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Patient Reviews
5
Yes, I believe that my doctor there was very proficient and he had answers to all my questions and he filled me in for what I needed to know. And he was very good. Thank you.
September 11, 2026
5
Dr Mankan is one of the most genuinely kind and caring doctors I have met during this entire hospital and post hospital experience. He was very calming, explained things thoroughly and I was just so impressed with his demeanor!
September 9, 2026
5
In the 5 years I have been a patient of Dr Mankan's I have found him to be a wonderful doctor and a caring individual. I am very fortunate to have him as my oncologist
September 8, 2026
5
I love Dr. Mankan and the whole practice. They are amazing, attentive, courteous, kind, and everything good.
September 5, 2026
5
Dr Mankan is exceptional. I trust him completely.
September 3, 2026
5
This is an exceptional staff . Can't say enough,!! Dr Mankan...gold standard of excellence. Tatiana caring!!
August 31, 2026
5
I am continually amazed how the ladies who took my blood samples before I was getting chemo, now four years later, still remember me by name even though it has been six months since my last visit. I know it would not be an easy job to be around people who have cancer and all the worries and concerns that go with that. They do a wonderful job and make you feel comfortable considering no one knows the final outcome. What else can I say? I so enjoy and am also thankful for Dr. Mankan's care that he gives his patients. I feel very comfortable seeing him, even though the visits are short (he is very busy) I do feel he does have my best interests while he is there. It has been four years since my pancreatic cancer was discovered and I am still very much alive and doing just fine, thanks to everyone working in the chemo/cancer section!
August 31, 2026
5
Dr. Mankan was the first provider I ever seen actually walk into the waiting room and greet his patients and reassure them that they would be seen soon. Then with further interaction with him when I was called back, it only assured me that this was a provider that truly cared about his patients and his practice.
August 29, 2026
5
This provider is attentive to my needs.
August 29, 2026
5
The nurse who took blood was very gentle and efficient. The doctor is great and explained the bloodwork thoroughly. His "bedside" manner is great and he has become a favorite of mine.
August 22, 2026
5
Satisfactory
August 21, 2026
5
Everyone seemed to be very caring and wanted the best care for me.
August 15, 2026
5
Very professional very experienced took her time and walk me through the whole process. The whole process was a breeze 10 out of 10 I will Definitely will recommend
August 13, 2026
5
Dr Mankan is wonderful
August 7, 2026
5
The only negative things was we waited over an hour beyond our programed time.
August 7, 2026
5
The lady at the front desk - very nice, very forthcoming with information and explanations. She runs a good ship. Lab drawing awesome. Very informative. Dr. Mankan - awesome. Listens and explains.
August 5, 2026
5
Dr. Mankan was very patient and professional. I was very impressed with him. The staff was very friendly and welcoming as well. The garage parking was extremely difficult tho, few available spots and parking took an extra 10 minutes or more and was dangerous. Also, getting an appointment to see Dr. Mankan took about 3 weeks to a month to obtain. Suggestion would be to have a patient cancellation list for calls or better yet, an online opportunity for us to check regularly to obtain a quicker appointment as cancellations do occur and many of us are waiting.
August 2, 2026
5
Positive experience
July 31, 2026
5
Very caring and understanding!
July 30, 2026
5
Grateful for ALL!!!
July 30, 2026
2
We had to wait over an hour to see the physician because people were coming in who were unscheduled and they tussed those people into appointments. Our scheduled off of work, expected everybody to be on time and we had to wait over an hour. So very disappointing.
July 29, 2026
5
Excellent
July 27, 2026
5
Dr. Mankan and the staff are awesome!
July 25, 2026
5
Everyone is kind and aware. Very attentive.
July 25, 2026
5
The nurses are amazing.
July 25, 2026
4
The doctor was engaging and very professional. I look forward to future treatments.
July 18, 2026
5
The staff were friendly and efficient. The doctor was the most thorough professional I have seen a long time.
July 16, 2026
5
I am very thankful for doctor Mankan, who is very knowledgeable, caring, detailed and nice person. I appreciate the work of Doc. Mankan very much!
July 15, 2026
5
I've never had a disappointing experience at any of the wellstar facilities. Everyone was so nice and respectful. It is so amazing how I was and am being treated. I've been going there off and on for approximately 3 years or so and never had a bad experience from anyone.
