The future of cancer care is happening right now through clinical research, and patients in Hampton Roads have front-row access to these groundbreaking treatments at Virginia Oncology Associates (VOA). Wendi Gobhardt, Director of Research Operations, and Chris Morris, Clinical Research Manager, reveal how clinical trials work and why they matter. With backgrounds deeply rooted in cancer care, Wendi, an oncology nurse, and Chris motivated by personal loss to breast cancer, bring both p...
One of the most powerful tools in cancer prevention is sitting right in front of us, yet many of us delay using it. Dr. Edwin Lee, gastroenterologist with Capital Digestive Care, joins us to demystify colon cancer screening and explain why catching this disease early changes everything. Dr. Lee takes us through the critical importance of colon cancer screening and the significant guideline change that now recommends starting at age 45 instead of 50. This adjustment wasn't arbitra...
Dr. Yue Zhang breaks down the complex world of GI malignancies, explaining how colorectal, pancreatic, liver, esophageal, and stomach cancers each present unique challenges. She explains why these cancers are often detected too late—when treatment options become limited—and how proper screening can dramatically change outcomes. While screening guidelines continue evolving, Dr. Zhang emphasizes that personalized risk assessment should guide decisions about when and how to screen. ...
What if understanding your genetic makeup could transform your approach to health care? Genetic testing is revolutionizing how we approach hereditary cancer risks, offering hope for prevention and personalized care. Dr. Ranjit Goudar shares insights on the Hereditary Cancer Clinic at Virginia Oncology Associates, emphasizing individualized approaches and the importance of genetic counseling for informed decision-making. Dr. Goudar's work influences the lives of numerous families, underlining ...
Join us as we welcome Gina Bright, an infusion nurse and remarkable author. She offers a heartfelt narrative about her early encounters with AIDS patients amid the fear and stigma of the 1980s and shines a light on the compassion and resilience required in nursing. Her unique blend of caregiving and literary talent offers an enlightening perspective on the vital role nurses play in the healthcare system. Her novel, The Charon Club, draws from personal experiences to depict the multifaceted ro...
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Jacob Hall, a radiation oncologist at Virginia Oncology Associates (VOA). Dr. Hall is on a mission to bring the technological advances of oncology into the realm of osteoarthritis management to VOA, offering an alternative that provides lasting pain relief without the invasiveness of surgery. Discover how six sessions of low-dose radiation treatment are not only transforming patients' experiences but also enhancing their quality of life by red...
Experience the advances in cancer treatment with Dr. Michael Miller from Virginia Oncology Associates as he shares his inspiring journey into the field of medicine, rooted in the influence of his sister’s nursing career. Discover the game-changing technologies revolutionizing radiation oncology, such as the TrueBeam Varian Linear Accelerator. Dr. Miller provides an in-depth look at how these advancements are enhancing precision and improving patient outcomes, laying the groundwork for a new e...
Ever wondered how simple lifestyle changes can drastically reduce your cancer risk? On this episode of Cancer Care Connections, Cheryl sits down with Dr. Ligeng Tian from Virginia Oncology Associates to uncover the powerful role of healthy habits in cancer prevention. Dr. Tian shares practical advice on embracing a plant-based diet, incorporating whole grains, and steering clear of processed and red meats to lower cancer risk. We explore the benefits of high fiber intake, the importance of a ...
How can young women facing breast cancer preserve their dreams of motherhood? Discover the essential insights from Dr. Nina Balanchivadze of Virginia Oncology Associates as she shares her profound expertise in oncofertility and the critical importance of preserving ovarian function amidst cancer treatments. Dr. B delves into the rising trend of younger women being diagnosed with breast cancer and the unique challenges they encounter regarding fertility preservation. She offers a heartfelt dis...
During this episode, we sat down with Dr. Devin Miller, a gynecologic oncologist with Virginia Oncology Associates. Our conversation was not only informative but also a call to action for women to become advocates for their health. Dr. Miller's dedication to her field is obvious as she discusses the complexities of fighting cancers unique to the female reproductive system and shares breakthroughs in treatment that are changing lives. Learn why something as simple as quitting smoking or main...
