Our "Book Now" feature should not be used for life threatening conditions such as heart attack, severe injury, poisoning, chest pain, or stroke. If you are experiencing such conditions, STOP and CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY or visit your nearest Emergency Department.
Dr. Sokoya is a fellowship-trained, double board certified head and neck oncological and facial plastic surgeon. He’s been with Wellstar since 2020.
Dr. Sokoya graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a bachelor’s degree in biology and earned his medical degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in Lexington. He completed his residency and training with an internship in Otolaryngology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He then was selected to complete a fellowship in Advanced Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery, Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
with Dr. Yadro Ducic at Baylor Health Systems Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.
Dr. Sokoya has extensive training in all aspects of head and neck cancer and facial plastic surgery including free tissue transfer. He has more than 40 publications and has presented at regional and national conferences.
Double Board Certification:
American Board of Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery
American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Meet Dr. Fiyin Sokoya
Specialties
Otolaryngology
Facial Plastic Surgery
Education & Training
University of Kentucky School of Medicine/Dentistry
Certifications
American Board of Otolaryngology - ENT
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar North Fulton Hospital
Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
Languages spoken
English
Common Treatments, Conditions, and Procedures
Facial Plastic Surgery
Patient Reviews
Overall patient rating
4.5
4.5
Based on 184 patient ratings
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
4.67
Listened to me carefully
4.54
Shared the right amount of information
4.42
Earned my trust
4.41
All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.
Patient Reviews
5
Dr Sokoya was fantastic. I have seen a lot of doctors in my day; Dr Sokoya's warmth, patience and expert advice was exceptional. He spent a lot of time with me and gave me an enormous sense of confidence (in him!)
December 2, 2023
5
Very professional yet approachable. Confident I will receive good counsel and care.
November 18, 2023
5
Fantastic doctors and medical staff!!!
November 11, 2023
5
Going to any doctor isn't something I look forward to, however from the front office to the back, everyone made this a comfortable and good visit. I left understanding the doctor's healthcare plan for me which is most important. Thanks all
October 21, 2023
5
keep up the good work
October 20, 2023
5
I've been looking for a Dr. to treat my needs for 3 months. I've finally found one.
October 14, 2023
5
Dr Sokoya and his staff were very polite and concerned with my situation.
October 14, 2023
1
This provider really did not act like he was interested in the issue which brought me to his office. I drove 2 and a half hours because my regular ENT doctor recommended for me to see him. I went to his office because I have Eagle Syndrome and I was looking for someone who might could treat it. However, I will not drive to Atlanta again to this doctor's office. I'll find someone closer to where I live to treat my condition.
October 8, 2023
4
It would be helpful if the doctors' names were on their office doors.
October 8, 2023
5
Dr. Sokoya and his staffs are very professional, prompt and sweet.
October 7, 2023
5
Doc said he is concerned for my well being with winter colds etc upcoming. Go to ER if I feel compromised. Reinforced what I do and done.
October 4, 2023
5
The staff were very friendly and professional. I felt very comfortable working with them. The physician has been very helpful to me.
September 30, 2023
5
Very attentive staff and physicians.
September 15, 2023
5
I have an amazing experience with this practice as I continue my recovery journey.
September 10, 2023
5
Great care! Thank you!!
September 9, 2023
5
The staff at the Roswell/Alpharetta location are always welcoming and Victory is awesome. I was not as satisfied with the Kennestone front desk staff.
September 9, 2023
5
It is such a pleasure to have Dr. Sokoya as my physician, and the staff at his practice is so nice and efficient.
August 25, 2023
5
The experience was very good, thank you.
August 25, 2023
5
I had a great experience with Dr. Sokoya and the entire staff. They all were very pleasant, professional, and thorough. Dr. Sokoya took his time to discuss my health concern and discussed treatment options. He answered all the questions my husband and I asked to our satisfaction.
August 13, 2023
5
Dr. Sokoya was kind, compassionate, and competent. He made sure all of my questions and issues were fully resolved. I originally went to him for a second opinion. Even though this office is far from my home, I will be asking him to be my doctor. From the person at the reception desk, to the medical assistant and the PA who scoped my nose and throat, to the person who checked me out, were all very caring and competent. This visit was everything I could hope for in a doctor's office.
August 13, 2023
5
I feel like they truly care and provide excellent care.