July 12, 2026
5
Dr Mankan has the utmost respect for his patients. He intently listens to the patient's issues and provides suggestions and treatment. It's a delight to be my doctor; he shows concern for his patients.
July 11, 2026
5
Yes, I believe that my doctor there was very proficient and he had answers to all my questions and he filled me in for what I needed to know. And he was very good. Thank you.
September 11, 2026
5
Dr Mankan is one of the most genuinely kind and caring doctors I have met during this entire hospital and post hospital experience. He was very calming, explained things thoroughly and I was just so impressed with his demeanor!
September 9, 2026
5
In the 5 years I have been a patient of Dr Mankan's I have found him to be a wonderful doctor and a caring individual. I am very fortunate to have him as my oncologist
September 8, 2026
5
I love Dr. Mankan and the whole practice. They are amazing, attentive, courteous, kind, and everything good.
September 5, 2026
5
Dr Mankan is exceptional. I trust him completely.
September 3, 2026
5
This is an exceptional staff . Can't say enough,!! Dr Mankan...gold standard of excellence. Tatiana caring!!
August 31, 2026
5
I am continually amazed how the ladies who took my blood samples before I was getting chemo, now four years later, still remember me by name even though it has been six months since my last visit. I know it would not be an easy job to be around people who have cancer and all the worries and concerns that go with that. They do a wonderful job and make you feel comfortable considering no one knows the final outcome. What else can I say? I so enjoy and am also thankful for Dr. Mankan's care that he gives his patients. I feel very comfortable seeing him, even though the visits are short (he is very busy) I do feel he does have my best interests while he is there. It has been four years since my pancreatic cancer was discovered and I am still very much alive and doing just fine, thanks to everyone working in the chemo/cancer section!
August 31, 2026
5
Dr. Mankan was the first provider I ever seen actually walk into the waiting room and greet his patients and reassure them that they would be seen soon. Then with further interaction with him when I was called back, it only assured me that this was a provider that truly cared about his patients and his practice.
August 29, 2026
5
This provider is attentive to my needs.
August 29, 2026
5
The nurse who took blood was very gentle and efficient. The doctor is great and explained the bloodwork thoroughly. His "bedside" manner is great and he has become a favorite of mine.
August 22, 2026
5
Satisfactory
August 21, 2026
5
Everyone seemed to be very caring and wanted the best care for me.
August 15, 2026
5
Very professional very experienced took her time and walk me through the whole process. The whole process was a breeze 10 out of 10 I will Definitely will recommend
August 13, 2026
5
Dr Mankan is wonderful
August 7, 2026
5
The only negative things was we waited over an hour beyond our programed time.
August 7, 2026
5
The lady at the front desk - very nice, very forthcoming with information and explanations. She runs a good ship. Lab drawing awesome. Very informative. Dr. Mankan - awesome. Listens and explains.
August 5, 2026
5
Dr. Mankan was very patient and professional. I was very impressed with him. The staff was very friendly and welcoming as well. The garage parking was extremely difficult tho, few available spots and parking took an extra 10 minutes or more and was dangerous. Also, getting an appointment to see Dr. Mankan took about 3 weeks to a month to obtain. Suggestion would be to have a patient cancellation list for calls or better yet, an online opportunity for us to check regularly to obtain a quicker appointment as cancellations do occur and many of us are waiting.
August 2, 2026
5
Positive experience
July 31, 2026
5
Very caring and understanding!
July 30, 2026
5
Grateful for ALL!!!
July 30, 2026
5
Excellent
July 27, 2026
5
Dr. Mankan and the staff are awesome!
July 25, 2026
5
Everyone is kind and aware. Very attentive.
July 25, 2026
5
The nurses are amazing.
July 25, 2026
5
The staff were friendly and efficient. The doctor was the most thorough professional I have seen a long time.
July 16, 2026
5
I am very thankful for doctor Mankan, who is very knowledgeable, caring, detailed and nice person. I appreciate the work of Doc. Mankan very much!
July 15, 2026
5
I've never had a disappointing experience at any of the wellstar facilities. Everyone was so nice and respectful. It is so amazing how I was and am being treated. I've been going there off and on for approximately 3 years or so and never had a bad experience from anyone.
July 12, 2026
5
Dr Mankan has the utmost respect for his patients. He intently listens to the patient's issues and provides suggestions and treatment. It's a delight to be my doctor; he shows concern for his patients.
