BiliaryTractCancer near Rock Hill, SC

Biography: My interest in treating cancers of the breast, urinary tract and genitals developed during my medical training and continues in my work at Novant Health. Staying on the leading edge of cancer care is important to me. This is one reason that I am a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncologists and the lead physician for Charlotte GU (Genitourinary) Tumor Council. Clinical research is also a way that I can learn and provide treatment options that typically would be unavailable. To support those efforts, I often serve as the principal investigator for Novant Health clinical trials. \n A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Patients and families not only have the physical challenges, but they also must learn an entirely new language of medical terms. My goal is to communicate with patients and family members in ways that are easy to understand. And I take time to explain the reasoning behind my suggested treatment plan because knowledge is power. \n A cancer diagnosis often leaves the patient and family feeling unsettled because so much is unknown. That's why I do everything I can to put patients at ease. I enjoy the relationships I build with my patients and their families and can't see myself doing a different type of work. \n I am from the Midwest, where most of my immediate family still lives. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my dog, Julio, running, entering races and traveling.

Biography: As the son of a physician, I was introduced to the medical community early in life, and it gave me an inherent understanding of its demands and rewards. From a young age, I witnessed the dedication, empathy and resilience medicine requires. This fostered a deep respect for the profession and gave me valuable insights into the patient experience. My father set a wonderful example of how to be a good clinician and an excellent person, always treating people with compassion and kindness. \n Before medical school, I worked many years in wilderness leadership, where I had the opportunity to be the primary medical caregiver for my group of students. Wilderness medicine provided invaluable preparation for a surgical career by honing skills that are crucial in high-stakes environments. The unpredictable nature of the wilderness requires quick thinking, resourcefulness and adaptability - qualities that translate seamlessly to the operating room. I also learned to work with limited resources, which necessitated problem-solving and making important decisions under pressure, two other skills I still use daily. Additionally, I learned the importance of triage, emergency management and the ability to handle unforeseen complications with composure. I am grateful for my wilderness medicine experience during every patient encounter. \n Being a surgeon combines my passion for science with an ability to make a tangible, life-changing impact on individuals. The challenge of solving complex medical puzzles and the precision required in the operating room energize me. Each surgery presents a unique opportunity to restore health and improve quality of life for my patients, which is deeply rewarding. I pride myself on focusing not just on the surgical procedure, but also on the overall well-being of my patients, ensuring they receive personalized care tailored to their needs. \n I grew up in Charlotte and attended college and medical school in North Carolina as well. Before attending medical school, though, I took time to explore other parts of the United States as well as other careers. I've worked as a carpenter, teacher, guide and coach. I still love to travel, now with my wife and son. Seeing new places, being outdoors and eating good food are all things that offer me a reprieve from my work and allow me to return to my patients with renewed energy and perspective.

Biography: Dr. John Konefal, MD is a Radiation Oncology Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. He is 67 years old and has been practicing for 41 years. Dr. John Konefal, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Rowan Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Robert McCammon, MD is a Radiation Oncology Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. He is 50 years old and has been practicing for 22 years. Dr. Robert McCammon, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Rowan Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Oliver Jervis Jr, MD is a Critical Care Medicine Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. He is 61 years old and has been practicing for 35 years. Dr. Oliver Jervis Jr, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. James Smith, MD is a Critical Care Medicine Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. He is 55 years old. Dr. James Smith, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Rowan Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Jeffrey Walls, MD is a Critical Care Medicine Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. He is 58 years old and has been practicing for 32 years. Dr. Jeffrey Walls, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center.

Care Philosophy: My goal is to provide my patients with the highest quality care I enjoy partnering with my patients in improving their health through education and application of latest techniques and treatments nbsp; I employ minimally invasive techniques to treat

Biography: Growing up I knew I wanted to be part of a profession that gave me a strong sense of purpose and allowed me an opportunity to have a positive and meaningful impact on the lives of others. One of the best places to do that is in the fight against cancer; and one of the best ways to help cancer patients is to involve them in the decisions surrounding their care. \n I take time to help my patients understand their options for getting a diagnosis and treatment for their illness. While being diagnosed with cancer is never easy, my experience has been that patients find this approach empowering and helpful. My 13 years of medical training prepared me well for this educational aspect of my job. \n A great physician is one who continues learning. I accomplish this as a member of the National Gynecological Association and through clinical research. My interest in research started during my fellowship training, when I was awarded grants for ovarian cancer research. Since then, I have logged considerable hours in the lab, researching ovarian cancer vaccines and immunotherapy. I also continue to publish clinical research on ovarian and uterine cancer treatments and outcomes. \n A native of Britain, I moved to Chapel Hill at an early age. I now live in Charlotte with my wife and dog "Moose." My wife and I love playing soccer, spending time with family and friends and working on our house. We also enjoy hiking, particularly when we can do that in Scotland.

Biography: I am a surgeon and breast cancer survivor who specializes in treating gynecologic cancer. Taking care of women and being a part of their complete cancer journey are areas of my work that I love. I chose medicine as a career because I believe it is the best way to integrate my interest in science, solving problems and helping people and my community. I specialize in gynecologic oncology because it provides a unique opportunity to combine my surgical skills with cancer care, where there is a strong and growing emphasis on caring for the whole patient. \n As lead physician and head of the operating room committee at my clinic, I play a leading role in evaluating surgical techniques to determine which ones work. My status as a fellow of The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists means you can have confidence that I rely on the latest medical guidelines, treatments and techniques in women's healthcare. \n Though I'm a surgeon, I support any therapy that improves outcomes for my patients. At Novant Health, I have spearheaded a clinical trial to help determine whether a new drug therapy improves outcomes for patients with late-stage endometrial cancer. This disease is rarely cured by radiation therapy or surgery alone. \n As a breast cancer survivor, I empathize with the emotions cancer patients experience as they move from diagnosis and treatment to remission, recovery, sometimes relapse, and survival. My approach to care focuses as much on guarding your quality of life in the here and now as on finding a cure for your illness. \n When not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband, son and daughter and our two dogs. My hobbies include long-distance running, music and sports. My husband and I both attended Auburn University and love following their sports teams.

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.