What is Cardio-Oncology?
Heart disease and cancer are the number one and two killers respectively in the United States.
Patients with cancer have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Heart disease can cause interruptions in cancer treatment, affect long-term quality of life, and impact overall survival.
Cardio-oncology is an important sub-specialty that takes care of patients with cancer who develop cardiovascular disease. The Winship at Emory Cardio-Oncology Clinic is one of the few multidisciplinary programs in the country dedicated to collaborative cardiac care for patients with cancer. We bring together under one roof an expert team of cardiologists, hematologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgeons to deliver comprehensive care to the people of Georgia and beyond.
In 2022, The International Cardio-Oncology Society designated our program a gold-level Cardio-Oncology "Center of Excellence," one of fewer than 35 gold-level centers worldwide.
What does Cardio-Oncology at Winship do?
The Winship at Emory Cardio-Oncology Clinic anticipates, prevents, and manages heart diseases that can arise as a result of chemotherapy and radiation. There are many types of heart disease that can result from cancer treatment:
- Heart failure or a weakened heart muscle
- Heart attack or a blockage of blood vessels of the heart
- Arrhythmias or heart rhythm disorders like atrial fibrillation
- Valvular heart disease such as premature narrowing of the heart valves
- Pericardial disease or complications of the lining surrounding the heart muscle
Our cardio-oncologists use a comprehensive approach, including cutting-edge diagnostics, to evaluate cancer patients and reduce the risk of complications from heart disease. They then work collaboratively with your oncology team to limit delays or interruptions in your cancer therapy while protecting your heart during and after your treatment.
Who should see a Cardio-Oncologist?
We recommend cancer patients who develop the following symptoms see a cardio-oncologist for a consultation:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Swelling in the legs
- Palpitations
- Lightheadedness
We incorporate an expert understanding of heart disease in the setting of cancer. We also provide tailored treatment for the following specific heart conditions in cancer patients:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Abnormal electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Abnormal echocardiogram (Echo)
If you are receiving any of the following cancer therapies, we recommend scheduling a consultation:
- Anthracyclines (doxorubicin, daunrorubicin, epirubicin, idrarubicin, mitoxantrone)
- Traztuzumab (Herceptin)
- VEGF inhibitors (sorafenib, sunitinib, regorafenib)
- Radiation to the chest ( > 30 Grays)
- Bone marrow transplant
Your Care at Winship
Our program is dedicated exclusively to cancer patients, and we provide expedited access for cancer patients and oncology providers concerned about heart disease.
Services provided by the Winship at Emory Cardio-Oncology Clinic include:
- Optimizing risk factors for heart disease prior to cancer therapy.
- Management of pre-existing heart disease before starting cancer treatment.
- Monitoring the heart during cancer therapy.
- Treating acute heart problems during cancer therapy.
- Follow-up of high-risk cancer patients for heart disease and prevention.
- Participation in clinical trials on heart disease and cancer.
We place a strong emphasis on timely access and consultation. We understand that it is critical to be seen soon to prevent delays in your cancer treatment and protect your long-term heart health.
Cardio_Oncology Clinic Locations
Cardio-oncology services are available at two Winship locations:
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory Univeristy (Clifton campus)
First floor, Bldg. C, 1365 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30322 - Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown
18th floor, 36 Linden Avenue NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Request an Appointment
If you are a cancer survivor at risk of heart failure, or have developed cardiovascular disease, 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.
Your Treatment Team
- Physicians
- Physician Diagnosticians
- Nurse Navigators
- Adv Practice
- Nurses
- Support Services
- Clinical Trials
- All
Anant Mandawat MD
- Cardio-Oncologist

Anant Mandawat MD
- Dr. Mandawat is an expert in the early detection, prevention, and treatment of cardiac diseases in patients with cancer.
- Director, Cardio-Oncology Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Mary Batcha RN, BSN
- YACS Program Coordinator

Mary Batcha RN, BSN
- Mrs. Batcha works closely with Dr. Natia Esiashvili and Dr. Susmita Parashar in coordinating care for young adult cancer survivors.
- Coordinator, Young Adult Cancer Survivor Program, Emory Healthcare
- mary.m.batcha@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 285-8838
Kunal Bhatt MD
- Cardiologist

Kunal Bhatt MD
- Dr. Bhatt specializes in advanced heart failure therapies, and has expertise in the diagnosis and management of cardiac amyloidosis.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-5544
Stephanie M. Cantu MD
- Cardiologist

Stephanie M. Cantu MD
- Dr. Cantu specializes in the use of advanced cardiac imaging in order to evaluate and improve cardiovascular outcomes in cancer patients and in patients with complex heart disease.
- Assistant Professor, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-5544
Karen Effinger MD, MS
- Pediatric Oncologist

Karen Effinger MD, MS
- Dr. Effinger specializes in pediatric oncology survivorship, and in the late effects of childhood cancer and stem cell transplantation.
- Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine
- karen.effinger@emory.edu
- (404) 785-1112
Natia Esiashvili MD, FASTRO
- Radiation Oncologist

Natia Esiashvili MD, FASTRO
- Dr. Esiashvili specializes in the treatment of complex pediatric cancers and hematological malignancies in adults.
- Professor and Chief Quality Officer, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3473
Kevin Kalinsky MD, MS
- Medical Oncologist

Kevin Kalinsky MD, MS
- Dr. Kalinsky treats patients diagnosed with breast cancer at Winship Cancer Institute Clifton campus and Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown.
- Director, Glenn Family Breast Center, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Lillian R. Meacham MD
- Pediatric Endocrinologist

Lillian R. Meacham MD
- Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine
- lmeacha@emory.edu
- (404) 785-1717
Adam J. Mitchell MD
- Cardiologist

Adam J. Mitchell MD
- Dr. Mitchell practices general cardiology with an interest in echocardiography and nuclear cardiology.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-5544
Sagar A. Patel MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Sagar A. Patel MD
- Dr. Patel has expertise in the treatment of genitourinary cancer including prostate and bladder cancer, and specializes in brachytherapy and proton therapy.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3473