July 11, 2026
4
The doctor was engaging and very professional. I look forward to future treatments.
July 18, 2026
2
We had to wait over an hour to see the physician because people were coming in who were unscheduled and they tussed those people into appointments. Our scheduled off of work, expected everybody to be on time and we had to wait over an hour. So very disappointing.
July 29, 2026
2
We had to wait over an hour to see the physician because people were coming in who were unscheduled and they tussed those people into appointments. Our scheduled off of work, expected everybody to be on time and we had to wait over an hour. So very disappointing.
July 29, 2026
4
The doctor was engaging and very professional. I look forward to future treatments.
July 18, 2026
5
Yes, I believe that my doctor there was very proficient and he had answers to all my questions and he filled me in for what I needed to know. And he was very good. Thank you.
September 11, 2026
5
Dr Mankan is one of the most genuinely kind and caring doctors I have met during this entire hospital and post hospital experience. He was very calming, explained things thoroughly and I was just so impressed with his demeanor!
September 9, 2026
5
In the 5 years I have been a patient of Dr Mankan's I have found him to be a wonderful doctor and a caring individual. I am very fortunate to have him as my oncologist
September 8, 2026
5
I love Dr. Mankan and the whole practice. They are amazing, attentive, courteous, kind, and everything good.
September 5, 2026
5
Dr Mankan is exceptional. I trust him completely.
September 3, 2026
5
This is an exceptional staff . Can't say enough,!! Dr Mankan...gold standard of excellence. Tatiana caring!!
August 31, 2026
5
I am continually amazed how the ladies who took my blood samples before I was getting chemo, now four years later, still remember me by name even though it has been six months since my last visit. I know it would not be an easy job to be around people who have cancer and all the worries and concerns that go with that. They do a wonderful job and make you feel comfortable considering no one knows the final outcome. What else can I say? I so enjoy and am also thankful for Dr. Mankan's care that he gives his patients. I feel very comfortable seeing him, even though the visits are short (he is very busy) I do feel he does have my best interests while he is there. It has been four years since my pancreatic cancer was discovered and I am still very much alive and doing just fine, thanks to everyone working in the chemo/cancer section!
August 31, 2026
5
Dr. Mankan was the first provider I ever seen actually walk into the waiting room and greet his patients and reassure them that they would be seen soon. Then with further interaction with him when I was called back, it only assured me that this was a provider that truly cared about his patients and his practice.
August 29, 2026
5
This provider is attentive to my needs.
August 29, 2026
5
The nurse who took blood was very gentle and efficient. The doctor is great and explained the bloodwork thoroughly. His "bedside" manner is great and he has become a favorite of mine.
August 22, 2026
5
Satisfactory
August 21, 2026
5
Everyone seemed to be very caring and wanted the best care for me.
August 15, 2026
5
Very professional very experienced took her time and walk me through the whole process. The whole process was a breeze 10 out of 10 I will Definitely will recommend
August 13, 2026
5
Dr Mankan is wonderful
August 7, 2026
5
The only negative things was we waited over an hour beyond our programed time.
August 7, 2026
5
The lady at the front desk - very nice, very forthcoming with information and explanations. She runs a good ship. Lab drawing awesome. Very informative. Dr. Mankan - awesome. Listens and explains.
August 5, 2026
5
Dr. Mankan was very patient and professional. I was very impressed with him. The staff was very friendly and welcoming as well. The garage parking was extremely difficult tho, few available spots and parking took an extra 10 minutes or more and was dangerous. Also, getting an appointment to see Dr. Mankan took about 3 weeks to a month to obtain. Suggestion would be to have a patient cancellation list for calls or better yet, an online opportunity for us to check regularly to obtain a quicker appointment as cancellations do occur and many of us are waiting.
August 2, 2026
5
Positive experience
July 31, 2026
5
Very caring and understanding!
July 30, 2026
5
Grateful for ALL!!!
July 30, 2026
5
Excellent
July 27, 2026
5
Dr. Mankan and the staff are awesome!
July 25, 2026
5
Everyone is kind and aware. Very attentive.
July 25, 2026
5
The nurses are amazing.
July 25, 2026
5
The staff were friendly and efficient. The doctor was the most thorough professional I have seen a long time.
