My father was a physician and my mother was a nurse, so, growing up as a kid, I always imagined that I too, would find a career in medicine. Ultimately, I chose to become a gynecologic oncologist because I was attracted to the complexity of the medicine that was mixed with advanced surgical care for women diagnosed with cancers of the reproductive tract. More importantly, though, I chose to become a gynecologic oncologist because of the women battling these cancers, and the unique relationship that I would be able to develop with them and their families during their cancer journey. In caring for women diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, I believe it is important to engage them in the discussion of how best to direct their care. In doing so, my goal is to provide them with all available treatment options and access to state of the art surgical and oncologic care. In this unique role as a GYN oncologist, I am able to work closely with the patient and her family as she battles her cancer. In doing so, I have the opportunity to guide patients and their families through the ups and downs this battle, a privilege which I believe is critical to both positive outcomes for them as well as personal fulfillment for me. Women diagnosed with cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva and other reproductive organs want to know whether - and how - their lives might change during and after treatment. Some want to know if cancer will affect their fertility. Others want to know how treatments will affect their sex life or ability to participate in favorite activities. My goal is to guide them toward making decisions that work best for them given their type of gynecologic cancer and their personal priorities. To fulfill this goal, I work with a team of fellow oncologists specializing in surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapies to keep up with the latest advances in the fight against gynecologic cancers. I also work with physician assistants, nurses, physical therapists and social workers, who specialize in helping women with gynecologic cancers. I am a member of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, which promotes excellence in the care of women who are either at risk for or affected by such cancers through advocacy, education, research and collaboration. To support those efforts, I founded Athena’s Run for Gyn Cancers in 2010. In its first decade, the event raised $500,000 for research, education, and outreach efforts in the Piedmont Triad Region. We’ve helped pay for a cancer survivor’s symposium, an outreach program for minority women and a lecture series. I am also extremely interested in trying to decrease the disparities in medical care that exist in developing countries. I have had the opportunity to provide surgical/medical care and training on women's health issues to providers in Tanzania and the Dominican Republican. A native of Asheville, NC, in my spare time, I like to run, hike, and together, with my husband Jeffrey, watch our three kids pursue their passions, which often times means lots of soccer games and gymnastic meets!

Special Interests: Gynecologic Cancer, Complex General Surgical Oncology

Gender: Female