August 11, 2023
5
The staff are extremely helpful kind warm and caring. My Doctor listen was very kind and caring. The best doctors office experience I have ever had. Thanks to all.
August 6, 2023
5
Doctor and staff made me feel at ease, they were very friendly and very knowledgeable.
July 23, 2023
5
Dr. Sokoya is wonderful. He is very approachable and easy to work with. He listened attentively to me, was very professional and yet quite empathetic. He is an outstanding specialist!
July 22, 2023
4
I forgot to mention my hearing is not good and it could be due to a wax buildup
July 22, 2023
5
Day was very nice to me and my wife Thank yall
July 22, 2023
5
Nice ladies at front desk. Checking in/out was a breeze. No waiting!
July 3, 2023
1
The front desk and the medical assistant and the nurse were very good. The doctor seems to diminish my concerns and make me feel self conscious about being there at all. I would not recommend him to anyone.
July 2, 2023
5
I was so impressed with staff doctor and. Pa. Thank you. For a great experience.
June 30, 2023
5
Very good communication from the nurses. Made me feel special. Dr. Sokoya changed an addiction I had. I appreciate him. Thank you.
June 9, 2023
5
Dr Sokoya was fantastic. I have seen a lot of doctors in my day; Dr Sokoya's warmth, patience and expert advice was exceptional. He spent a lot of time with me and gave me an enormous sense of confidence (in him!)
December 2, 2023
5
Very professional yet approachable. Confident I will receive good counsel and care.
November 18, 2023
5
Fantastic doctors and medical staff!!!
November 11, 2023
5
Going to any doctor isn't something I look forward to, however from the front office to the back, everyone made this a comfortable and good visit. I left understanding the doctor's healthcare plan for me which is most important. Thanks all
October 21, 2023
5
keep up the good work
October 20, 2023
5
I've been looking for a Dr. to treat my needs for 3 months. I've finally found one.
October 14, 2023
5
Dr Sokoya and his staff were very polite and concerned with my situation.
October 14, 2023
5
Dr. Sokoya and his staffs are very professional, prompt and sweet.
October 7, 2023
5
Doc said he is concerned for my well being with winter colds etc upcoming. Go to ER if I feel compromised. Reinforced what I do and done.
October 4, 2023
5
The staff were very friendly and professional. I felt very comfortable working with them. The physician has been very helpful to me.
September 30, 2023
5
Very attentive staff and physicians.
September 15, 2023
5
I have an amazing experience with this practice as I continue my recovery journey.
September 10, 2023
5
Great care! Thank you!!
September 9, 2023
5
The staff at the Roswell/Alpharetta location are always welcoming and Victory is awesome. I was not as satisfied with the Kennestone front desk staff.
September 9, 2023
5
It is such a pleasure to have Dr. Sokoya as my physician, and the staff at his practice is so nice and efficient.
August 25, 2023
5
The experience was very good, thank you.
August 25, 2023
5
I had a great experience with Dr. Sokoya and the entire staff. They all were very pleasant, professional, and thorough. Dr. Sokoya took his time to discuss my health concern and discussed treatment options. He answered all the questions my husband and I asked to our satisfaction.
August 13, 2023
5
Dr. Sokoya was kind, compassionate, and competent. He made sure all of my questions and issues were fully resolved. I originally went to him for a second opinion. Even though this office is far from my home, I will be asking him to be my doctor. From the person at the reception desk, to the medical assistant and the PA who scoped my nose and throat, to the person who checked me out, were all very caring and competent. This visit was everything I could hope for in a doctor's office.
August 13, 2023
5
I feel like they truly care and provide excellent care.
August 11, 2023
5
The staff are extremely helpful kind warm and caring. My Doctor listen was very kind and caring. The best doctors office experience I have ever had. Thanks to all.
August 6, 2023
5
Doctor and staff made me feel at ease, they were very friendly and very knowledgeable.
July 23, 2023
5
Dr. Sokoya is wonderful. He is very approachable and easy to work with. He listened attentively to me, was very professional and yet quite empathetic. He is an outstanding specialist!
July 22, 2023
5
Day was very nice to me and my wife Thank yall
July 22, 2023
5
Nice ladies at front desk. Checking in/out was a breeze. No waiting!
July 3, 2023
5
I was so impressed with staff doctor and. Pa. Thank you. For a great experience.
June 30, 2023
5
Very good communication from the nurses. Made me feel special. Dr. Sokoya changed an addiction I had. I appreciate him. Thank you.