July 16, 2026
5
I am very thankful for doctor Mankan, who is very knowledgeable, caring, detailed and nice person. I appreciate the work of Doc. Mankan very much!
July 15, 2026
5
I've never had a disappointing experience at any of the wellstar facilities. Everyone was so nice and respectful. It is so amazing how I was and am being treated. I've been going there off and on for approximately 3 years or so and never had a bad experience from anyone.
July 12, 2026
5
Dr Mankan has the utmost respect for his patients. He intently listens to the patient's issues and provides suggestions and treatment. It's a delight to be my doctor; he shows concern for his patients.
July 11, 2026
5
Yes, I believe that my doctor there was very proficient and he had answers to all my questions and he filled me in for what I needed to know. And he was very good. Thank you.
September 11, 2026
5
Dr Mankan is one of the most genuinely kind and caring doctors I have met during this entire hospital and post hospital experience. He was very calming, explained things thoroughly and I was just so impressed with his demeanor!
September 9, 2026
5
In the 5 years I have been a patient of Dr Mankan's I have found him to be a wonderful doctor and a caring individual. I am very fortunate to have him as my oncologist
September 8, 2026
5
I love Dr. Mankan and the whole practice. They are amazing, attentive, courteous, kind, and everything good.
September 5, 2026
5
Dr Mankan is exceptional. I trust him completely.
September 3, 2026
5
I am continually amazed how the ladies who took my blood samples before I was getting chemo, now four years later, still remember me by name even though it has been six months since my last visit. I know it would not be an easy job to be around people who have cancer and all the worries and concerns that go with that. They do a wonderful job and make you feel comfortable considering no one knows the final outcome. What else can I say? I so enjoy and am also thankful for Dr. Mankan's care that he gives his patients. I feel very comfortable seeing him, even though the visits are short (he is very busy) I do feel he does have my best interests while he is there. It has been four years since my pancreatic cancer was discovered and I am still very much alive and doing just fine, thanks to everyone working in the chemo/cancer section!
August 31, 2026
5
This is an exceptional staff . Can't say enough,!! Dr Mankan...gold standard of excellence. Tatiana caring!!
August 31, 2026
5
Dr. Mankan was the first provider I ever seen actually walk into the waiting room and greet his patients and reassure them that they would be seen soon. Then with further interaction with him when I was called back, it only assured me that this was a provider that truly cared about his patients and his practice.
August 29, 2026
5
This provider is attentive to my needs.
August 29, 2026
5
The nurse who took blood was very gentle and efficient. The doctor is great and explained the bloodwork thoroughly. His "bedside" manner is great and he has become a favorite of mine.
August 22, 2026
5
Satisfactory
August 21, 2026
5
Everyone seemed to be very caring and wanted the best care for me.
August 15, 2026
5
Very professional very experienced took her time and walk me through the whole process. The whole process was a breeze 10 out of 10 I will Definitely will recommend
August 13, 2026
5
Dr Mankan is wonderful
August 7, 2026
5
The only negative things was we waited over an hour beyond our programed time.
August 7, 2026
5
The lady at the front desk - very nice, very forthcoming with information and explanations. She runs a good ship. Lab drawing awesome. Very informative. Dr. Mankan - awesome. Listens and explains.
August 5, 2026
5
Dr. Mankan was very patient and professional. I was very impressed with him. The staff was very friendly and welcoming as well. The garage parking was extremely difficult tho, few available spots and parking took an extra 10 minutes or more and was dangerous. Also, getting an appointment to see Dr. Mankan took about 3 weeks to a month to obtain. Suggestion would be to have a patient cancellation list for calls or better yet, an online opportunity for us to check regularly to obtain a quicker appointment as cancellations do occur and many of us are waiting.
August 2, 2026
5
Positive experience
July 31, 2026
5
Very caring and understanding!
July 30, 2026
5
Grateful for ALL!!!
July 30, 2026
2
We had to wait over an hour to see the physician because people were coming in who were unscheduled and they tussed those people into appointments. Our scheduled off of work, expected everybody to be on time and we had to wait over an hour. So very disappointing.
July 29, 2026
5
Excellent
July 27, 2026
5
Dr. Mankan and the staff are awesome!
July 25, 2026
5
Everyone is kind and aware. Very attentive.
July 25, 2026
5
The nurses are amazing.
July 25, 2026
4
The doctor was engaging and very professional. I look forward to future treatments.
