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.

Positions

Education

Publications, Grants & Awards

DCI Centers, Cancer Types & Labs

Offices & Contact