Returning to Cape Fear Valley Health as a full-time cardiothoracic surgeon feels like coming home. My journey began here as a resident, where I spent five years immersed in the operating rooms, learning from a team that truly felt like family. After completing my fellowship in cardiac and thoracic surgery at East Carolina University, I always kept my ties to this community, taking trauma calls and staying connected to the people and patients who shaped my early career.

Now, as I step into this new chapter, I am excited to assist in delivering advanced surgical care to Fayetteville. Our department specializes in treating a wide range of conditions, from heart blockages to lung nodules. Procedures such as a coronary artery bypass or a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are commonly performed by the Cardiovascular & Thoracic (CVT) team. 

We are committed to offering the latest in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures to patients. For example, TAVR can be performed through small punctures down in the groin. Using tiny little needles and wires, we go through the groin to replace the valve. That way there’s no need for sternotomy or splitting of the breast bone. Innovations such as this allow us to provide the same high-quality outcomes as traditional open surgeries, but with less pain, shorter hospital stays and a faster return to normal life for our patients.

What sets our team apart is our collaborative, multidisciplinary approach. Each patient is unique, and we work together to develop individualized treatment plans that best suit their needs. The CVT department is composed of three cardiothoracic surgeons and four advanced practice providers, as well as a team of vascular surgeons who work separately from us, but almost in conjunction with us. The camaraderie among my colleagues creates an environment where we can share ideas and support one another, ultimately delivering the best possible care for patients.

For those in the community, I encourage a proactive approach to heart health. Simple steps such as maintaining a balanced diet, staying active and avoiding smoking can make a significant difference in preventing serious cardiac conditions.

As I settle into my new role, I am driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact—both in the operating room and in the lives of my patients and colleagues. I look forward to serving as a pillar of stability and innovation for Cape Fear Valley Health and to helping shape the future of cardiac and thoracic care in Fayetteville.

Learn more about Cape Fear Valley Health’s Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery department by visiting this website: https://www.capefearvalley.com/locations/cape-fear-valley-cardiovascular-thoracic-surgery