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
Degree
Doctor of Medicine
Residency
University of Colorado
Fellowship
Baylor All Saints Medical Center at Fort Worth
Certifications
American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstruct Sur
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
Airway Problems
Ear Disorders
Facial Plastic Surgery
Nasal and Sinus Disorders
Nasal Surgery
Sinus Surgery
Tonsillectomy
Patient Reviews
Overall patient rating
4.5
Based on 154 patient ratings
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
Listened to me carefully
Earned my trust
Shared the right amount of information
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
Every one was so helpful and kind.
October 5, 2026
5
Everyone is accommodating
October 3, 2026
4
My experience initially, all is very good, but this was our first encounter, so we haven't had any other means of forming an opinion, hadn't had any work done, but I think this follow-up would be much better consideration if it was after we had had some further experience with a doctor. But so far, the initial impression is very good.
September 26, 2026
5
I was perfectly Satisfied with everything!!
September 20, 2026
1
I will like for Wellstar to provide a complimentary visit with another specialist based on my experience.
September 12, 2026
1
This plastic surgeon did not even have mirror nor a photograph to illustrate where the surgery was to be on my forehead. His answers to my questions about recovery time vastly contradicted the paperwork described post operative. He simply told me what I wanted to hear. My appointment was for 2:50. When he entered the room at 4:10 (80 minutes late) he mumbled an insincere apology. I explained I would have rather waited in the lobby instead of the cramped exam room he snidely remarked that I could have looked out the window. Since he had such little regarded for this patient I have since cancelled my procedure and am going elsewhere. I am a patient of no fewer than six WellStar doctors of which I admire all. This doctor was a great disappointment and a waste of my time.
August 26, 2026
5
Dr. Sokoya is a kind listener and skilled surgeon. The office staff is delightful and efficient. I am so grateful to have found this practice.
August 23, 2026
5
The doctor was professional, cating, knowledgeable and set me at ease . He made me feel comfortable and well informed.
August 20, 2026
5
Dr sokoya was great but he needs to smile more. I know he has a very important job and it's ok to be professional but giving a smile or laugh can go a long way in helping people through scary situations. It's ok to laugh! ?
August 22, 2026
5
Your clinical staff is superb. The administrative staff maybe could use some improvement. The location of my surgery on surgery day was changed and no one told me. So I sat in an empty surgery center for 30 minutes and almost missed my surgery. I finally walked down the hall to the doctor's office and they said, oh, it's been moved to the hospital. And we tried to call you, but they didn't. And then they gave me the wrong directions to get to the hospital and told me the wrong deck to park in. When I arrived at the hospital, my name was not on the list for surgery, but fortunately, it was in the computer for surgery. Just awful administrative service. But clinically, superb. Just superb.
August 19, 2026
5
Staff and doctors were attentive andd kind and would listen to my concerns
August 14, 2026
5
The doctor was very detailed oriented in regards to discussions of what was going on what I needed excellent bedside manner
August 3, 2026
5
Good service, very friendly.
August 2, 2026
5
I feel like I am treated as a member of the family. Every person from the receptionist to the doctor is so friendly and caring. It is a total team that is in constant communication about situation. I am currently seeing 4 Wellstar doctors and all communicate. I have previously been treated be Northside practices and there is no comparison. Wellstar is the best!!!.I also love MyChart. It is superior to any other medical App.
August 2, 2026
5
Always very nice and very professional, but friendly at the same time. Always on time!
August 1, 2026
5
It's always a pleasure and makes my day to meet with Dr. Sokoya and his staff.
August 1, 2026
5
Great experience.
July 4, 2026
5
Friendly and welcoming. Felt like we were being listened to.
June 21, 2026
5
Dr. F. Sokoya took wonderful care of me. I appreciate his time, talent, skills and expertise.
June 6, 2026
5
Dr. Sokoya and his staff are top-notch
May 31, 2026
5
Very friendly staff
May 30, 2026
5
Great experience. And they accommodated my lateness
May 3, 2026
5
Great experience.