June 9, 2023
4
It would be helpful if the doctors' names were on their office doors.
October 8, 2023
4
I forgot to mention my hearing is not good and it could be due to a wax buildup
July 22, 2023
1
This provider really did not act like he was interested in the issue which brought me to his office. I drove 2 and a half hours because my regular ENT doctor recommended for me to see him. I went to his office because I have Eagle Syndrome and I was looking for someone who might could treat it. However, I will not drive to Atlanta again to this doctor's office. I'll find someone closer to where I live to treat my condition.
October 8, 2023
1
The front desk and the medical assistant and the nurse were very good. The doctor seems to diminish my concerns and make me feel self conscious about being there at all. I would not recommend him to anyone.
July 2, 2023
1
This provider really did not act like he was interested in the issue which brought me to his office. I drove 2 and a half hours because my regular ENT doctor recommended for me to see him. I went to his office because I have Eagle Syndrome and I was looking for someone who might could treat it. However, I will not drive to Atlanta again to this doctor's office. I'll find someone closer to where I live to treat my condition.
October 8, 2023
1
The front desk and the medical assistant and the nurse were very good. The doctor seems to diminish my concerns and make me feel self conscious about being there at all. I would not recommend him to anyone.
July 2, 2023
4
It would be helpful if the doctors' names were on their office doors.
October 8, 2023
4
I forgot to mention my hearing is not good and it could be due to a wax buildup
July 22, 2023
5
Dr Sokoya was fantastic. I have seen a lot of doctors in my day; Dr Sokoya's warmth, patience and expert advice was exceptional. He spent a lot of time with me and gave me an enormous sense of confidence (in him!)
December 2, 2023
5
Very professional yet approachable. Confident I will receive good counsel and care.
November 18, 2023
5
Fantastic doctors and medical staff!!!
November 11, 2023
5
Going to any doctor isn't something I look forward to, however from the front office to the back, everyone made this a comfortable and good visit. I left understanding the doctor's healthcare plan for me which is most important. Thanks all
October 21, 2023
5
keep up the good work
October 20, 2023
5
I've been looking for a Dr. to treat my needs for 3 months. I've finally found one.
October 14, 2023
5
Dr Sokoya and his staff were very polite and concerned with my situation.
October 14, 2023
5
Dr. Sokoya and his staffs are very professional, prompt and sweet.
October 7, 2023
5
Doc said he is concerned for my well being with winter colds etc upcoming. Go to ER if I feel compromised. Reinforced what I do and done.
October 4, 2023
5
The staff were very friendly and professional. I felt very comfortable working with them. The physician has been very helpful to me.
September 30, 2023
5
Very attentive staff and physicians.
September 15, 2023
5
I have an amazing experience with this practice as I continue my recovery journey.
September 10, 2023
5
Great care! Thank you!!
September 9, 2023
5
The staff at the Roswell/Alpharetta location are always welcoming and Victory is awesome. I was not as satisfied with the Kennestone front desk staff.
September 9, 2023
5
It is such a pleasure to have Dr. Sokoya as my physician, and the staff at his practice is so nice and efficient.
August 25, 2023
5
The experience was very good, thank you.
August 25, 2023
5
I had a great experience with Dr. Sokoya and the entire staff. They all were very pleasant, professional, and thorough. Dr. Sokoya took his time to discuss my health concern and discussed treatment options. He answered all the questions my husband and I asked to our satisfaction.
August 13, 2023
5
Dr. Sokoya was kind, compassionate, and competent. He made sure all of my questions and issues were fully resolved. I originally went to him for a second opinion. Even though this office is far from my home, I will be asking him to be my doctor. From the person at the reception desk, to the medical assistant and the PA who scoped my nose and throat, to the person who checked me out, were all very caring and competent. This visit was everything I could hope for in a doctor's office.
August 13, 2023
5
I feel like they truly care and provide excellent care.
August 11, 2023
5
The staff are extremely helpful kind warm and caring. My Doctor listen was very kind and caring. The best doctors office experience I have ever had. Thanks to all.
August 6, 2023
5
Doctor and staff made me feel at ease, they were very friendly and very knowledgeable.
July 23, 2023
5
Dr. Sokoya is wonderful. He is very approachable and easy to work with. He listened attentively to me, was very professional and yet quite empathetic. He is an outstanding specialist!
