Woman’s Hospital welcomes Anthony Evans, MD, PhD, as the medical director of gynecologic oncology at the Breast & GYN Cancer Pavilion, where he will specialize in diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the female reproductive system. Evans is one of only nine GYN oncologists practicing in Louisiana and the only full-time Baton Rouge-based GYN oncologist.
“Often women will have to travel long distances to see this type of specialist because there are not very many practicing GYN oncologists,” said Cynthia Rabalais, executive director of the Breast & GYN Cancer Pavilion, a partnership with Mary Bird Perkins-Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center. “We are able to offer that to our patients here, in Baton Rouge, and surrounding communities, in addition to offering them a unique experience with a specialized focus on women’s specific cancers.”
With more than 20 years of experience treating gynecologic cancers, Evans understands the importance of engaging his patients in their treatment plan and providing a thorough understanding of their condition and care options. “I try to discourage patients from just saying ‘You’re the doctor, you know what’s best,’” Evans explained. “It’s important to me that they understand the options that are available to them, what I would recommend and why. I really want them to be invested in the decision because it obviously affects their health and their chances of being successful in beating cancer.”
Evans grew up in Georgia where he received a medical degree and a PhD in endocrinology from Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Ga. He also earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry from Emory University in Atlanta. He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology and a fellowship in gynecologic oncology from Duke University in Durham, N.C.
Board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and gynecologic oncology, he most recently practiced in Wisconsin at Marshfield Medical Center. Evans embraces the use of robotics-assisted and other minimally invasive surgery methods that speed recovery and lessen down-time and is a leader in radical and complex gynecologic surgeries. He is also active in the latest cancer clinical trials.
Woman’s Gynecologic Oncology has a comprehensive care team to help women navigate their diagnosis. Staff include a nurse practitioner, nurse navigator, palliative care coordinator, social worker and specialized cancer dietitian.