Alan Zausner Skarbnik, MD - Novant Health Cancer Institute-Elizabeth

I am a surgical oncologist with special training in the care of breast cancer patients. My team and I have locations in Huntersville and Charlotte, making it easier for patients across the area to access high-quality breast cancer care close to home. \n I use advanced techniques for breast cancer surgery, including breast conservation (lumpectomy) with and without cosmetic adjustments (oncoplastic techniques), mastectomy, nipple-sparing mastectomy and the most up-to-date procedures for removing lymph nodes from under the arm. \n One of the things I enjoy most about Novant Health is that I work closely with a multidisciplinary team of experts - from medical and radiation oncologists to specialized breast cancer nurse navigators, therapists and counselors - and we are all focused on providing the highest quality breast cancer care in the clinic and in the operating room. \n My clinical and research interests include the treatment and biology of breast cancer in the young and elderly. I enjoy doing research, including serving as the principal investigator for a national clinical trial at Novant Health. In addition to my clinical work, I have written more than 30 articles for peer-reviewed clinical and professional publications. \n My hobbies include cooking, boating, exercising, reading and traveling, as well as spending time with my wonderful husband and children.

Every day, patients, physicians and researchers are advancing their understanding of the biology of cancer, right down to the molecules that make up individual cancer cells. This includes learning more about how and why tumors react differently to different treatments. That is why I emphasize the need to tailor treatment to the individual based on his or her unique medical history and needs. In my years of practice, I've found that what works for one patient may not work for others, and I enjoy making those important distinctions and individual plans. \n My decisions about patient care have been aided, in part, by my participation in clinical research. What I learn through research yields practical insights into the latest and most effective therapies for all stages of breast cancer. This work has included serving as an investigator in the Southeast Clinical Oncology Research Consortium, which allows patients in rural communities across five states to participate in clinical trials without having to travel hundreds of miles. \n I also serve on a committee that seeks to identify best practices for preventing and treating breast cancer by developing and conducting national clinical trials. This work helps me keep informed about the most advanced treatments, so I can help patients whether they are enrolled in clinical trials or not. It was the rapid pace of discovery that first drew me to specialize in treating cancer. \n I am a third-generation physician. After growing up in Charlotte, I always dreamed of returning home to treat patients. Today, I am married with two daughters. I enjoy traveling, cooking and spending time at the beach in North Carolina.

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.