July 22, 2023
5
Day was very nice to me and my wife Thank yall
July 22, 2023
5
Nice ladies at front desk. Checking in/out was a breeze. No waiting!
July 3, 2023
5
I was so impressed with staff doctor and. Pa. Thank you. For a great experience.
June 30, 2023
5
Very good communication from the nurses. Made me feel special. Dr. Sokoya changed an addiction I had. I appreciate him. Thank you.
June 9, 2023
5
Dr Sokoya was fantastic. I have seen a lot of doctors in my day; Dr Sokoya's warmth, patience and expert advice was exceptional. He spent a lot of time with me and gave me an enormous sense of confidence (in him!)
December 2, 2023
5
Very professional yet approachable. Confident I will receive good counsel and care.
November 18, 2023
5
Fantastic doctors and medical staff!!!
November 11, 2023
5
Going to any doctor isn't something I look forward to, however from the front office to the back, everyone made this a comfortable and good visit. I left understanding the doctor's healthcare plan for me which is most important. Thanks all
October 21, 2023
5
keep up the good work
October 20, 2023
5
I've been looking for a Dr. to treat my needs for 3 months. I've finally found one.
October 14, 2023
5
Dr Sokoya and his staff were very polite and concerned with my situation.
October 14, 2023
1
This provider really did not act like he was interested in the issue which brought me to his office. I drove 2 and a half hours because my regular ENT doctor recommended for me to see him. I went to his office because I have Eagle Syndrome and I was looking for someone who might could treat it. However, I will not drive to Atlanta again to this doctor's office. I'll find someone closer to where I live to treat my condition.
October 8, 2023
4
It would be helpful if the doctors' names were on their office doors.
October 8, 2023
5
Dr. Sokoya and his staffs are very professional, prompt and sweet.
October 7, 2023
5
Doc said he is concerned for my well being with winter colds etc upcoming. Go to ER if I feel compromised. Reinforced what I do and done.
October 4, 2023
5
The staff were very friendly and professional. I felt very comfortable working with them. The physician has been very helpful to me.
September 30, 2023
5
Very attentive staff and physicians.
September 15, 2023
5
I have an amazing experience with this practice as I continue my recovery journey.
September 10, 2023
5
The staff at the Roswell/Alpharetta location are always welcoming and Victory is awesome. I was not as satisfied with the Kennestone front desk staff.
September 9, 2023
5
Great care! Thank you!!
September 9, 2023
5
It is such a pleasure to have Dr. Sokoya as my physician, and the staff at his practice is so nice and efficient.
August 25, 2023
5
The experience was very good, thank you.
August 25, 2023
5
Dr. Sokoya was kind, compassionate, and competent. He made sure all of my questions and issues were fully resolved. I originally went to him for a second opinion. Even though this office is far from my home, I will be asking him to be my doctor. From the person at the reception desk, to the medical assistant and the PA who scoped my nose and throat, to the person who checked me out, were all very caring and competent. This visit was everything I could hope for in a doctor's office.
August 13, 2023
5
I had a great experience with Dr. Sokoya and the entire staff. They all were very pleasant, professional, and thorough. Dr. Sokoya took his time to discuss my health concern and discussed treatment options. He answered all the questions my husband and I asked to our satisfaction.
August 13, 2023
5
I feel like they truly care and provide excellent care.
August 11, 2023
5
The staff are extremely helpful kind warm and caring. My Doctor listen was very kind and caring. The best doctors office experience I have ever had. Thanks to all.
August 6, 2023
5
Doctor and staff made me feel at ease, they were very friendly and very knowledgeable.
July 23, 2023
5
Dr. Sokoya is wonderful. He is very approachable and easy to work with. He listened attentively to me, was very professional and yet quite empathetic. He is an outstanding specialist!
July 22, 2023
4
I forgot to mention my hearing is not good and it could be due to a wax buildup
July 22, 2023
5
Day was very nice to me and my wife Thank yall
July 22, 2023
5
Nice ladies at front desk. Checking in/out was a breeze. No waiting!
July 3, 2023
1
The front desk and the medical assistant and the nurse were very good. The doctor seems to diminish my concerns and make me feel self conscious about being there at all. I would not recommend him to anyone.
July 2, 2023
5
I was so impressed with staff doctor and. Pa. Thank you. For a great experience.
June 30, 2023
5
Very good communication from the nurses. Made me feel special. Dr. Sokoya changed an addiction I had. I appreciate him. Thank you.
