MD, MSHCT, FACS, MAMSE
Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery
Associate Chair of Community Operations and Strategy Director, Surgical Services Hillsborough
UNC-Chapel Hill
Cancer Therapeutics Research Program
Area of Interest
Over the course of my career, my research program has spanned multiple domains of translational science, with a sustained focus on developing therapeutic strategies that move seamlessly from bench to bedside. A major component of my work has been in the area of regional chemotherapy for melanoma.
I led a large regional chemotherapeutic program where we developed and optimized novel regional treatment strategies, integrating systemically delivered targeted agents to enhance the anti-tumor effects of regionally administered chemotherapy. This work formed the basis for multiple multicenter clinical trials that included translational correlatives to evaluate treatment mechanisms and outcomes.
My translational efforts in melanoma have been particularly focused on patients with in-transit disease—a clinical challenge with limited systemic options at the time. We established a dedicated clinic to treat these patients using regional chemotherapy, which led to complete eradication of disease in approximately 40% of cases. In order to improve response rates and delay systemic progression, we developed and refined animal models that allowed us to test combinations of regional, systemic, and immunologic therapies. These models provided key insights into the tumor microenvironment and mechanisms by which regional and systemic therapies could be effectively combined. Our preclinical findings informed the design of several multicenter trials. Notably, we identified that while certain targeted agents such as TNF and sorafenib increased toxicity without improving outcomes, strategies like N-cadherin inhibition improved drug delivery, and temozolomide proved effective as a regional agent in patients who failed melphalan.
Awards and Honors
- Best Doctors in America, Castle Connolly, 1998-2025
- Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award – University of Texas Medical Branch Department of Surgery (selected by surgical residents), 2024
- Faculty Marshal for the 2023 University of Texas Medical Branch Commencement (selected by medical students), 2023
- Awarded membership in The University of Texas at Austin Chapter of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (top 10% of seniors and graduate students), 2020
- Elected Member, Academy of Master Surgeon Educators, American College of Surgeons, 2019
- Director, American Board of Surgery. Nominated and elected as the Society of Surgical Oncology representative, 2010-2016
- Durham VA Medical Center Director’s Commendation – In recognition of over 20 years of exemplary service within the surgical service and contributions to the VA mission, 2014
- Duke Surgery Excellence in Simulation Teaching Award – For providing exemplary service in skills training to surgical residents in the surgical education and activities lab (SEAL), 2013
- Durham VA Medical Center “Partners in Care” Nursing Service Excellence Award, 2011
- Duke University Health System Strength, Hope, and Caring Award – For leadership in patient care and safety at Duke University Hospital, 2008
- David C. Sabiston, Jr. Teaching Award – For excellence in resident education (selected by surgical residents), 1998
- Recipient of The American College of Surgeons Traveling Fellowship to Australia and New Zealand, 2002
- Duke University Davison Society’s Davison Teaching Award – For excellence in medical student education (selected by medical students), 1999
- M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Clinical Trainee Research Project Competition – Second Place, Basic Science Division, 1994
- M.D., Degree with Honors, Dartmouth Medical School, 1985
- Alpha Omega Alpha, Dartmouth Medical School, 1984
