2020-2022 Board of Directors

President

Jimmy-Ruiz-100x100-NCOA
Jimmy Ruiz, MD
Medical Oncologist
Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Jimmy Ruiz, MD, is a medical oncologist who specializes in the treatment of lung cancer, and conducts phase 1-3 clinical trials in metastatic and locally advanced lung cancer. His personal research focuses on clinical and translational research in lung cancer brain metastasis, and has authored and co-authored several clinical and scientific journals. Dr. Ruiz has an interest in underserved communities and works at each site to improve clinical trial participation for underrepresented minorities and establish community relationships with underserved populations.

President-Elect

Martin-Palmeri-100x100-NCOA
Martin Palmeri, MD, MBA
Hematologist/Oncologist
Messino Cancer Centers
Asheville, NC

Martin Palmeri, MD, MBA, is a hematologist and oncologist at the Messino Cancer Centers in Asheville, NC. He is a member of North Carolina Oncology, North Carolina Medical Society, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, among many others.

Dr. Palmeri has a special interest in malignancies of the GI tract (colorectal, stomach, esophagus, liver and pancreas) and the evolving field of immuno-oncology particularly in how it relates to cancers of the skin.

Dr. Palmeri received his medical degree from East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine. He completed a fellowship in hematology and oncology and a residency in internal medicine at Darmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. He holds a bachelor's degree from Duke University.

Secretary/Treasurer

Daniel-Carrizosa-100x100
Daniel R. Carrizosa, MD
Physician and Associate Program Director
Atrium Health, Levine Cancer Institute

Immediate Past President

Keith-Lerro-100x100-NCOA
Keith A. Lerro, MD, PhD
Medical Oncologist
Regional Medical Oncology Center

Keith Lerro, MD, PhD, is a board certified oncologist and hematologist dedicated to using the latest treatments available against all types of cancer, even the most complex. Dr. Lerro received his cancer training at Yale University, residency at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and his MD from Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Members-at-Large

Justin-Favaro-100x100-NCOA
Justin P. Favaro, MD, PhD
Hematologist/Oncologist
Oncology Specialists of Charlotte, PA

Justin P. Favaro, MD, PhD, is the principal investigator for clinical cancer trials with the Novant Oncology Research Institute. His research experience includes both basic science work in viral replication and tumor growth, and clinical research focused on the role of angiogenesis inhibitors in colorectal cancer treatment. His interests include clinical care of patients with cancer and blood disorders.

Dr. Favaro has been named on the Top Doctors in Hematology/Oncology by Charlotte Magazine. He is a member of the Community Oncology Alliance, American Society of Hematology, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Matthew-Foster-100x100-NCOA
Matthew Foster, MD
Assistant Professor
University of North Carolina School of Medicine

Matthew Foster, MD, is assistant professor of clinical research for the leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma program. His research interests involve clinical and translational research in the hematologic malignancies. In particular, he is involved in the design and conduct of phase I and II clinical trials of novel agents and drug combinations for patients with acute leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative neoplasms. Furthermore, Dr. Foster has particular interest in incorporating correlative science studies that can predict biologic response or drug toxicity in patients with hematologic cancers, including both host and tumor genetic variables that predict response to antileukemic agents.

Vinay-Gudena-100x100-NCOA
Vinay Gudena, MD
Medical Oncologist/Hematologist
Cone Health Cancer Center

Vinay Gudena, MD, is a medical oncologist who specializes in the treatment of breast cancers, and is also the director of cancer research for the Cone Health System.

He serves as a local principal investigator for a number of clinical trials. Dr. Gudena came to Greensboro from Ohio where he worked for University Hospitals of Cleveland. He was awarded master faculty for excellence in teaching, and helped start Firelands Regional Medical Center's breast program in addition to serving as the interim medical director of the oncology program.

Mahvish-Muzaffar-100x100-NCOA
Mahvish Muzaffar, MD
Oncologist; Associate Professor
East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine

Fellow Liaison

Matusz-Fisher-Ashley-100x100
Ashley Matusz-Fisher, MD
Internist
Atrium Health

1801 Research Boulevard Suite 400
Rockville, MD 20850
Tel: 301.984.9496 | Fax: 301.770.1949
ncoa-northcarolina.com
Email Us