June 9, 2023
5
Very good communication from the nurses. Made me feel special. Dr. Sokoya changed an addiction I had. I appreciate him. Thank you.
June 9, 2023
5
I was so impressed with staff doctor and. Pa. Thank you. For a great experience.
June 30, 2023
1
The front desk and the medical assistant and the nurse were very good. The doctor seems to diminish my concerns and make me feel self conscious about being there at all. I would not recommend him to anyone.
July 2, 2023
5
Nice ladies at front desk. Checking in/out was a breeze. No waiting!
July 3, 2023
5
Day was very nice to me and my wife Thank yall
July 22, 2023
4
I forgot to mention my hearing is not good and it could be due to a wax buildup
July 22, 2023
5
Dr. Sokoya is wonderful. He is very approachable and easy to work with. He listened attentively to me, was very professional and yet quite empathetic. He is an outstanding specialist!
July 22, 2023
5
Doctor and staff made me feel at ease, they were very friendly and very knowledgeable.
July 23, 2023
5
The staff are extremely helpful kind warm and caring. My Doctor listen was very kind and caring. The best doctors office experience I have ever had. Thanks to all.
August 6, 2023
5
I feel like they truly care and provide excellent care.
August 11, 2023
5
I had a great experience with Dr. Sokoya and the entire staff. They all were very pleasant, professional, and thorough. Dr. Sokoya took his time to discuss my health concern and discussed treatment options. He answered all the questions my husband and I asked to our satisfaction.
August 13, 2023
5
Dr. Sokoya was kind, compassionate, and competent. He made sure all of my questions and issues were fully resolved. I originally went to him for a second opinion. Even though this office is far from my home, I will be asking him to be my doctor. From the person at the reception desk, to the medical assistant and the PA who scoped my nose and throat, to the person who checked me out, were all very caring and competent. This visit was everything I could hope for in a doctor's office.
August 13, 2023
5
The experience was very good, thank you.
August 25, 2023
5
It is such a pleasure to have Dr. Sokoya as my physician, and the staff at his practice is so nice and efficient.
August 25, 2023
5
Great care! Thank you!!
September 9, 2023
5
The staff at the Roswell/Alpharetta location are always welcoming and Victory is awesome. I was not as satisfied with the Kennestone front desk staff.
September 9, 2023
5
I have an amazing experience with this practice as I continue my recovery journey.
September 10, 2023
5
Very attentive staff and physicians.
September 15, 2023
5
The staff were very friendly and professional. I felt very comfortable working with them. The physician has been very helpful to me.
September 30, 2023
5
Doc said he is concerned for my well being with winter colds etc upcoming. Go to ER if I feel compromised. Reinforced what I do and done.
October 4, 2023
5
Dr. Sokoya and his staffs are very professional, prompt and sweet.
October 7, 2023
4
It would be helpful if the doctors' names were on their office doors.
October 8, 2023
1
This provider really did not act like he was interested in the issue which brought me to his office. I drove 2 and a half hours because my regular ENT doctor recommended for me to see him. I went to his office because I have Eagle Syndrome and I was looking for someone who might could treat it. However, I will not drive to Atlanta again to this doctor's office. I'll find someone closer to where I live to treat my condition.
October 8, 2023
5
I've been looking for a Dr. to treat my needs for 3 months. I've finally found one.
October 14, 2023
5
Dr Sokoya and his staff were very polite and concerned with my situation.
October 14, 2023
5
keep up the good work
October 20, 2023
5
Going to any doctor isn't something I look forward to, however from the front office to the back, everyone made this a comfortable and good visit. I left understanding the doctor's healthcare plan for me which is most important. Thanks all
October 21, 2023
5
Fantastic doctors and medical staff!!!
November 11, 2023
5
Very professional yet approachable. Confident I will receive good counsel and care.
November 18, 2023
5
Dr Sokoya was fantastic. I have seen a lot of doctors in my day; Dr Sokoya's warmth, patience and expert advice was exceptional. He spent a lot of time with me and gave me an enormous sense of confidence (in him!)
December 2, 2023
Publications and Articles
Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center Opens New Comprehensive Cancer Center
Featuring CyberKnife® technology
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
Highly specialized care for people across the Southeast
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 now 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 oncological 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 will soon have access to the latest CyberKnife technology when the new Wellstar North Fulton Hospital Cancer Center opens in early 2023. The CyberKnife radiation suite will be 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.