April 11, 2026
5
Staff was very attentive and helpful
April 10, 2026
5
The entire staff is amazing and so supportive. I work in healthcare and deal with MD offices everyday and Dr Sokoya and his staff sets the standard of excellence and communication!
April 4, 2026
5
Yeah, I was impressed with the courteousness of the staff as a whole and their concern for the patient's well-being. I was very impressed. Thank you.
April 4, 2026
5
A wonderful experience with Dr. Sokoya. An excellent professional. He operated on a tumor in my parotid gland and I have no scarring. He was also very attentive and caring. A very good doctor and person!
March 28, 2026
4
Great practice; I was personally stressed by the time I got there due to the long drive. I suppose that's my fault not being from GA.
March 22, 2026
5
Everyone was professional and friendly.
February 24, 2026
5
Everything is fine
February 20, 2026
5
Every one was so helpful and kind.
October 5, 2026
5
Everyone is accommodating
October 3, 2026
5
I was perfectly Satisfied with everything!!
September 20, 2026
5
Dr. Sokoya is a kind listener and skilled surgeon. The office staff is delightful and efficient. I am so grateful to have found this practice.
August 23, 2026
5
The doctor was professional, cating, knowledgeable and set me at ease . He made me feel comfortable and well informed.
August 20, 2026
5
Dr sokoya was great but he needs to smile more. I know he has a very important job and it's ok to be professional but giving a smile or laugh can go a long way in helping people through scary situations. It's ok to laugh! ?
August 22, 2026
5
Your clinical staff is superb. The administrative staff maybe could use some improvement. The location of my surgery on surgery day was changed and no one told me. So I sat in an empty surgery center for 30 minutes and almost missed my surgery. I finally walked down the hall to the doctor's office and they said, oh, it's been moved to the hospital. And we tried to call you, but they didn't. And then they gave me the wrong directions to get to the hospital and told me the wrong deck to park in. When I arrived at the hospital, my name was not on the list for surgery, but fortunately, it was in the computer for surgery. Just awful administrative service. But clinically, superb. Just superb.
August 19, 2026
5
Staff and doctors were attentive andd kind and would listen to my concerns
August 14, 2026
5
The doctor was very detailed oriented in regards to discussions of what was going on what I needed excellent bedside manner
August 3, 2026
5
Good service, very friendly.
August 2, 2026
5
I feel like I am treated as a member of the family. Every person from the receptionist to the doctor is so friendly and caring. It is a total team that is in constant communication about situation. I am currently seeing 4 Wellstar doctors and all communicate. I have previously been treated be Northside practices and there is no comparison. Wellstar is the best!!!.I also love MyChart. It is superior to any other medical App.
August 2, 2026
5
Always very nice and very professional, but friendly at the same time. Always on time!
August 1, 2026
5
It's always a pleasure and makes my day to meet with Dr. Sokoya and his staff.
August 1, 2026
5
Great experience.
July 4, 2026
5
Friendly and welcoming. Felt like we were being listened to.
June 21, 2026
5
Dr. F. Sokoya took wonderful care of me. I appreciate his time, talent, skills and expertise.
June 6, 2026
5
Dr. Sokoya and his staff are top-notch
May 31, 2026
5
Very friendly staff
May 30, 2026
5
Great experience. And they accommodated my lateness
May 3, 2026
5
Great experience.
April 11, 2026
5
Staff was very attentive and helpful
April 10, 2026
5
The entire staff is amazing and so supportive. I work in healthcare and deal with MD offices everyday and Dr Sokoya and his staff sets the standard of excellence and communication!
April 4, 2026
5
Yeah, I was impressed with the courteousness of the staff as a whole and their concern for the patient's well-being. I was very impressed. Thank you.
April 4, 2026
5
A wonderful experience with Dr. Sokoya. An excellent professional. He operated on a tumor in my parotid gland and I have no scarring. He was also very attentive and caring. A very good doctor and person!
March 28, 2026
5
Everyone was professional and friendly.
February 24, 2026
5
Everything is fine
February 20, 2026
4
My experience initially, all is very good, but this was our first encounter, so we haven't had any other means of forming an opinion, hadn't had any work done, but I think this follow-up would be much better consideration if it was after we had had some further experience with a doctor. But so far, the initial impression is very good.
