Jason Shultz, MD

Alan Skarbnik, MD, serves as the director of the lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia program and director of experimental therapeutics, malignant hematology at Novant Health. Prior to joining Novant Health, Dr. Skarbnik served as the director of the chronic lymphocytic leukemia program at John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center. As an expert in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and lymphomas, his research focuses on using immunotherapy to improve outcomes of autologous stem cell transplantation for patients with high-risk blood cancers. Dr. Skarbnik is a member of the medical advisory board to the CLL Society and has over 90 peer-reviewed research manuscripts and abstracts in the fields of lymphomas, CLL and stem cell transplantation. Dr. Skarbnik is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese. During his free time, he enjoys time with his wife and three children, playing in a rock band and crafting beer.

Dr. Kuykendal has spent many years in North Carolina but has called Charlotte home since 2013. He believes in bringing the latest evidence-based medicine to his patients and working with them to make the best treatment decisions. During his career he has worked in basic science, clinical trials and patient outcomes research to advance the oncology field for current and future patients. He treats patients with a variety of cancers and blood diseases but has a special focus on cancers of the GI tract including colon, rectum, pancreas and liver cancer as well as prostate, kidney and testicular cancer. He has three children who keep him quite busy, and during his free time enjoys sporting events, theater and trying new restaurants.

Medicine, and oncology specifically, have been a calling for me from a young age. My family has no medical professionals, yet I knew from childhood that a career in medicine was in my future. I have always had a particular interest in the science of oncology and the incredible advancements in cancer treatments that have occurred in the last century. Today, I am a hematology and oncology specialist focusing on the treatment and management of breast and lung cancers. \n My colleagues and I believe in a team approach to care. That is why I serve on thoracic and breast tumor site councils and the committee for cancer at Novant Health. This is an opportunity for us to come together with our colleagues to discuss cases, explore treatment options and develop care plans for our patients as a team. \n What I love most about oncology is the relationships I develop with my patients and their families. Cancer can often be a long journey, and I consider it an honor to help patients navigate through these challenging times and beyond. \n I am originally from Columbia, South Carolina, and did most of my training in my home state at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. After completing my medical training, my husband and I relocated to Charlotte to be close to family. I am happily married to my husband, and we have two boys who are the light of our lives. In my personal time, I enjoy exploring nature with my children, traveling and reading, as well as daily exercise.