Biliary Tract Cancer near Huntersville, NC

Biography: I want to help people live well, which is why I chose to pursue medicine as a career. When it came time to select my specialty, oncology was a clear choice for me. It is a field where the bond between physician and patient is so importantly grounded in trust and shared vision, and there is a sense of closeness that is formed that is unique to this field. \n The key to successful treatment is having the patient take ownership of the treatment by having a complete understanding of their care plan. I make it a priority to carefully explain the disease and the treatment to the patient and their family, so they have all the tools necessary to make the best decisions for themselves. It's a personal goal to treat everyone with absolute respect so that we are on a level playing field, fighting the disease together as a team. \n I serve on the Novant Health Breast Cancer Tumor Council and lead the Novant Health Huntersville Cancer Network group. And when not in clinic with my patients, I also participate in clinical research to help advance our knowledge of cancer and ways to fight this disease. \n I am married and have two children. I play an active role in my church and enjoy family time outdoors, hiking and reading.

Care Philosophy: Dr. Walczyszyn is committed to providing contemporary, multidisciplinary hematologic and oncologic treatments while focusing on the needs of his patients as well as their families. His objective is to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with

Biography: Dr. William Charles, MD is a Hematology Specialist who practices in Huntersville, NC. He is 57 years old. Dr. William Charles, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

Biography: Even as a young child, I knew I wanted to be a doctor. I found my calling in radiation oncology, where I have the honor and privilege of helping patients through one of the most difficult journeys of their life. \n I practice patient-centered medicine. That means I serve the patient by educating them about their treatment options and guiding them through their individual plan. \n During medical school I was selected to participate in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute-National Institute of Health Research Scholar Cloister Program. After graduating from the UNC School of Medicine with honors, I served as the youngest chief resident in the history of the Harvard Radiation Oncology program. After completion of my residency, I returned to North Carolina where I became a partner at Southeast Radiation Oncology. \n At Novant Health, I have been the principal investigator or radiology oncology lead on several clinical trials, and I serve on Novant Health's head and neck as well as thoracic tumor site councils. \n Other professional duties have included chairing the BCBS-NC Radiation Oncology Advisory Board, serving on the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation Oncology on Health Policy committee and serving as North Carolina's representative for Radiation Oncology on the Medicare Carrier Advisory Committee. \n I serve as vice president at Radiation Oncology Centers of the Carolinas and on the boards of Radiation Oncology Venture, Oncology Practice Solutions and Southeast Radiation Oncology. \n Out of the office, I enjoy boating, swimming, surfing, skiing, hiking - anything that involves spending time outdoors. I love attending musicals at the theater, performances at the symphony and just spending a quiet night at home with my wife, children and two dogs.

Biography: I am board-certified in hematology and medical oncology and take care of patients who have been diagnosed with a variety of blood disorders and cancers. I was drawn to the specialty because I wanted to deepen my understanding of the biology of cancer. As our knowledge grows in the medical community, I am grateful to see new treatment options for patients and improvements in their outcomes. \n I am passionate about patient education and believe those we serve are more likely to follow through with the care we recommend if they understand the 'why' behind the prescribed treatment. I enjoy forming meaningful relationships with my patients and their families. Those relationships help me deliver the personal touch that I cherish. \n In addition to clinical work, I have an interest in clinical research. These studies enhance our understanding of cancer and its processes and help us find better treatments for our patients. That continues to be an important goal in my life. \n I live with my wife in Concord, North Carolina. In my free time, I enjoy watching sports, hiking, reading and traveling.

Biography: I entered medicine to help people and found a calling in oncology, a field that allows me to combine the most current medical knowledge with compassionate humanistic care on a daily basis. \n I am a general hematologist-oncologist who treats a wide range of blood and cancer conditions. My clinical interest is in treating GI cancer and breast cancer. \n I believe that, regardless of how common or rare the diagnosis, each patient deserves personalized care. To me, the key to good patient care is to listen and pay attention to the small details. I pride myself on striving to provide the most thorough and attentive care to each person under my care, at each visit and at every juncture. \n My husband, daughter and I are originally from the Philadelphia area. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, traveling, nature photography and spending time with my loved ones.

Biography: During residency, I worked alongside an oncologist who inspired me to pursue the specialty. I saw the tremendous impact new treatments could have for patients and wanted to offer the same life-prolonging and lifesaving treatments to my own patients. \n I also admired the close relationships my oncologist mentor had with his patients and their families. I liked the idea of using science, which I'd always loved, to help people fight this disease. \n It is a humbling privilege to care for patients facing cancer. I take the time to listen to their concerns and fears and provide them extensive education on their disease and possible treatment options. I also leverage all the expertise within our multidisciplinary cancer institute so patients get the best of our collective experience. \n Cancer can be isolating. It's easy for patients to feel vulnerable. So, throughout their treatment and follow-up, I stay in frequent communication with patients and their families. \n I am board-certified in oncology, hematology and internal medicine. I have a special interest in clinical research and appreciate that, at Novant Health, we can offer novel therapies through clinical trials. I've served as principal investigator and co-investigator on several phase I, II and III clinical trials. \n My wife, Nada, and I live in Concord with our daughter (Sophia), son (Sami) and our Goldendoodle, (Chippey). I treasure family time and enjoy coaching tennis, travel, skiing and road biking.

Biography: 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.

Biography: Dr. Poras Patel, MD is a Hematology Specialist who practices in Huntersville, NC. He is 40 years old. Dr. Poras Patel, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

Care Philosophy: To provide the highest level of comprehensive and quality medical care to cancer patients while maintaining the highest level of professional, ethical, and regulatory conduct in patient care and clinical research.

Biography: Dr. Rohit Bhasin, MD is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in Huntersville, NC. He is 53 years old and has been practicing for 26 years. Dr. Rohit Bhasin, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. William Mitchell, MD is an Oncology Specialist who practices in Huntersville, NC. He is 61 years old and has been practicing for 35 years. Dr. William Mitchell, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Matthews Medical Center.

Biography: I am a surgical oncologist with special training in the care of breast cancer patients. My team and I have locations in Huntersville and Charlotte, making it easier for patients across the area to access high-quality breast cancer care close to home. \n I use advanced techniques for breast cancer surgery, including breast conservation (lumpectomy) with and without cosmetic adjustments (oncoplastic techniques), mastectomy, nipple-sparing mastectomy and the most up-to-date procedures for removing lymph nodes from under the arm. \n One of the things I enjoy most about Novant Health is that I work closely with a multidisciplinary team of experts - from medical and radiation oncologists to specialized breast cancer nurse navigators, therapists and counselors - and we are all focused on providing the highest quality breast cancer care in the clinic and in the operating room. \n My clinical and research interests include the treatment and biology of breast cancer in the young and elderly. I enjoy doing research, including serving as the principal investigator for a national clinical trial at Novant Health. In addition to my clinical work, I have written more than 30 articles for peer-reviewed clinical and professional publications. \n My hobbies include cooking, boating, exercising, reading and traveling, as well as spending time with my wonderful husband and children.