September 26, 2026
4
Great practice; I was personally stressed by the time I got there due to the long drive. I suppose that's my fault not being from GA.
March 22, 2026
1
I will like for Wellstar to provide a complimentary visit with another specialist based on my experience.
September 12, 2026
1
This plastic surgeon did not even have mirror nor a photograph to illustrate where the surgery was to be on my forehead. His answers to my questions about recovery time vastly contradicted the paperwork described post operative. He simply told me what I wanted to hear. My appointment was for 2:50. When he entered the room at 4:10 (80 minutes late) he mumbled an insincere apology. I explained I would have rather waited in the lobby instead of the cramped exam room he snidely remarked that I could have looked out the window. Since he had such little regarded for this patient I have since cancelled my procedure and am going elsewhere. I am a patient of no fewer than six WellStar doctors of which I admire all. This doctor was a great disappointment and a waste of my time.
August 26, 2026
1
I will like for Wellstar to provide a complimentary visit with another specialist based on my experience.
September 12, 2026
1
This plastic surgeon did not even have mirror nor a photograph to illustrate where the surgery was to be on my forehead. His answers to my questions about recovery time vastly contradicted the paperwork described post operative. He simply told me what I wanted to hear. My appointment was for 2:50. When he entered the room at 4:10 (80 minutes late) he mumbled an insincere apology. I explained I would have rather waited in the lobby instead of the cramped exam room he snidely remarked that I could have looked out the window. Since he had such little regarded for this patient I have since cancelled my procedure and am going elsewhere. I am a patient of no fewer than six WellStar doctors of which I admire all. This doctor was a great disappointment and a waste of my time.
August 26, 2026
4
My experience initially, all is very good, but this was our first encounter, so we haven't had any other means of forming an opinion, hadn't had any work done, but I think this follow-up would be much better consideration if it was after we had had some further experience with a doctor. But so far, the initial impression is very good.
September 26, 2026
4
Great practice; I was personally stressed by the time I got there due to the long drive. I suppose that's my fault not being from GA.
March 22, 2026
5
Every one was so helpful and kind.
October 5, 2026
5
Everyone is accommodating
October 3, 2026
5
I was perfectly Satisfied with everything!!
September 20, 2026
5
Dr. Sokoya is a kind listener and skilled surgeon. The office staff is delightful and efficient. I am so grateful to have found this practice.
August 23, 2026
5
The doctor was professional, cating, knowledgeable and set me at ease . He made me feel comfortable and well informed.
August 20, 2026
5
Dr sokoya was great but he needs to smile more. I know he has a very important job and it's ok to be professional but giving a smile or laugh can go a long way in helping people through scary situations. It's ok to laugh! ?
August 22, 2026
5
Your clinical staff is superb. The administrative staff maybe could use some improvement. The location of my surgery on surgery day was changed and no one told me. So I sat in an empty surgery center for 30 minutes and almost missed my surgery. I finally walked down the hall to the doctor's office and they said, oh, it's been moved to the hospital. And we tried to call you, but they didn't. And then they gave me the wrong directions to get to the hospital and told me the wrong deck to park in. When I arrived at the hospital, my name was not on the list for surgery, but fortunately, it was in the computer for surgery. Just awful administrative service. But clinically, superb. Just superb.
August 19, 2026
5
Staff and doctors were attentive andd kind and would listen to my concerns
August 14, 2026
5
The doctor was very detailed oriented in regards to discussions of what was going on what I needed excellent bedside manner
August 3, 2026
5
Good service, very friendly.
August 2, 2026
5
I feel like I am treated as a member of the family. Every person from the receptionist to the doctor is so friendly and caring. It is a total team that is in constant communication about situation. I am currently seeing 4 Wellstar doctors and all communicate. I have previously been treated be Northside practices and there is no comparison. Wellstar is the best!!!.I also love MyChart. It is superior to any other medical App.
August 2, 2026
5
Always very nice and very professional, but friendly at the same time. Always on time!
