My research focuses on developing new technologies and surgical tools to improve care for patients with head and neck cancer and other conditions affecting the airway, voice, and swallowing. Drawing on my background in biomedical engineering, I work closely with engineers to identify challenges in patient care and develop practical solutions. My goal is to translate these innovations from the laboratory into the clinic and operating room to make procedures safer, less invasive, and more comfortable for patients.
I believe in taking the time to understand what matters most to each patient and working together to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Areas of Expertise
Where I See Patients
Duke Otolaryngology and Oral Surgery Clinic - Clinic 1F - Durham, NC
Duke Raleigh Hospital - Raleigh, NC
I believe in taking the time to understand what matters most to each patient and working together to develop an individualized treatment plan.
My Locations
Office:
919-954-3000
About Me
I am an otolaryngologist and head and neck cancer surgeon who cares for patients with cancerous and non-cancerous (benign) tumors of the mouth, throat, neck, thyroid, salivary glands and facial skin. I also perform complex reconstructive surgery following cancer treatment or trauma to help restore form and function. I believe in taking the time to understand what matters most to each patient and working together to develop an individualized treatment plan. As part of Duke Health, I am able to provide comprehensive care alongside a multidisciplinary team while incorporating the latest advances in surgery, research and technology. As a fluent Spanish speaker, I am especially passionate about caring for Spanish-speaking patients and their families in their preferred language. Outside of work, I enjoy salsa dancing, exploring new places and spending time with friends and family.
LGBTQ+ Identified or Ally
School of Medicine Departments and Divisions
-
Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences
- Head & Neck Surgical Oncology
Current Appointments and Affiliations
Patients I Treat
Adults
Children
Languages I Speak
English
Call for an Appointment
Areas of Expertise
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Microvascular Reconstruction Surgery
- Transoral Robotic Surgery
- Oral Cancer
- Throat and Voice Box Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Tracheal Cancer
- Thyroid Disease
Training and Education
Fellowship
Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction, University of Miami, 2026
Residency
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia, 2020-2025
Education
MD, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, 2020
MS, Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University, 2015
BS, Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University, 2015
Insurance Accepted
Duke Health contracts with most major health insurance carriers and transplant networks, including the ones listed below.
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Aetna
- Aetna Choice POS, Aetna Choice POS II
- Aetna Elect Choice HMO, Aetna Open Access Elect Choice
- Aetna Health Network Only, Aetna Health Network Option
- Aetna HMO
- Aetna Limited Benefit Insurance PPO
- Aetna Managed Choice POS
- Aetna Medicare Assure Plan (HMO D-SNP)
- Aetna Medicare Eagle Plan (PPO)
- Aetna Medicare Essential Plan (PPO)
- Aetna Medicare Value Plan (HMO)
- Aetna Open Access HMO, Open Access Aetna Select, Aetna Open Access Managed Choice
- Aetna Open Choice PPO
- Aetna PCP Coordinated POS Plan
- Aetna Quality Point of Service (QPOS)
- Aetna Select HMO
- Aetna Traditional Choice
- Aetna Voluntary Indemnity Group Plan
- Aetna Whole Health – Duke WakeMed WKCC
- Aetna/CVS Health
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Ambetter
- Ambetter of North Carolina
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Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC
- Blue Advantage (*Available in select counties only)
- Blue Medicare (HMO, PPO)*
- Blue Options (123, PPO, HSA)
- Blue Select
- Blue Value (*Duke Health Lake Norman and Kernodle Clinics only)
- NC State Employees Health Plan
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*Duke HomeCare and Hospice does not participate in the plan.
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Cigna
- Cigna Behavioral Health (*Limited eligibility)
- Cigna Choice Plus
- Cigna Connect Individual Family Plan
- Cigna Open Access
- Cigna Open Access Plus
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*Please call Cigna Behavioral Heath to see if the provider is participating in your plan.
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Duke Employee Plans
- Cigna Care
- Duke Advantage
- Duke Basic
- Duke Options
- Duke Select
- Duke USA
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Experience Health
- Experience Health Medicare Advantage (HMO) Plan
- Gateway Health Alliance
- Healthgram
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Humana
- Humana Choice (PPO)
- Humana Choice - Medicare Advantage (PPO)
- Humana ChoiceCare - Medicare Advantage (PPO)
- Humana Gold Choice - Medicare Advantage (PFFS)
- Humana Gold Plus - Medicare Advantage (HMO)
- Humana Medicare Advantage Group Plan - NC State Retirees
- MedCost
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Medicare
- First Medicare Direct
- Medicare Part A
- Medicare Part B
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NC Medicaid
- Alliance Health
- AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina
- Carolina Complete Health
- Healthy Blue
- NC Medicaid Direct
- Partners
- Trillium
- UHC Community Plan
- Vaya Health
- WellCare of North Carolina
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TRICARE
- TRICARE Prime
- TRICARE Prime Remote
- TRICARE Select
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United Healthcare
- AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 2 (HMO-POS)
- AARP Medicare Complete (HMO, PPO)*
- AARP Medicare Complete Essential (HMO)*
- All Savers Alternate Funding
- All Savers Fully Insured
- United Healthcare (HMO, PPO, POS)**
- United Healthcare Charter/Charter Balance/Charter Plus
- United Healthcare Choice/Choice Plus
- United Healthcare Core/Core Essential
- United Healthcare Navigate/Navigate Plus/Navigate Balanced
- United Healthcare Option PPO
- United Healthcare Passport Connect Choice/Choice Plus
- United Healthcare Passport Connect Options PPO
- United Healthcare Select/Select Plus
- United Healthcare Shared Services - Harvard Pilgrim/UHC Options PPO Network
- United Medical Resources (UMR)
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*Duke HomeCare and Hospice and mental health providers do not participate with the plan.
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**Duke Health does not participate in UHC plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Before scheduling your appointment, we strongly recommend you contact your insurance company to verify that the Duke Health location or provider you plan to visit is included in your network. Your insurance company will also be able to inform you of any co-payments, co–insurances, or deductibles that will be your responsibility. If you proceed in scheduling an appointment and your health insurance benefits do not participate with Duke, your out of pocket liability may be higher. We will contact you regarding your coverage and patient liability. If you are uninsured, learn more about our financial assistance policy.
External Relationships
Duke requires faculty members to report certain relationships outside of their employment in order to ensure potential conflicts can be addressed. This faculty member has reported no outside activities that relate to their Duke responsibilities.
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