Oncologists near Matthews, NC

Biography: Dr. Kuykendal has spent many years in North Carolina but has called Charlotte home since 2013. He believes in bringing the latest evidence-based medicine to his patients and working with them to make the best treatment decisions. During his career he has worked in basic science, clinical trials and patient outcomes research to advance the oncology field for current and future patients. He treats patients with a variety of cancers and blood diseases but has a special focus on cancers of the GI tract including colon, rectum, pancreas and liver cancer as well as prostate, kidney and testicular cancer. He has three children who keep him quite busy, and during his free time enjoys sporting events, theater and trying new restaurants.

Biography: Medicine, and oncology specifically, have been a calling for me from a young age. My family has no medical professionals, yet I knew from childhood that a career in medicine was in my future. I have always had a particular interest in the science of oncology and the incredible advancements in cancer treatments that have occurred in the last century. Today, I am a hematology and oncology specialist focusing on the treatment and management of breast and lung cancers. \n My colleagues and I believe in a team approach to care. That is why I serve on thoracic and breast tumor site councils and the committee for cancer at Novant Health. This is an opportunity for us to come together with our colleagues to discuss cases, explore treatment options and develop care plans for our patients as a team. \n What I love most about oncology is the relationships I develop with my patients and their families. Cancer can often be a long journey, and I consider it an honor to help patients navigate through these challenging times and beyond. \n I am originally from Columbia, South Carolina, and did most of my training in my home state at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. After completing my medical training, my husband and I relocated to Charlotte to be close to family. I am happily married to my husband, and we have two boys who are the light of our lives. In my personal time, I enjoy exploring nature with my children, traveling and reading, as well as daily exercise.

Biography: I see adult patients with blood disorders and cancers of all types. My areas of focus include cancers of the lung, head and neck, as well as tumors of the central nervous system. \n I am committed to helping patients and their families make the best possible treatment decisions. As part of a comprehensive medical team, I work in tandem with my patients and other healthcare providers to broaden options for care when possible and explore the benefits of hospice and end-of-life decisions when necessary. I am passionate about finding ways to relieve suffering and helping my patients find hope. \n To bring my patients the benefit of new, state-of-the-art treatments, I am actively involved in multidisciplinary tumor board conferences, advisory boards for lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and hospice, as well as clinical research trials through Novant Health. My work with other physicians in the community has led to recognition on the Top Doctors in Charlotte by Charlotte Magazine. \n I have lived in the Matthews area since 2004 and am the proud father of two girls. My hobbies include spending time with my family, traveling, hiking, playing guitar and practicing meditation.

Biography: Alexzandria Burick, PA-C is a Complex General Surgical Oncology Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. Alexzandria Burick, PA-C is affiliated with Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center.

Biography: Michael Thomopoulos, PA-C is a Complex General Surgical Oncology Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. Michael Thomopoulos, PA-C is affiliated with Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

Biography: I am one of only a few Charlotte surgeons whose medical training includes a dual fellowship in hepatobiliary (liver, pancreas and bile duct) surgery and surgical oncology (cancer surgery). This means I focus on care for individuals with liver, pancreas, biliary, stomach, neuroendocrine, sarcomas, ovarian and peritoneal disease. These areas of medicine focus on less common tumors that can have a dramatic impact on a patient's quality of life and well-being. That is why I have dedicated my career to caring for patients who need a specialist with expertise in treating these diseases, and I truly enjoy being of service. \n At Novant Health, I lead more than a dozen physicians in the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary group as well as the hepatobiliary multidisciplinary conference, which promotes best practices for treating patients who have liver, pancreas and bile duct disorders. I also serve on a committee that selects novel therapies to study through Novant Health Cancer Institute clinical trials. All of this, combined with my membership in the American Board of Surgery and the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, keeps me connected to the latest treatments and research. \n I take a patient-centered, hands-on approach when caring for patients. You also will have access to the expertise of a team of other skilled and experienced providers who are well-versed in your medical history and will help manage your treatment. I am committed to developing techniques that help patients recover faster and see better outcomes. This can include minimally invasive laparoscopic and/or robotic surgery, as well as help with food choices, pain control and therapy before, during and after surgery. \n Communication, both to my patients and their loved ones, is important to me. I want my patients to be informed and empowered to make decisions about their care. \n In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling. I am married and have two children.

Biography: Dr. Jessica Bell, MD is a Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. She is 48 years old. Dr. Jessica Bell, MD is affiliated with Novant Charlotte NC.

Biography: Dr. Felipe Bautista Otanez, MD is a Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. He is 45 years old. Dr. Felipe Bautista Otanez, MD is affiliated with Novant Charlotte NC.

Biography: Dr. Justin Favaro, MD is a Hematology Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. He is 55 years old. Dr. Justin Favaro, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center.

