SquamousCellCarcinomaofSkin near Mooresville, NC

Biography: 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. \n 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. \n 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. \n 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. \n 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. \n 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 Athenas 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. Weve helped pay for a cancer survivors symposium, an outreach program for minority women and a lecture series. \n 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!

Biography: I see adult patients with blood disorders and cancers of all types. My approach to healthcare is to treat each person as I would members of my own family. I strongly believe involving patients in decisions about treatment and coordinating care with other physicians yields the best results. \n I have always loved to help people, and oncology gives me a unique opportunity to do that in a way that is rewarding to me. I get to know patients and care for them during a challenging time in their lives. \n Helping cancer patients requires a team effort, and I am grateful to be working alongside such a wonderful team of doctors and nurses. \n In 2012, I moved to Charlotte. I enjoy spending my spare time with my husband Kam and son Cyrus. We travel together, explore new restaurants, play board games, swim and spend time with extended family. I also love to read and play badminton with Cyrus.

Biography: Dr. Catherine Pointon, MD is a Dermatologist who practices in Charlotte, NC. She is 62 years old and has been practicing for 35 years. Dr. Catherine Pointon, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

Biography: I am a hematology/oncology specialist and the physician lead for the transplant and cellular therapy department for Novant Health Cancer Institute. \n No two cancers are the same because no two patients are the same. Each patient comes with a different set of life experiences and ideas, which makes treating cancer unique to each individual patient. And this is why I was drawn to the field of oncology; it allows me an opportunity to improve a person's life during what might be the most difficult time of their life. \n To properly treat the whole person and not just the disease, you need to engage in active conversation with the patient throughout the treatment process. This is why I approach medicine and oncology from the position of a partnership between me and the patient. Very rarely in oncology do we find ourselves with decisions where the right answer is in black and white. \n I am a member of the American Society of Hematology, as well as the American Society for Transplant and Cellular therapy. My membership in these organizations keep me up to date on the latest research and treatment options in the field. I'm also actively engaged in clinical research focused on acute leukemia, with the goal of finding new, targeted therapies that improve disease control and survival while limiting side effects and maintaining a good quality of life through treatment. \n When I am not seeing patients, I enjoy time with my wife and three daughters. I am an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys skiing, SCUBA diving, kite surfing and long-distance running. I am passionate about the shared human experience and love meeting new people and exploring new ideas and places.

Biography: I chose medicine, and oncology as an area of specialty, as a way to pursue two passions: studying science and connecting with people. I saw the positive impact this combination can have as a child watching my mother. She spent most of her life taking care of cancer patients as an oncology nurse. \n While I treat patients with a variety of cancers and blood disorders, I have a special interest in cancers affecting organs in the upper section of the gastrointestinal tract, or digestive system, and genitourinary system. As a physician who is board-certified in hematology and medical oncology, I am committed to providing my patients with up-to-date, comprehensive and individualized care. At Novant Health, this means participating in tumor boards, where surgical, medical and radiation oncologists collaboratively review each cancer patient's condition to determine the best treatment plan. \n I was born in the Philippines and then moved to New Jersey, where I spent most of my childhood near the beach. My husband and I moved to Charlotte in 2019 with our newborn daughter. We enjoy the outdoors, particularly hiking and going to the beach, as well as experiencing other cultures through travel. Closer to home, we enjoy discovering new restaurants. Music is also a passion of mine and a large part of our family activities.