Overview
My research focuses on three areas. One is the development of more effective and entirely novel treatments for melanoma. I have a special interest in immunotherapy, novel targeted molecular therapies, and regional chemotherapy for advanced melanoma of the arm or leg. Another area of interest is palliative surgery for cancer with an emphasis on understanding the optimal role and application of this type of surgery in the care of advanced malignancy. A third area of interest is quality and patient safety with an emphasis on communication and work culture.
Current Duke Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Professor of Surgery
·
2021 - Present
Surgical Oncology,
Surgery
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2011 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Scholarly Works
Laparoscopy versus laparotomy for pediatric patients with abdominal firearm injuries.
Journal article Am J Surg · October 2026 BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend exploratory laparotomy for pediatric patients with abdominal firearm injuries. This study compared clinical outcomes of hemodynamically stable pediatric patients with abdominal firearm injuries managed with laparosc ... Full text Link to item CiteComplete tumour regression of in-transit melanoma following discontinuation of talimogene laherparepvec.
Journal article BMJ Case Rep · August 19, 2026 We report a case of complete tumour regression in a man in his 80s with in-transit melanoma following discontinuation of talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC). The patient underwent a standard course of 1.0 mL of 1×10⁸ pfu/mL T-VEC every 2 weeks. After 10 T-VEC ... Full text Link to item CiteAssociation of rurality and health professional shortages with the clinicopathologic characteristics of melanoma in North Carolina.
Journal article J Rural Health · March 2025 PURPOSE: To assess rural-urban and health professional shortage area (HPSA)-related influences on the characteristics of melanoma in North Carolina. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of patients living in North Carolina with ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Improving Melanoma Diagnosis with Pump-Probe Optical Imaging
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2013 - 2017Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy For Breast Cancer
FellowshipPI-Fellow · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1998 - 2000View All Grants
Education
Desales University ·
2011
M.B.A.
University of Virginia ·
1995
M.D.
University of Virginia ·
1994
Ph.D.