Lori Gentile, MD

I want to help people live well, which is why I chose to pursue medicine as a career. When it came time to select my specialty, oncology was a clear choice for me. It is a field where the bond between physician and patient is so importantly grounded in trust and shared vision, and there is a sense of closeness that is formed that is unique to this field. \n The key to successful treatment is having the patient take ownership of the treatment by having a complete understanding of their care plan. I make it a priority to carefully explain the disease and the treatment to the patient and their family, so they have all the tools necessary to make the best decisions for themselves. It's a personal goal to treat everyone with absolute respect so that we are on a level playing field, fighting the disease together as a team. \n I serve on the Novant Health Breast Cancer Tumor Council and lead the Novant Health Huntersville Cancer Network group. And when not in clinic with my patients, I also participate in clinical research to help advance our knowledge of cancer and ways to fight this disease. \n I am married and have two children. I play an active role in my church and enjoy family time outdoors, hiking and reading.

During residency, I worked alongside an oncologist who inspired me to pursue the specialty. I saw the tremendous impact new treatments could have for patients and wanted to offer the same life-prolonging and lifesaving treatments to my own patients. \n I also admired the close relationships my oncologist mentor had with his patients and their families. I liked the idea of using science, which I'd always loved, to help people fight this disease. \n It is a humbling privilege to care for patients facing cancer. I take the time to listen to their concerns and fears and provide them extensive education on their disease and possible treatment options. I also leverage all the expertise within our multidisciplinary cancer institute so patients get the best of our collective experience. \n Cancer can be isolating. It's easy for patients to feel vulnerable. So, throughout their treatment and follow-up, I stay in frequent communication with patients and their families. \n I am board-certified in oncology, hematology and internal medicine. I have a special interest in clinical research and appreciate that, at Novant Health, we can offer novel therapies through clinical trials. I've served as principal investigator and co-investigator on several phase I, II and III clinical trials. \n My wife, Nada, and I live in Concord with our daughter (Sophia), son (Sami) and our Goldendoodle, (Chippey). I treasure family time and enjoy coaching tennis, travel, skiing and road biking.