Your Care at Winship
Your best long-term outcome as a patient with stomach cancer 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 oncology, radiation therapy and medical oncology, to provide the newest, most effective practices and treatments for stomach cancer.
Our multidisciplinary care teams include oncology surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, pharmacists and advanced practice nurses with expertise in stomach cancer. As specialists, 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 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.
- Access to support groups and education classes for you and your caregivers.
- Availability of new treatment options within our clinical trials program.
Request an Appointment
If you have been diagnosed with stomach cancer, we are ready to help you. Call us at (404) 778-0032. 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 Stomach Cancer
Correctly diagnosing and staging the extent of your stomach cancer is essential to your treatment.
Your Winship care team may use one or more tests and procedures to determine the stage of your cancer, including blood tests, biopsy, imaging tests and x-rays. Other tests may include:
Endoscopic ultrasound: a doctor inserts an endoscope into the stomach. The device produces sound waves that make an image on a video screen.
Upper GI series: also called a barium swallow, the patient swallows a contrasting dye and x-rays are taken to look for abnormal growths.
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
Your individualized treatment plan will take into account the stage of your disease, your overall health, the side effects of the treatment, and relieving stomach cancer symptoms.
Your care team will discuss treatment options with you and it is important to take time and consider all possible choices. One or more of the following types of treatment will be used.
Surgery: Surgery is the main treatment method for stomach cancer. Some of the procedures may include:
- Endoscopic mucosal resection: used primarily for early stage stomach cancer that has not spread throughout the body.
- Subtotal or partial gastrectomy: a surgeon removes cancerous tumors in the stomach along with lymph nodes and other organs near the tumor.
- Total gastrectomy: the entire stomach is removed along with nearby lymph nodes and other organs.
Winship experts are using a groundbreaking hybrid procedure to surgically remove tumors located in difficult areas of the stomach.
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.
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.
Targeted therapies: Winship’s most promising research in treating stomach 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 stomach cancer. Consider talking with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial at Winship.
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.
Your Treatment Team
- Physicians
- Physician Diagnosticians
- Nurse Navigators
- Adv Practice
- Nurses
- Support Services
- Clinical Trials
- All
Mehmet Akce MD
- Medical Oncologist

Mehmet Akce MD
- Dr. Akce specializes in the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
Olatunji B. Alese MD
- Medical Oncologist

Olatunji B. Alese MD
- Dr. Alese specializes in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, particularly colorectal cancer.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
Ahmad H. Al-Hajj MD
- Medical Oncologist

Ahmad H. Al-Hajj MD
- Dr. Al-Hajj is a community oncologist treating patients with cancer at Emory Johns Creek Hospital and Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
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
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
Shermaine Campbell LMSW
- Social Worker

Shermaine Campbell LMSW
- Ms. Campbell works with the medical oncology team to assist patients with neurological, aerodigestive, breast and gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Social Worker, Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- shermaine.campbell@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-4593
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
Valerie Chertin MS, CSO, RD, LD
- Nutrition Advisor

Valerie Chertin MS, CSO, RD, LD
- A Registered Dietitian, Ms. Chertin provides cancer patients who are undergoing treatment at Winship Cancer Institute with personalized nutrition advice.
- Clinical Dietitian, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- valeriya.chertina@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0296
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
Frank Eady LMSW
- Social Worker

Frank Eady LMSW
- Mr. Eady assists genitourinary, gastrointestinal and surgical oncology patients treated at Winship.
- Social Worker, GI/GU Cancer and Surgical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- frank.eady@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-5976
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
Bassel El-Rayes MD
- Medical Oncologist

Bassel El-Rayes MD
- Dr. El-Rayes is the chief clinical research scientist responsible for coordinating and providing high-level direction to the clinical cancer research programs and clinical cancer trials across the Emory campuses.
- Associate Director for Clinical Research, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
Alexis Galambos MS, RD, LD
- Nutrition Advisor

Alexis Galambos MS, RD, LD
- Ms. Galambos offers personalized nutrition advice to optimize health throughout the stages of cancer, from diagnosis to survivorship.
- Registered Dietitian, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- alexis.galambos@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Heather G. Gatcombe MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Heather G. Gatcombe MD
- Dr. Gatcombe practices general radiation oncology at Emory Decatur Hospital and Emory Hillandale Hospital.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- radonc-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 501-6925
Jamie M. Goldman MD
- Community Oncologist

Jamie M. Goldman MD
- Dr. Goldman practices general medical oncology and hematology with a focus on treating patients with genitourinary cancer at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- 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
Sujata Kane MS, RD, PA-C
- Physician Assistant

Sujata Kane MS, RD, PA-C
- Ms. Kane works with the gastrointestinal medical oncology team at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Physician Assistant, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
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
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
Kelly Klimansky RN, BSN
- Nurse Navigator

Kelly Klimansky RN, BSN
- Ms. Klimansky assists gynecologic and gastrointestinal cancer patients throughout their treatment.
- Oncology Nurse Navigator, 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
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
Amina Naqvi MD
- Community Oncologist

Amina Naqvi MD
- A board certified medical oncologist, Dr. Naqvi treats patients with breast, gastrointestinal and gynecological cancer, and hematological malignancies and disorders.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Neela Natarajan MD
- Community Oncologist

Neela Natarajan MD
- Dr. Natarajan is a community oncologist treating cancer patients at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Janice M. Newsome MD, FSIR
- Interventional Radiologist

Janice M. Newsome MD, FSIR
- Dr. Newsome's clinical specialties include uterine fibroid embolization, ablative and catheter-directed treatments for cancer, among others.
- Division Director and Chief, Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Emory University Hospital Midtown
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-4747
Ashish B. Patel MD, MBA
- Radiation Oncologist

Ashish B. Patel MD, MBA
- Dr. Patel specializes in the treatment of gastrointestinal and gynecologic cancers, and in brachytherapy and stereotactic body radiotherapy
- Medical Director, Radiation Oncology, Emory Decatur Hospital and Emory Hillandale Hospital
- radonc-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3473
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
Soumon Rudra MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Soumon Rudra MD
- Dr. Rudra specializes in the treatment of head and neck cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- radonc-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-2391
Maria C. Russell MD
- Surgical Oncologist

Maria C. Russell MD
- Dr. Russell's treats tumors of the liver, biliary tract, pancreas, spleen and gallbladder, metastatic tumors to the liver, tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, neuroendocrine tumors, melanoma and metastatic melanoma.
- Associate Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0680
Mihir M. Shah MD
- Surgical Oncologist

Mihir M. Shah MD
- A board certified surgeon, Dr. Shah specializes in the surgical management of tumors of the liver, pancreas, biliary tree, stomach, esophagus, bile duct, small bowel and retroperitoneum.
- Assistant Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3307
Walid L. Shaib MD
- Medical Oncologist

Walid L. Shaib MD
- Dr. Shaib is a part of the medical oncology team and specializes in gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
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
Ajay Tadepalli MD
- Community Oncologist

Ajay Tadepalli MD
- Dr. Tadepalli is a community oncologist treating cancer patients at Emory Johns Creek Hospital and The Emory Clinic at Buford.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- 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