Aaron U. Blackham, MD

Surgical Oncology

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LVPG Cliniciani

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Overview

Area of focus i

  • Pancreatic Cancers
  • Liver Cancers
  • Melanoma
  • Sarcoma
  • Robotic Surgery

Languages spoken

  • English

About

Philosophy of care

I’ve never had cancer so I will never completely understand what my patients are going through. But I’ve seen many patients struggle through the fear of the unknown and uncertainty about the future. And if the diagnosis of cancer wasn’t hard enough, undergoing countless diagnostic tests and procedures and understanding complex treatment options can be extremely overwhelming to patients and their families. When I interact with patients, I try to explain their diagnosis and surgical treatment in a way they understand while at the same time being frank, honest and forthcoming. I think it is vitally important that patients are educated regarding their options and know what to expect. My goal is to ease their fear and provide hope, encouragement and reassurance. 

As a surgeon, I am constantly striving to improve the short-term and long-term outcomes of my patients. With the advances in technology over the past few years, we can now perform many complex cancer operations robotically. Robotic technology allows us to perform the same cancer operation through smaller incisions and causes less trauma to the body.  This directly translates into less pain after surgery, shorter hospital stays, fewer complications and quicker recoveries. 

Why I entered medicine

My inspiration to become a doctor began in high school while taking a human biology class. I was fascinated with the anatomy and physiology of the human body and this fascination continued through my college courses and on to medical school. Then, after I scrubbed my first surgery case as a medical student, I knew I’d found my passion. 

It is extremely rewarding to treat cancer patients. It is their courage and strength that keep me going. Almost on a daily basis, I get to tell people they are cancer free, and it is a thrill to share that moment with them. The other great part about being a cancer surgeon is collaborating as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Cancer treatment is so complex and requires the expertise of many health care providers. At LVHN, I’m fortunate to work with incredible medical and radiation oncologists, nurses, dietitians, social workers and other support staff who are committed toward a common goal and provide exceptional and compassionate cancer care. 

Community involvement

I’m a firm believer in contributing to my community and helping others. I’m very involved in my church, volunteering several hours a week supporting community service efforts, youth programs, and providing elderly assistance. I’ve also been involved in scouting in various roles off and on for the past 20 years. Currently, I serve as the Cub Scout committee chairman for the pack my boys are in.

Personal interests

When I’m not at the hospital, I’m hanging out with my wonderful wife and four children. We love to play board games, hike, travel, visit amusement parks, play Frisbee and eat ice cream. Aside from medicine and my family, my other passion is snow skiing. My favorite place to be is on the top of a mountain staring down a powder-filled slope. 

Education

Undergraduate
 Brigham Young University, BS - Zoology, 2002

Medical Training
 University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, MD - Doctor of Medicine, 2007

Training

Internship 2008
 Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC

Residency 2009
 General Surgery, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC

Residency 2010
 General Surgery, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC

Residency 2011
 General Surgery, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC

Research Fellow 2012
 General Surgery, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC

Residency 2013
 General Surgery, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC

Chief Resident 2014
 General Surgery, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC

Fellowship 2015
 Surgical Oncology, University of South Florida H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center

Fellowship 2016
 Surgical Oncology, University of South Florida H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center

Certifications

American Board of Surgery - Surgery
American Board of Surgery - Complex General Surgical Oncology

Publications & Clinical Trials

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