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, 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 and the surrounding areas. Our department specializes in treating a wide range of conditions, from heart blockages to lung nodules. Procedures such as a coronary artery bypass, lung cancer surgeries, or 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 incisions in the groin. Using needles and wires, we are able to replace the valve from inside your blood vessels, that way we can avoid a sternotomy, or large incision in your chest. Innovations such as this allow us to provide similar 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. 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 this community and hope to help shape the future of cardiac and thoracic care at Cape Fear Valley and within our region. 

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