarah Dilley MD, MPH, FACOG

  • Dr. Dilley treats patients with gynecologic cancer including cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer.
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3401

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

Tony Y. Eng MD

  • Radiation Oncologist
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                                 Tony Y. Eng MD
Tony Y. Eng MD

Tony Y. Eng MD

Lisa Flowers MD, MPH, FACOG

  • Gynecologist and Obstetrician
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                                 Lisa Flowers MD, MPH, FACOG
Lisa Flowers MD, MPH, FACOG

Lisa Flowers MD, MPH, FACOG

Chanhee Han MD

  • Gynecologic Oncologist
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                                 Chanhee Han MD
Chanhee Han MD

Chanhee Han MD

Sheela Hanasoge MBBS, PhD

  • Radiation Oncologist
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                                 Sheela Hanasoge MBBS, PhD
Sheela Hanasoge MBBS, PhD

Sheela Hanasoge MBBS, PhD

  • Dr. Hanasoge practices general radiation oncology and specializes in the treatment of breast, head and neck, genitourinary and gynecological cancer.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 616-1000

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

Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD

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

Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD

Emily M. Huskey RD, CSO, LD

  • Nutrition Advisor
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                                 Emily M. Huskey RD, CSO, LD
Emily M. Huskey RD, CSO, LD

Emily M. Huskey RD, CSO, 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
  • (404) 778-4526

Tatiana Johnson MMSc, LCGC

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

Tatiana Johnson MMSc, LCGC

Sandra Karem LCSW

  • Social Services
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                                 Sandra Karem LCSW
Sandra Karem LCSW

Sandra Karem LCSW

Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN

  • Nutrition Advisor
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                                 Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN
Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN

Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN

Namita Khanna MD, MSPH

  • Gynecologic Oncologist
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                                 Namita  Khanna MD, MSPH
Namita Khanna MD, MSPH

Namita Khanna MD, MSPH

  • Dr. Khanna collaborates with Winship's gynecologic cancer teams to deliver top care to patients with ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers.
  • Director, Pelvic Surgery Fellowship, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3401

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

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

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

Joy McCall LCSW, OSW-C

  • Social Worker
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                                 Joy  McCall LCSW, OSW-C
Joy McCall LCSW, OSW-C

Joy McCall LCSW, OSW-C

Marina Mosunjac MD

  • Pathologist
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                                 Marina  Mosunjac MD
Marina Mosunjac MD

Marina Mosunjac MD

  • Dr. Mosunjac's specializes in gynecologic and breast pathology.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 712-5947

Neela Natarajan MD

  • Hematologist/Medical Oncologist
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                                 Neela Natarajan MD
Neela Natarajan MD

Neela Natarajan MD

  • A board certified medical oncologist, Dr. Natarajan sees patients with cancer at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-1900

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

Sandra Parker NP-C

  • Nurse Practitioner
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                                 Sandra Parker NP-C
Sandra Parker NP-C

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
  • (678) 843-7004

Ashish B. Patel MD, MBA

  • Radiation Oncologist
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                                 Ashish B. Patel MD, MBA
Ashish B. Patel MD, MBA

Ashish B. Patel MD, MBA

  • Dr. Patel treats patients with gynecologic, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, head and neck, and thoracic malignancies, and sarcoma, and specializes in brachytherapy and stereotactic body radiotherapy.
  • Medical Director, Radiation Oncology, Emory Decatur Hospital and Emory Hillandale Hospital
  • (404) 778-3473

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

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

William Read MD

  • Medical Oncologist
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                                 William Read MD
William Read MD

William Read MD

  • Dr. Read cares for patients with gynecologic malignancies, brain tumors, cardiac tumors, sarcomas of soft tissue and bone and complicated skin cancers.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-1900

Jill Remick MD

  • Radiation Oncologist
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                                 Jill Remick MD
Jill Remick MD

Jill Remick MD

Margaret A. Riso MD

  • Pain Management Specialist
Photo of 
                                 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

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

Christine Stanislaw MS, CGC

  • Genetic Counselor
Photo of 
                                 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

Kristen D. Starbuck MD

  • Gynecologic Oncologist
Photo of 
                                 Kristen D. Starbuck MD
Kristen D. Starbuck MD

Kristen D. Starbuck MD

  • Located at Emory Decatur Hospital, Dr. Starbuck specializes in the treatment of patients with gynecologic cancers.
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3401

Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD

  • Nutrition Advisor
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                                 Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD
Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD

Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD

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

Gulisa Turashvili MD, PhD

  • Pathologist
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                                 Gulisa Turashvili MD, PhD
Gulisa Turashvili MD, PhD

Gulisa Turashvili MD, PhD

  • An anatomic pathologist, Dr. Turashvili specializes in gynecologic and breast pathology.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 712-5227

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

Qun Wang MD, PhD

  • Pathologist
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                                 Qun Wang MD, PhD
Qun Wang MD, PhD

Qun Wang MD, PhD

  • Dr. Wang's clinical focus is in breast and gynecologic pathology with a subspecialty in cytopathology.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • 404-712-5227

Felicia Williams DNP, FNP-C, AOCNP

  • Nurse Practitioner
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                                 Felicia  Williams DNP, FNP-C, AOCNP
Felicia Williams DNP, FNP-C, AOCNP

Felicia Williams DNP, FNP-C, AOCNP

  • Dr. Williams is the lead advanced practice provider with the medical oncology team at Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown.
  • Lead Advanced Practice Provider, Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown
  • (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
Photo of 
                                 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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