Best Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Skin Doctors in Statesville, NC

I am a hematologist and oncologist at Novant Health, who has been fascinated with science since childhood. Like most kids, I was curious about the unknown, trying to understand the universe and its mysteries and why we get sick or age. I never expected to fall in love with hematology and oncology. \n Oncology is a challenging field that is also immensely rewarding. Significant progress in the field has given us a lot more tools and avenues to treat patients and this is unbelievably encouraging. \n I enjoy getting to know my patients beyond just their diagnosis - what are their experiences, values and perspectives - and how can I use that information so together, we can develop a care plan that is unique to them. It is about empowering my patients to make the best treatment decisions. \n At the end of the day, I continue to be amazed by the grace and courage that I see in my patients. \n When I am not in the clinic, I enjoy hiking and walking at local parks, traveling, reading historical books and autobiographies, and visiting family.

Dr. Collins' interest in oncology grew as he was involved in research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While studying the effects of various compounds on cancer cell growth, he recognized the opportunities for discovery and possibilities in the field of oncology. He has seen novel therapies save the lives of many cancer patients since his early years in research and schooling. Dr. Collins treats patients for genitourinary cancer, which includes malignancies in the prostate, bladder and kidneys. He grew up in Long Island, New York and moved to North Carolina more than 20 years ago. He lives in Winston-Salem with his wife and three daughters. In his free time, he runs, plays tennis and sharpens his skills in photography.

Dr. Jacks attributes her decision to work in oncology to her mentors in basic science labs and clinical units. They introduced her to promising advances in oncology research and deepened her appreciation for the oncologist-patient relationship. She has a clinical focus in head, neck and thoracic cancers, including lung and esophageal diseases. Dr. Jacks believes the best way to fight these and other forms of cancer is through prevention. She helps patients choose a healthy lifestyle that decreases cancer risks. Dr. Jacks is a Charleston native and is happy to be back in the Carolinas with her husband, Sam Jacks, a cardiothoracic surgeon, and their son, George. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, cooking and traveling.

One of the hardest things anyone can do is face a cancer diagnosis. \n While I was in medical school, a close friend learned he had cancer. With most current treatment modalities unavailable in our country - Nepal - at the time, the disease took its toll. I witnessed the physical suffering and emotional turmoil he endured. I saw the far-reaching consequences cancer can have on people's lives, their work, their relationships. \n But at the same time, I was learning about new and promising treatment options that were giving hope to millions. This, I realized, was an area of medicine that would allow me to have an impact on patients' quality of life and their very survival. \n The following year, I began my residency with a mission statement: "To practice medicine with vigor and enthusiasm, serve the ideals of goodness and beauty through medicine and to love what I do, for it shall enrich patients' lives as well as my own." \n There were such exciting advancements being made in hematology and oncology. I wanted to be part of that work, so I embarked on a challenging, yet rewarding, career as a hematologist and oncologist. \n Delivering compassionate care and developing long-term relationships with patients are as rewarding as I thought they'd be when I was a medical student. I love to take the complexity of cancer and try to simplify it so my patients understand their disease and treatment plan. \n I appreciate being part of Novant Health, because we believe in taking care of the whole patient, not just an organ. And not just their disease. And we practice the art, as well as the science, of medicine. \n My wife, who's also originally from Nepal, and I and have two daughters, and we love spending time together as a family. I enjoy all manner of outdoor activities, especially playing tennis.