August 1, 2026
5
It's always a pleasure and makes my day to meet with Dr. Sokoya and his staff.
August 1, 2026
5
Great experience.
July 4, 2026
5
Friendly and welcoming. Felt like we were being listened to.
June 21, 2026
5
Dr. F. Sokoya took wonderful care of me. I appreciate his time, talent, skills and expertise.
June 6, 2026
5
Dr. Sokoya and his staff are top-notch
May 31, 2026
5
Very friendly staff
May 30, 2026
5
Great experience. And they accommodated my lateness
May 3, 2026
5
Great experience.
April 11, 2026
5
Staff was very attentive and helpful
April 10, 2026
5
The entire staff is amazing and so supportive. I work in healthcare and deal with MD offices everyday and Dr Sokoya and his staff sets the standard of excellence and communication!
April 4, 2026
5
Yeah, I was impressed with the courteousness of the staff as a whole and their concern for the patient's well-being. I was very impressed. Thank you.
April 4, 2026
5
A wonderful experience with Dr. Sokoya. An excellent professional. He operated on a tumor in my parotid gland and I have no scarring. He was also very attentive and caring. A very good doctor and person!
March 28, 2026
5
Everyone was professional and friendly.
February 24, 2026
5
Everything is fine
February 20, 2026
5
Every one was so helpful and kind.
October 5, 2026
5
Everyone is accommodating
October 3, 2026
4
My experience initially, all is very good, but this was our first encounter, so we haven't had any other means of forming an opinion, hadn't had any work done, but I think this follow-up would be much better consideration if it was after we had had some further experience with a doctor. But so far, the initial impression is very good.
September 26, 2026
5
I was perfectly Satisfied with everything!!
September 20, 2026
1
I will like for Wellstar to provide a complimentary visit with another specialist based on my experience.
September 12, 2026
1
This plastic surgeon did not even have mirror nor a photograph to illustrate where the surgery was to be on my forehead. His answers to my questions about recovery time vastly contradicted the paperwork described post operative. He simply told me what I wanted to hear. My appointment was for 2:50. When he entered the room at 4:10 (80 minutes late) he mumbled an insincere apology. I explained I would have rather waited in the lobby instead of the cramped exam room he snidely remarked that I could have looked out the window. Since he had such little regarded for this patient I have since cancelled my procedure and am going elsewhere. I am a patient of no fewer than six WellStar doctors of which I admire all. This doctor was a great disappointment and a waste of my time.
August 26, 2026
5
Dr. Sokoya is a kind listener and skilled surgeon. The office staff is delightful and efficient. I am so grateful to have found this practice.
August 23, 2026
5
Dr sokoya was great but he needs to smile more. I know he has a very important job and it's ok to be professional but giving a smile or laugh can go a long way in helping people through scary situations. It's ok to laugh! ?
August 22, 2026
5
The doctor was professional, cating, knowledgeable and set me at ease . He made me feel comfortable and well informed.
August 20, 2026
5
Your clinical staff is superb. The administrative staff maybe could use some improvement. The location of my surgery on surgery day was changed and no one told me. So I sat in an empty surgery center for 30 minutes and almost missed my surgery. I finally walked down the hall to the doctor's office and they said, oh, it's been moved to the hospital. And we tried to call you, but they didn't. And then they gave me the wrong directions to get to the hospital and told me the wrong deck to park in. When I arrived at the hospital, my name was not on the list for surgery, but fortunately, it was in the computer for surgery. Just awful administrative service. But clinically, superb. Just superb.
August 19, 2026
5
Staff and doctors were attentive andd kind and would listen to my concerns
August 14, 2026
5
The doctor was very detailed oriented in regards to discussions of what was going on what I needed excellent bedside manner
August 3, 2026
5
Good service, very friendly.
August 2, 2026
5
I feel like I am treated as a member of the family. Every person from the receptionist to the doctor is so friendly and caring. It is a total team that is in constant communication about situation. I am currently seeing 4 Wellstar doctors and all communicate. I have previously been treated be Northside practices and there is no comparison. Wellstar is the best!!!.I also love MyChart. It is superior to any other medical App.
