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Who We Are

Program Mission

The UNC Lineberger Head & Neck Oncology Program delivers world-class multidisciplinary care for patients with all forms of head and neck cancer—including advanced skin, thyroid and endocrine, sinonasal, salivary and rare tumors.

Our mission is to combine surgical excellence, innovative radiation and systemic therapies, and comprehensive support services to improve survival, function and quality of life for every patient we serve.

Meet the Head & Neck Oncology faculty and staff

Program Leadership

Headshot of Robert Ferris with the UNC Lineberger building in the background.

Robert L. Ferris

MD, PhD
Executive Director, UNC Lineberger
Chief of Oncology Clinical Services, UNC Health

Surgical Oncology & Reconstruction

Head & Neck Oncologic Surgery

The Head & Neck Surgical Oncology team provides comprehensive care for cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, salivary glands and thyroid.

Our experienced Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) surgeons are recognized nationally and internationally for advancing minimally invasive techniques that preserve speech, swallowing and appearance while achieving excellent oncologic outcomes.

Thyroid Surgery

All UNC Head & Neck oncologic surgeons treat thyroid cancers, combining surgical precision with multidisciplinary collaboration that integrates endocrinology, pathology and reconstructive expertise.

Microvascular & Reconstructive Surgery

The Reconstructive Surgery team performs a high volume of microvascular free flap procedures to restore form and function after head and neck cancer resection. Their expertise includes anterolateral thigh, radial forearm and fibular flaps, as well as advanced monitoring and ERAS pathways that accelerate recovery and optimize outcomes.

Skull Base and Sinonasal Surgery

The Skull Base and Sinonasal Surgery team manages tumors of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, orbit and anterior skull base using both endoscopic and open craniofacial approaches. They collaborate with neurosurgery, radiation oncology and medical oncology to treat sinonasal malignancies and complex skull base pathology, focusing on tumor clearance and preservation of function.

Radiation Oncology

The Radiation Oncology team provides advanced treatments such as IMRT, SBRT and stereotactic radiosurgery, ensuring personalized care that minimizes toxicity and maximizes tumor control.

Medical Oncology

The Medical Oncology team drives systemic therapy and immunotherapy advances in head and neck cancer.

Pathology

Diagnostic and molecular pathology for head and neck cancers, with expertise in HPV testing, histopathologic review and biomarker integration.

  • Steven Johnson, MD – Assistant Professor, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
  • Bart Singer, MD – Assistant Professor, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

Advanced Practice Providers

  • Rachelle Gish-Johnson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C – Lead APP
  • Hannah Eadie, MSN, APRN, AGACNP-BC – Inpatient APP Lead
  • Laura Shepanski, APRN – Medical Oncology APP

Nurse Navigators

  • ENT navigator: Hazel Hampton
  • ENT navigator: Stacy Forrester
  • Medical oncology navigator: Samantha (Sammie) Shingledecker
  • Medical oncology navigator: Susan Boulton
  • Sinonasal/skull base cancer navigator: Theresa “Dani” Hamlett

Speech and Language Pathology

Speech, swallowing and voice rehabilitation for patients undergoing head and neck cancer treatment, emphasizing early intervention and long-term recovery.

  • Brian Kanapky, MA, CCC-SLP – Speech and Language Pathologist

Collaborating Disciplines

The Head & Neck Oncology Program partners across UNC Lineberger and UNC Health to provide comprehensive care:

Clinical Trials Office

The Clinical Trials Office (CTO) supports the design and conduct of oncology clinical trials. The CTO is responsible for patient and study coordination-related activities, including subject evaluation and registration, toxicity assessment and safety monitoring of novel therapeutics and patient education.

The CTO works to assure patient eligibility and safety, regulatory compliance, and quality, reproducible data.

Learn more about the UNC Lineberger Clinical Trials Office