July 18, 2026
5
The staff were friendly and efficient. The doctor was the most thorough professional I have seen a long time.
July 16, 2026
5
I am very thankful for doctor Mankan, who is very knowledgeable, caring, detailed and nice person. I appreciate the work of Doc. Mankan very much!
July 15, 2026
5
I've never had a disappointing experience at any of the wellstar facilities. Everyone was so nice and respectful. It is so amazing how I was and am being treated. I've been going there off and on for approximately 3 years or so and never had a bad experience from anyone.
July 12, 2026
5
Dr Mankan has the utmost respect for his patients. He intently listens to the patient's issues and provides suggestions and treatment. It's a delight to be my doctor; he shows concern for his patients.
July 11, 2026
5
Dr Mankan has the utmost respect for his patients. He intently listens to the patient's issues and provides suggestions and treatment. It's a delight to be my doctor; he shows concern for his patients.
July 11, 2026
5
I've never had a disappointing experience at any of the wellstar facilities. Everyone was so nice and respectful. It is so amazing how I was and am being treated. I've been going there off and on for approximately 3 years or so and never had a bad experience from anyone.
July 12, 2026
5
I am very thankful for doctor Mankan, who is very knowledgeable, caring, detailed and nice person. I appreciate the work of Doc. Mankan very much!
July 15, 2026
5
The staff were friendly and efficient. The doctor was the most thorough professional I have seen a long time.
July 16, 2026
4
The doctor was engaging and very professional. I look forward to future treatments.
July 18, 2026
5
The nurses are amazing.
July 25, 2026
5
Everyone is kind and aware. Very attentive.
July 25, 2026
5
Dr. Mankan and the staff are awesome!
July 25, 2026
5
Excellent
July 27, 2026
2
We had to wait over an hour to see the physician because people were coming in who were unscheduled and they tussed those people into appointments. Our scheduled off of work, expected everybody to be on time and we had to wait over an hour. So very disappointing.
July 29, 2026
5
Very caring and understanding!
July 30, 2026
5
Grateful for ALL!!!
July 30, 2026
5
Positive experience
July 31, 2026
5
Dr. Mankan was very patient and professional. I was very impressed with him. The staff was very friendly and welcoming as well. The garage parking was extremely difficult tho, few available spots and parking took an extra 10 minutes or more and was dangerous. Also, getting an appointment to see Dr. Mankan took about 3 weeks to a month to obtain. Suggestion would be to have a patient cancellation list for calls or better yet, an online opportunity for us to check regularly to obtain a quicker appointment as cancellations do occur and many of us are waiting.
August 2, 2026
5
The lady at the front desk - very nice, very forthcoming with information and explanations. She runs a good ship. Lab drawing awesome. Very informative. Dr. Mankan - awesome. Listens and explains.
August 5, 2026
5
The only negative things was we waited over an hour beyond our programed time.
August 7, 2026
5
Dr Mankan is wonderful
August 7, 2026
5
Very professional very experienced took her time and walk me through the whole process. The whole process was a breeze 10 out of 10 I will Definitely will recommend
August 13, 2026
5
Everyone seemed to be very caring and wanted the best care for me.
August 15, 2026
5
Satisfactory
August 21, 2026
5
The nurse who took blood was very gentle and efficient. The doctor is great and explained the bloodwork thoroughly. His "bedside" manner is great and he has become a favorite of mine.
August 22, 2026
5
Dr. Mankan was the first provider I ever seen actually walk into the waiting room and greet his patients and reassure them that they would be seen soon. Then with further interaction with him when I was called back, it only assured me that this was a provider that truly cared about his patients and his practice.
August 29, 2026
5
This provider is attentive to my needs.
August 29, 2026
5
This is an exceptional staff . Can't say enough,!! Dr Mankan...gold standard of excellence. Tatiana caring!!
August 31, 2026
5
I am continually amazed how the ladies who took my blood samples before I was getting chemo, now four years later, still remember me by name even though it has been six months since my last visit. I know it would not be an easy job to be around people who have cancer and all the worries and concerns that go with that. They do a wonderful job and make you feel comfortable considering no one knows the final outcome. What else can I say? I so enjoy and am also thankful for Dr. Mankan's care that he gives his patients. I feel very comfortable seeing him, even though the visits are short (he is very busy) I do feel he does have my best interests while he is there. It has been four years since my pancreatic cancer was discovered and I am still very much alive and doing just fine, thanks to everyone working in the chemo/cancer section!