When Kara DeMott's sister-in-law faced leukemia, it ignited a passion in Kara that transformed her career path, leading her to combine her love for emergency medicine with the world of oncology. In our latest episode, Kara, a dedicated Physician Assistant at Virginia Oncology Associates, candidly shares her experience in creating an urgent care program for cancer patients. By offering immediate care for acute symptoms, Kara’s initiative is changing the landscape of oncology support, offering ...
Discover the transformative advances in treatment as Dr. Graham Watson of Virginia Oncology Associates sheds light on the power of personalized medicine in the battle against cancer. His passion for the subject is evident, as he navigates the complexities of cutting-edge therapies like immunotherapy and targeted treatment. Not only do these innovative approaches offer a tailored fit to individuals, but they also signify a departure from traditional chemotherapy. Dr. Watson's insights promise ...
Discover the groundbreaking strides made in the fight against lung cancer as we welcome Dr. Christopher Paschold from Virginia Oncology Associates to share his expertise on the latest in cancer treatment and screening. Our conversation sheds light on the silent progression of non-small cell lung cancer and the critical role early detection plays in improving outcomes. Dr. Paschold emphasizes the importance of proactive screening measures for those at high- risk. We also explore the impact of ...
Do you wonder how to navigate the holiday season while battling a cancer diagnosis? Join us as we seek answers in a holiday edition of Cancer Care Connections with Susan Miller and Andrea Edwards from Virginia Oncology Associates. These women are here to provide some much-needed guidance on combating stress during the holiday season. They offer an assortment of strategies, from practicing meditation to engaging in exercise, and stress the significance of leaning on your loved ones. and expres...
Early detection and self-advocacy are the keys to combating prostate cancer. As a medical oncologist, as well as president of Virginia Oncology Associates, Dr. Fleming not only shares his professional insights but also his personal journey dealing with prostate cancer. He emphasizes the importance of the PSA test, which plays a critical role in early diagnosis. Dr. Mark T. Fleming is board-certified in Medical Oncology. He received his B.A. at Philadelphia’s prestigious Universi...
On this week’s episode of Cancer Care Connections, Cheryl Tan discusses with Dr. Sonia Hepburn, hematologist oncologist for Virginia Oncology Associates, the pros and cons of genetic testing, specifically as it relates to breast cancer and other associated cancers. Dr. Sonia Hepburn received her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from Princeton University. She received her medical degree from the University of Southern California where she also did her internship/residency ...
On this week’s episode of Cancer Care Connections, Cheryl Tan discusses with Tifany Lewis, the important role genetic counselors play in the genetic testing process. They also discuss how genetic testing in the oncology setting provides personalized testing based on medical and family history vs the one-size-fits-all approach you get with the direct-to-consumer tests ordered online. Tifany Lewis, CGC is a genetic counselor with over 17 years of experience in cancer genetics. Tifany obta...
On this week’s episode of Cancer Care Connections, Cheryl Tan spoke with Dr. Gary Simmons. Dr. Simmons is a hematologist oncologist and part of the transplant and cellular therapy team for Virginia Oncology Associates. Cheryl and Dr. Simmons dove into CAR T-cell therapy, how it is a revolutionary treatment for fighting blood cancer, and how continued research of CAR T could change the landscape of cancer treatment. If you haven't already, consider listening to episode 2, Introduction t...
On this week’s episode of Cancer Care Connections, Cheryl Tan spoke with Dr. Scott Kruger, hematologist oncologist, and Dawn Quinn, palliative care program coordinator, for Virginia Oncology Associates. They cleared up the misconceptions about palliative care and how important it can be during your cancer journey. They also briefly discuss the differences between palliative care and hospice care, as well as the importance of having an advanced directive. Dr. Scott Kruger is the medical ...
On this week’s episode of Cancer Care Connections, Cheryl Tan discusses with Dr. Jared Kobulnicky, hematologist oncologist for Virginia Oncology Associates, what blood cancer is and the latest developments in treatment for patients with a blood cancer disorder. They also discuss the importance of clinical trials in the advancement of cancer treatments and break down the misconceptions about medicines received during a patient’s participation. Dr. Jared Kobulnicky earned his medical deg...