Alison B. Baron, PA-C, MHS

I am a urologist who specializes in taking care of patients with genitourinary cancers and runs a translational research lab. With the various treatment options available for patients with urologic cancers, I enjoy working with patients to identify the treatment choice that optimizes both their cancer outcome and personal goals. My research focuses on using genomic analysis of bladder and kidney tumors to learn more about alterations in the tumor and surrounding cells to improve treatment decisions and patient outcomes.

Growing up, I was fascinated by science and problem-solving. I interned at a local community hospital in San Francisco during high school and fell in love with clinical care and the magic behind medicine. I decided to pursue a career as a physician to help patients from various backgrounds and give back to my community. During medical school, I was drawn to procedural specialties. During surgery rotation, I observed a repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair performed through the endovascular approach- the most novel approach at that time. I was amazed by the elegance of the transarterial deployment of the AAA stent graft, the patient's quick recovery, and speedy discharge from the hospital. This experience introduced me to the innovative field of interventional radiology. I then learned more about diagnostic radiology and was fascinated by the field's central role in patient care and knew I wanted to be a radiologist. I embody a patient-centered care philosophy. While many interventions may work for a variety of patients, each patient is unique, and he/she ought to get the care that is ideal for him/her. I believe that clinical excellence can only be achieved if the patient is the sole focus of our actions.

My primary role is as a nurse practitioner in the UNC Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program, where I see patients that range from 13 to 39 years old.