August 31, 2026
5
Dr Mankan is exceptional. I trust him completely.
September 3, 2026
5
I love Dr. Mankan and the whole practice. They are amazing, attentive, courteous, kind, and everything good.
September 5, 2026
5
In the 5 years I have been a patient of Dr Mankan's I have found him to be a wonderful doctor and a caring individual. I am very fortunate to have him as my oncologist
September 8, 2026
5
Dr Mankan is one of the most genuinely kind and caring doctors I have met during this entire hospital and post hospital experience. He was very calming, explained things thoroughly and I was just so impressed with his demeanor!
September 9, 2026
5
Yes, I believe that my doctor there was very proficient and he had answers to all my questions and he filled me in for what I needed to know. And he was very good. Thank you.
September 11, 2026
Publications and Articles
MariaCare
Maria Fernanda Ortiz was a college junior, pursuing a degree in interior design. But at just 26 years old, her life took an unexpected turn. She discovered a lump in her breast, which led to a cancer diagnosis and expert, multidisciplinary care at Wellstar that would shape her professional aspirations in the future. Maria feels her hopeful attitude and compassionate care team at Wellstar helped her come through treatment with positive outcomes.
Feeling heard in healthcare
After Maria discovered a lump, she initially saw a doctor who went through the motions but didn’t seem to take her concerns seriously.
“He was so sure it was nothing because I am so young,” she remembered. “I didn’t think it was cancer, but I wanted someone who would get to the bottom of it.”
Maria got what she was looking for: a doctor who listened and would help her find answers.
“Maria is the perfect example of a patient advocating for themselves,” Dr. Pearson said. “She did exactly what she was supposed to do for someone her age who finds a lump. When it didn’t go away, she got it looked at. When she didn’t feel like she was being heard, she didn’t let it go.”
A surprising cancer diagnosis
Dr. Pearson immediately performed an ultrasound in the office, followed quickly by a biopsy, which came back positive for cancer.
"The diagnosis was scary," Maria said. “Dr. Pearson made it as simple as possible to understand by making sketches. She took the time to answer my questions—and she gave me hugs.”
Dr. Pearson added, “I try hard to be methodical and build a story: ‘This is what this means. This is how it applies to you.’ It’s important for patients to understand their plan and how it’s based very specifically on their situation.”
Maria was diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer, meaning it was a small tumor but had spread to a nearby lymph node.
“The stage helps us understand how the patient is going to do with standard treatment,” Dr. Pearson explained. “At stage 2A, we’re looking at a 90% survival rate.”
Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center Opens New Comprehensive Cancer Center
Wellstar Health System, one of Georgia’s largest and most integrated healthcare systems, announced the grand opening of the Wellstar North Fulton Cancer Center on the Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center campus in Roswell, Georgia on March 27. The Center will serve as one of only two locations in metro Atlanta featuring state-of-the-art CyberKnife® technology for radiation therapy, a noninvasive treatment for cancerous and non-cancerous tumors and other conditions where radiation therapy is needed.
The Cancer Center will now offer comprehensive cancer services, including medical oncology; radiation oncology; imaging and many medical specialties from nationally recognized, expert and experienced physicians all in one convenient location.
“With this beautiful new $12 million state-of-the-art Comprehensive Cancer Center, we can offer people in our community some of the most advanced cancer treatments close to home,” said Jon-Paul Croom, president of Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. “People will be able to come to the 12,000-square-foot Wellstar North Fulton Cancer Center for almost all aspects of diagnosis, staging and treatment, with surgery across the way at the hospital.”
Wellstar team members and the Roswell community celebrated the official opening of the Cancer Center last week with a ribbon cutting ceremony following ten months of construction. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the facility and Wellstar’s second CyberKnife system, newly housed at the Cancer Center.
Wellstar first began using the CyberKnife System at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center in 2006 to treat conditions throughout the body and can be an alternative to surgery or for patients who have inoperable or surgically complex tumors. CyberKnife can reduce radiotherapy timelines from the traditional eight weeks to as little as one to five days.
