Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias near Winston Salem, NC

Biography: Dr. Rafael Cavalcanti, MD is a Cardiology Specialist who practices in Winston Salem, NC. He is 41 years old. Dr. Rafael Cavalcanti, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Lai Kok, MD is a Cardiology Specialist who practices in Winston Salem, NC. He is 60 years old and has been practicing for 35 years. Dr. Lai Kok, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

Biography: As a clinical cardiac electrophysiologist, my specialty is evaluating the electrical activity of the heart to diagnose symptoms, detect abnormal heart rhythms, or signal higher risk of heart disease. I do this using non-invasive methods such as electrocardiograms (EKGs) and wearable monitors, as well as procedures such as catheter ablations, which must be performed in a specialized operating room. \n I use findings from these and other tests and procedures both to diagnose my patient's condition and recommend potential therapies. \n I became fascinated with caring for patients with heart rhythm disorders while working as an emergency medical technician (EMT) at age 16. I still have memories of a 9-year-old patient I helped treat at the time for an abnormally fast heartbeat. Though suffering, she calmly allowed us to place her IV so we could administer medicine to help her. I never forgot her strength, which is among the experiences that inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. \n I've since come to appreciate how complicated and challenging medicine can be. Because the path forward is not always clear, I've learned that the way I communicate my findings to patients and families can be just as important as the findings themselves. I use straightforward language, draw diagrams, and provide extra materials to ensure you a clear understanding of next steps, whether that is running a diagnostic test or identifying therapies that best meet your needs. \n Novant Health's commitment to this collaborative approach to patient care is what brought me, my wife Kyla and out daughter Evangeline to North Carolina from our native New Jersey in 2019. We have since welcomed our second daughter Alessandra and grown to love living here. We spend as much time as possible outside, whether hiking, swimming, or just relaxing on our porch. My other interests include martial arts training, reading, woodworking, and sailing.

Biography: Dr. Bryon Rubery, MD is a Cardiology Specialist who practices in Winston Salem, NC. He is 55 years old and has been practicing for 22 years. Dr. Bryon Rubery, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Michael Drucker, MD is a Cardiology Specialist who practices in Winston Salem, NC. He is 59 years old and has been practicing for 33 years. Dr. Michael Drucker, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

Biography: My mother, who worked as a nurse, is the main reason I chose medicine. \n Growing up, I witnessed her dedication to patient care and how she made a tangible difference in their lives. Inspired by her example, I initially pursued a career in nursing. However, during a medical humanitarian mission to South America, I was deeply moved to witness physicians addressing complex medical challenges while bringing much-needed care to underserved communities. I decided then to take the leap and pursue medical school. \n That's where I discovered my passion for cardiothoracic surgery - a field that demands precision and relies on seamless teamwork. But it was the opportunity to extend and improve patients' lives through surgical innovation that most drew me to the discipline. Over time, this specialty has become not just my profession - but my calling. \n I enjoy the challenge cardiothoracic surgery presents; it's among the most technically demanding specialties in medicine. \n My areas of interest include minimally invasive surgery; aortic, mitral and tricuspid valve repair; thoracic aortic repair; atrial fibrillation; treating lung and esophageal cancer; coronary artery disease and more. I'm board-certified in general, as well as thoracic and cardiac, surgery. \n My goal is to provide the safest, most effective care possible while ensuring patients feel heard, respected and confident in the care they receive. I strive to treat every patient as I would a family member. That means being transparent, compassionate and committed to safety. \n That commitment is evidenced by my surgical outcomes being ranked among the top 5% of cardiac and thoracic surgeons nationwide. \n I'm a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (and was an early initiate), Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Golden Key International Honour Society, Society of Thoracic Surgeons and others. I'm also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and was named "Teacher of the Year" in 2013 while serving as an instructor in the University of Utah's physician assistant program. \n In addition, I'm a medical board reviewer for the state of North Carolina and serve as a clinical trial investigator, which places me at the forefront of cardiothoracic surgical advancements. \n My wonderful wife and I are proud parents of two amazing daughters. Family is at the heart of everything I do, and I cherish our time together, whether at home or on an adventure. \n I have a deep passion for music and love attending concerts and music festivals. I'm also an avid practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which keeps me physically active while also challenging me mentally. It teaches resilience, focus and humility. My hobbies provide balance and help me bring my best self to both my personal and professional roles.

Biography: I wanted to be a surgeon since I was 9 years old, after my younger sister had successful open-heart surgery. But it wasn't until halfway through my nine-year surgical training program that I decided to devote my career to thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. \n A cardiothoracic surgeon specializes in procedures of the heart, lung, esophagus and other organs in the chest. I'm proud to be part of a dedicated team that provides top-notch care in this field. The team approach is essential not only to achieve the best outcomes but also to reassure patients that they always receive state-of-the-art medical care. \n I have been working since 2000 at Novant Health, where I have also served as section chief for thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center. Over the years, I have been involved extensively with the Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute. \n I am a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association. \n My twin daughters were born just nine days after I finished my surgical training at the University of Maryland Medical System in Baltimore. My family and I moved straight to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where we have enjoyed living since. My wife has been extremely supportive of me, giving up her career in pharmacy to raise our three children. Of course, I have helped out, but I give her all the credit for their successes. \n I enjoy spending time off with my family and our dog. I also like golfing, fishing and mountain biking.

Biography: Dr. David Duncan, MD is a Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist who practices in Winston Salem, NC. He is 66 years old and has been practicing for 41 years. Dr. David Duncan, MD is affiliated with Novant Winston-Salem NC.

Biography: Dr. Nizar Noureddine, MD is an Interventional Cardiology Specialist who practices in Winston Salem, NC. He is 50 years old and has been practicing for 21 years. Dr. Nizar Noureddine, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Matthews Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Mark Mitchell, MD is a Cardiology Specialist who practices in Winston Salem, NC. He is 62 years old. Dr. Mark Mitchell, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Samuel Turner, MD is an Interventional Cardiology Specialist who practices in Winston Salem, NC. He is 46 years old and has been practicing for 20 years. Dr. Samuel Turner, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Hadley Wilson, MD is a Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist who practices in Winston Salem, NC. He is 39 years old and has been practicing for 10 years. Dr. Hadley Wilson, MD is affiliated with Novant Winston-Salem NC.

Biography: Dr. Samuel Jacks, MD is a Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist who practices in Winston Salem, NC. He is 52 years old and has been practicing for 21 years. Dr. Samuel Jacks, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center.