Overview
My research passion lies at the intersection of gynecologic cancers and palliative care, helping patients with GYN cancers and their families navigate the journey of their cancer diagnoses to maximize their quality of life and mitigate aggressive and futile care near the end of life. I am also passionate about how the healthcare team communicates with patients and their families. Cancer care should be patient-centered based on an individual's own values--this requires comprehensive goals of care conversations early and often throughout the cancer trajectory. This has led me to become involved in VitalTalk Communication Skills training, which I have taught both locally at Duke and across the country to clinicians in various clinical settings.
Clinically, caring for patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasms and cancers in adolescents and young adults is a rewarding aspect of my job. Helping patients and their families navigate cancer diagnoses and the potential impact this has on growing families is rewarding. I enjoy working in a multi-disciplinary approach with our reproductive endocrinology, psychology, and cancer support teams to maximize longevity, quality of life and family building opportunities.
As the program director for the OB/GYN department, medical education and simulation is also near and dear to my heart. I find great joy in mentoring trainees at all stages and in all venues--clinically, research, and professionally.
Clinically, caring for patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasms and cancers in adolescents and young adults is a rewarding aspect of my job. Helping patients and their families navigate cancer diagnoses and the potential impact this has on growing families is rewarding. I enjoy working in a multi-disciplinary approach with our reproductive endocrinology, psychology, and cancer support teams to maximize longevity, quality of life and family building opportunities.
As the program director for the OB/GYN department, medical education and simulation is also near and dear to my heart. I find great joy in mentoring trainees at all stages and in all venues--clinically, research, and professionally.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
·
2022 - Present
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology,
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2017 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
The Role of Sleep Apnea in Postoperative Neurocognitive Disorders Among Older Noncardiac Surgery Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study.
Journal Article Anesth Analg · January 1, 2025 BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increased dementia risk, yet its role in postoperative neurocognitive disorders is unclear. Here, we studied whether the severity of untreated obstructive sleep apnea is associated with the severity of ... Full text Link to item CitePilot Study of a Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Pelvic Exam Anxiety Among Survivors of Endometrial and Cervical Cancer
Journal Article Women's Reproductive Health · January 1, 2025 No evidence-based interventions exist for anxiety related to pelvic exams after cancer treatment. A 3-session cognitive behavioral intervention, Pelvic Examination and Anxiety Coping Skills for Empowerment (PEACE), was developed. We conducted a proof-of co ... Full text CiteAdjuvant therapy and recurrence risk in non-myoinvasive high-grade (stage IC) endometrial cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal Article Gynecol Oncol · December 2024 OBJECTIVE: To summarize practice patterns and outcomes among patients with non-myoinvasive high-grade (formerly stage IA, now stage IC) endometrial cancer. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Clini ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
CL-PTL-119: Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Phase III Trial of Maintenance FANG (bi-shRNAfurin and GMCSF Augmented Autologous Tumor Cell Immunotherapy) for High Risk Stage III/IV Ovarian Cancer
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Gradalis, Inc. · 2015 - 2025View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of Virginia ·
2009
M.D.