“We are committed to providing the best treatment options for our patients and are proud to bring the CyberKnife system to this community,” said Dr. Mark McLaughlin, radiation oncology medical director for Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. “With the state-of-the-art CyberKnife technology, we can deliver high precision radiation in fewer radiotherapy sessions with the goal of making treatment easier and improving outcomes for patients. We look forward to continuing to help patients beat cancer and celebrate their futures.”
The multidisciplinary team of cancer experts onsite will offer patients a high level of knowledge and expertise, along with compassion and hope. The multi-disciplinary physician experts at Wellstar North Fulton Cancer Center include:
STAT Clinic for Head & Neck Cancer Care Comes to North Fulton
Wellstar now offers advanced care for people with head and neck cancer—a complex disease that is often aggressive and requires coordination amongst multiple cancer experts. The new STAT Clinic for Head & Neck Cancer opened on the campus of Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center on August 11, 2022.
People with all types and stages of head and neck cancer have access to expert care and advanced treatments that are typically only available at academic centers. Treatments available in North Fulton include complex excision and reconstruction with microvascular free tissue transfers as well as CyberKnife radiation treatments.
Technologically advanced CyberKnife care close to home
In Wellstar’s STAT Clinics—short for Specialty Teams and Treatments—patients can see multiple cancer subspecialists to be diagnosed, have questions answered and finalize a treatment plan in a single day. This reduces the need to drive to different locations and helps the patient start treatment faster.
“The concept of multidisciplinary care is tried and true and shown to be effective for cancer patients,” said Dr. Fiyin Sokoya, the head and neck cancer surgeon who co-founded the North Fulton STAT Clinic for Head & Neck Cancer. “This model decreases the time to proceed and receive care.”
First, a group of medical specialists including a head and neck cancer surgeon and facial plastic surgeon, a radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist, a pathologist and a neuroradiologist review the patient’s pathology and imaging as a group to diagnose, stage and create a personalized treatment plan.
Next, the patient and their family meet one-on-one with the head and neck cancer surgeon, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist. This is an opportunity for the patient to learn about the recommended treatments and ask questions.
“Traditionally, patients must drive to several different appointments to learn the stage of their cancer, meet with different specialists and make decisions,” said Dr. Nagender Mankan, the dedicated medical oncologist in the new STAT Clinic. “At that point, four to five weeks have gone by. In STAT Clinic, we are expediting the complicated decision-making process.”
The patient also meets with a nurse navigator. This specialized nurse helps coordinate many aspects of care for the patient including scheduling appointments and connecting patients with support team members, such as a registered dietitian, a speech therapist or a dentist who may help relieve irritation in the mouth and throat.
Why STAT Clinic is good for patients, and what to expect
When a STAT Clinic patient needs surgery, Dr. Sokoya is one of only a few surgeons in the region to perform complex excision and reconstruction with microvascular free tissue transfers.
“North Fulton has now become a destination center for head and neck cancer treatment because of our ability to offer advanced surgical care,” he explained. “The launch of this STAT Clinic is exciting, and it’s going to bring very advanced, high-level care to this area.”
Hundreds of patients travel to Roswell each year to seek Dr. Sokoya’s expertise from Georgia, Florida and Alabama.
Patients from all over the Wellstar system are seeing Dr. Sokoya for complex head and neck cancer management,” said Dr. Mark McLaughlin, a Wellstar radiation oncologist who co-founded the STAT Clinic.
Adding the new clinic allows us to invite those patients to come to North Fulton for evaluation and discussion of treatment options. Then we can work with their hometown doctors.”
Technologically advanced CyberKnife care close to home
Patients of the STAT Clinic who are candidates for radiation therapy have access to the latest CyberKnife technology at Wellstar North Fulton Cancer Center. The CyberKnife radiation suite is one of just two in the entire metro Atlanta area.
People with complex head and neck cancer such as large or recurrent tumors often benefit from CyberKnife radiation therapy. The technology minimizes radiation exposure to healthy tissue and limits side effects while shortening treatment courses. Normally patients receive five to eight weeks of radiation therapy. In many situations, they can complete their radiation course in as few as one to five treatments with CyberKnife.
“This highly advanced technology treats advanced head and neck cancers,” Dr. McLaughlin said. “You don’t have to go all the way into Atlanta.”
STAT Clinic for Head & Neck Cancer at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center is located at 4500 Hospital Blvd, Suite 120 in Roswell, Georgia. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the nurse navigator at (770) 751-2556.
