As a gynecologic oncologist, I am a surgeon who specializes in the care of women with cancers of the ovary, uterus, cervix, or vulva. I provide diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for women with gynecologic cancers. In most cases, surgery plays an important role in the treatment of these diseases. Whenever possible, I use minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic techniques using the da Vinci® Surgical System to help patients recover faster and have cosmetic results. I perform robotic and laparoscopic surgery for uterine cancer. If ovarian cancers are advanced, I perform radical debulking surgeries to remove as much cancer as possible. During these debulking procedures, it is often necessary to also operate on the bladder, intestines, and other nearby organs. In young women, I perform fertility-sparing surgeries when possible.
In addition to performing surgery, I provide treatment and chemotherapy to women with gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD, diseases of the placenta), and I use intraperitoneal therapy (also known as intra-abdominal chemotherapy) in the treatment of women with advanced ovarian cancer. I hold a joint appointment in the Departments of Medicine and Surgery to provide such care.
more…
I have a strong interest in clinical research and hold a master's degree in clinical trials. I help determine the best treatment plan for patients with gynecologic cancers and, when appropriate, incorporate clinical trials into patient care. Such studies help improve the survival of patients and advance medicine, and I am grateful to those brave patients who incorporate clinical trials into their care. I am involved with the Gynecologic Oncology Group — a national group conducting quality cooperative research at many institutions throughout the country.
In addition, I perform outcomes research and help determine both cost-appropriate and medically effective medicine.
I completed my fellowship at Duke University Medical Center where I received professional and teaching awards. In 2009, I joined the staff at Memorial Sloan-Kettering. I am a member of many medical societies and the author of peer-reviewed scientific articles.
