Carolyn Quinsey, MD

I chose to become a physical therapist because it combines my interest in wellness/exercise with helping patients navigate challenging periods in their life due to pain and/or injury. I believe that a strong patient-clinician relationship is built by mutual trust, open communication, and collaborative goal setting. I utilize exercise and movement to facilitate recovery and increase patients’ participation in their valued activities. When I am not at work, I enjoy going on walks, being in nature, spending time with my partner, and exploring new cities.

I am a breast surgical oncologist who specializes in the surgical management and treatment of breast cancer. I have specialized training in oncoplastic surgery including lumpectomy with tissue rearrangement, mastectomy, nipple-sparing mastectomy, skin-sparing mastectomy and axillary procedures. I am interested in preventing lymphedema (arm swelling) during cancer treatment with the axillary reverse mapping procedure. At UNC, you will receive a multi-disciplinary approach to breast cancer, and we strive to offer compassionate, personalized care.

I have spent much of my career training and practicing medicine in various settings worldwide, where I have gained advanced clinical practice and research knowledge and a deeper appreciation of unique sociocultural experiences. This background forms the bedrock of my career as a physician-scientist in medical oncology. I specialize in the treatment of early-stage and advanced breast cancer, including participation in clinical trials. In addition to caring for cancer patients, I conduct research focusing on the multifaceted nature of cancer, acknowledging the interplay of biological, cultural, socioeconomic, and health system factors that influence cancer incidence, progression, and survivorship outcomes, with a specific focus on designing culturally appropriate, effective, and sustainable interventions to improve cancer care delivery for at-risk populations in diverse low-resource settings. I lead investigations on epidemiology, survivorship, and clinical trials to improve cancer outcomes in diverse and underserved communities globally.