Biography: My interest in treating cancers of the breast, urinary tract and genitals developed during my medical training and continues in my work at Novant Health. Staying on the leading edge of cancer care is important to me. This is one reason that I am a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncologists and the lead physician for Charlotte GU (Genitourinary) Tumor Council. Clinical research is also a way that I can learn and provide treatment options that typically would be unavailable. To support those efforts, I often serve as the principal investigator for Novant Health clinical trials. \n A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Patients and families not only have the physical challenges, but they also must learn an entirely new language of medical terms. My goal is to communicate with patients and family members in ways that are easy to understand. And I take time to explain the reasoning behind my suggested treatment plan because knowledge is power. \n A cancer diagnosis often leaves the patient and family feeling unsettled because so much is unknown. That's why I do everything I can to put patients at ease. I enjoy the relationships I build with my patients and their families and can't see myself doing a different type of work. \n I am from the Midwest, where most of my immediate family still lives. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my dog, Julio, running, entering races and traveling.

Biography: Melanie Rees, PA-C is a Complex General Surgical Oncology Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. Melanie Rees, PA-C is affiliated with Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

Biography: It's an honor to wear several hats at Novant Health and within the medical community. I'm the Agnes B. and Edward I. Weisiger Endowed Chair at the Novant Health Agnes B. and Edward I. Weisiger Cancer Institute, as well as the institute's senior vice president and system physician executive. Because I also am committed to advancing the field of clinical research and enjoy teaching the physicians of the future, I'm a clinical professor of medicine at the UNC School of Medicine. During my time as a professor at Duke University School of Medicine (1997-2021), I was nominated by Duke medical residents for the Eugene Stead Teaching Award and by Duke medical students for the Davidson Teaching Award. \n I have always enjoyed using my skills in service to others. As a hematologist and oncologist, I personalize care plans for each of my patients. Blood cancers affect everyone differently, and there is no one correct way to treat them all - or to treat all patients. \n Each person deserves a care plan tailored to their goals, and one that offers them the most advanced treatment and supportive care options. That's what we strive to offer at the Cancer Institute. It's what we feel provides our patients the remarkable experience they deserve. \n I've been honored with a number of professional awards throughout my career. They include: \n - Duke University, First Annual Cellular Therapy Education Award, 2011 \n - National Cancer Institute Team Leadership Award, 2010 \n - Society for Clinical and Translational Science, 2010 \n - Wendel Ross Teaching Award, voted on by Duke University School of Medicine fellows, 2010 \n - Scholar in Clinical Research, awarded by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 2010 \n - National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Investigator Team Leadership Award, 2010 \n - Castle Connelly's Top Doctor since 2008 (Castle Connolly Top Doctors is a select group of physicians nominated by their peers as leaders in the field.) \n - Lisa M. Stafford Memorial Research Prize, given in recognition of a promising junior investigator, Duke University, 1999 \n Cancer research, bringing novel therapies to the bedside to improve the care of patients with cancer, has always been a primary interest of mine. As a translational researcher, I have focused on developing new therapies for patients with bloodborne cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma. \n I have been recognized by the National Cancer Institute for leadership in clinical research and for offering multiple "first-in-human" trials to bring innovative treatments to cancer patients in need of groundbreaking options, such as new forms of stem cell transplantation and novel immunotherapies. \n At the national level, I serve on various NIH and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute grant review committees. I am also a member of American Society of Hematology (ASH), American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Association for Cancer Research, American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, American Society for Clinical Investigation and various ASH subcommittees. \n I am an avid reader and love CrossFit. I'm a proud dad and my kids keep me both young and are taking years off my life! I am husband to a more famous doc, Cristina Gasparetto, MD. Still trying to figure out why she puts up with me.

Biography: Some college classes are forgettable; others stick with you forever. For me, it was a genetics course that captured my interest and ultimately influenced my career path. I loved understanding how our genes make each of us who we are and how they can influence our health. Getting an overview of genetics in that class inspired me to pursue cancer research, attend medical school and eventually specialize in cancer surgery. \n Just like our genes are all unique, I know every persons health is as well. I treat each patient as I want to be treated. That starts with actively listening to their concerns. It continues with carefully considering and explaining their treatment options so they can make well-informed decisions about their health. I value patient feedback as well as feedback from other providers. I am proud to have been recognized by my peers as one of Charlottes top surgical specialists. \n Outside of work, family time is my top priority. My wife and I have two sons. Together, we love learning about other cultures and traveling whenever we get a chance.

Biography: I am the medical director of surgical oncology at Novant Health Cancer Institute, and co-director of the breast cancer program at Novant Health. \n Having graduated with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from medical school, I am passionate about clinical research and have authored/coauthored many textbook chapters and peer-reviewed articles focused on breast and GI cancer. \n I have been on clinical faculty at Brown University and UNC-Chapel Hill, and served as past president of the NC Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. Other recognitions include being selected as top physician annually in Charlotte Magazine, NC Business Journal and Best Doctors of America. \n I seek to establish trust with each new patient throughout the individualized treatment process, utilizing all the resources available through the Novant Health Cancer Institute.

Biography: Dr. Lee Pederson, MD is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. He is 58 years old. Dr. Lee Pederson, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Joy Sarkar, MD is an Oncology Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. She is 41 years old. Dr. Joy Sarkar, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center.