BiliaryTractCancer near Blacksburg, VA

Biography: For me, there is no field more exciting than oncology. The medical challenges are vast, but it is the unique relationship with the patients and their families which really drew me in. \n I also enjoy being part of a team, which is why I serve on the Novant Health Breast Cancer Tumor Council. This group brings together physicians from multiple specialties every week, to combine their expertise in the fight against breast cancer. My membership in the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Board of Internal Medicine also help me keep up with the ever-changing landscape of cancer care. \n I'm passionate about patient education and conversation. I try every day to do my best at explaining the complexities of cancer medicine in a way that makes sense to my patients. Every patient deserves to be presented with all the information available, in a way that is understandable, so that they can make the best decisions for their own care. \n For me, caring for patients at one of the more difficult times in their lives is personally fulfilling. The opportunity to see our cancer survivors in follow-up, living their best lives, often many years after their cancer diagnosis, is uniquely rewarding. \n A native of New England, I moved to the Winston-Salem area with my daughter in 2020, from Massachusetts. I previously served 14 years on active duty in the U.S. Navy. I am proud of my military service and training and feel that this experience helped to shape me into the provider I have become. My experiences in other parts of the world, including volunteer work as a physician in Honduras, have made me very grateful for the excellent cancer care available in the U.S., and have made me determined to contribute to this excellence as best I am able.

Biography: Dr. Obiageli Ogbata has a special interest in research. Her findings have been part of national and international hematology and oncology meetings and also published in several peer reviewed journals. Her research in lung cancer earned her a merit award from the American Society of Clinical Oncology in 2012. Dr. Ogbata is passionate about her patients and believes strongly in providing excellent patient care each and every time. Her special interests are in thoracic and geriatric oncology, as well as disparities in cancer outcomes. Dr. Ogbata is the proud mother of Kathryn, Kenny and Danny. When not working, she likes to travel with family, listen to music and play or watch soccer. She coaches preschool soccer when time permits.

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: Originally from Ghana, my parents were educators who instilled in me and my siblings the spirit of service. I chose the field of hematology and oncology because I consider cancer an area of needless suffering both physically and mentally for many patients. That's why I expanded my training to include expertise in hospice and palliative care. \n My goal is to ensure a warm, trusting environment where I can assist my patients in the development of a customized treatment plan while on their journey. And, if their cancer journey is coming to an end, my team and I can offer comfort and support at the end of life, too. Ultimately, it is about listening to your patient and their family. \n My wife, our three children and I like to travel to see new places. I am an avid outdoors person and like hiking and biking. I find the beauty of nature extremely calming. It helps to reset my mind after a long period of patient care.

Biography: 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.