August 2, 2026
5
Always very nice and very professional, but friendly at the same time. Always on time!
August 1, 2026
5
It's always a pleasure and makes my day to meet with Dr. Sokoya and his staff.
August 1, 2026
5
Great experience.
July 4, 2026
5
Friendly and welcoming. Felt like we were being listened to.
June 21, 2026
5
Dr. F. Sokoya took wonderful care of me. I appreciate his time, talent, skills and expertise.
June 6, 2026
5
Dr. Sokoya and his staff are top-notch
May 31, 2026
5
Very friendly staff
May 30, 2026
5
Great experience. And they accommodated my lateness
May 3, 2026
5
Great experience.
April 11, 2026
5
Staff was very attentive and helpful
April 10, 2026
5
Yeah, I was impressed with the courteousness of the staff as a whole and their concern for the patient's well-being. I was very impressed. Thank you.
April 4, 2026
5
The entire staff is amazing and so supportive. I work in healthcare and deal with MD offices everyday and Dr Sokoya and his staff sets the standard of excellence and communication!
April 4, 2026
5
A wonderful experience with Dr. Sokoya. An excellent professional. He operated on a tumor in my parotid gland and I have no scarring. He was also very attentive and caring. A very good doctor and person!
March 28, 2026
4
Great practice; I was personally stressed by the time I got there due to the long drive. I suppose that's my fault not being from GA.
March 22, 2026
5
Everyone was professional and friendly.
February 24, 2026
5
Everything is fine
February 20, 2026
5
Everything is fine
February 20, 2026
5
Everyone was professional and friendly.
February 24, 2026
4
Great practice; I was personally stressed by the time I got there due to the long drive. I suppose that's my fault not being from GA.
March 22, 2026
5
A wonderful experience with Dr. Sokoya. An excellent professional. He operated on a tumor in my parotid gland and I have no scarring. He was also very attentive and caring. A very good doctor and person!
March 28, 2026
5
The entire staff is amazing and so supportive. I work in healthcare and deal with MD offices everyday and Dr Sokoya and his staff sets the standard of excellence and communication!
April 4, 2026
5
Yeah, I was impressed with the courteousness of the staff as a whole and their concern for the patient's well-being. I was very impressed. Thank you.
April 4, 2026
5
Staff was very attentive and helpful
April 10, 2026
5
Great experience.
April 11, 2026
5
Great experience. And they accommodated my lateness
May 3, 2026
5
Very friendly staff
May 30, 2026
5
Dr. Sokoya and his staff are top-notch
May 31, 2026
5
Dr. F. Sokoya took wonderful care of me. I appreciate his time, talent, skills and expertise.
June 6, 2026
5
Friendly and welcoming. Felt like we were being listened to.
June 21, 2026
5
Great experience.
July 4, 2026
5
It's always a pleasure and makes my day to meet with Dr. Sokoya and his staff.
August 1, 2026
5
Always very nice and very professional, but friendly at the same time. Always on time!
August 1, 2026
5
I feel like I am treated as a member of the family. Every person from the receptionist to the doctor is so friendly and caring. It is a total team that is in constant communication about situation. I am currently seeing 4 Wellstar doctors and all communicate. I have previously been treated be Northside practices and there is no comparison. Wellstar is the best!!!.I also love MyChart. It is superior to any other medical App.
August 2, 2026
5
Good service, very friendly.
August 2, 2026
5
The doctor was very detailed oriented in regards to discussions of what was going on what I needed excellent bedside manner
August 3, 2026
5
Staff and doctors were attentive andd kind and would listen to my concerns
August 14, 2026
5
Your clinical staff is superb. The administrative staff maybe could use some improvement. The location of my surgery on surgery day was changed and no one told me. So I sat in an empty surgery center for 30 minutes and almost missed my surgery. I finally walked down the hall to the doctor's office and they said, oh, it's been moved to the hospital. And we tried to call you, but they didn't. And then they gave me the wrong directions to get to the hospital and told me the wrong deck to park in. When I arrived at the hospital, my name was not on the list for surgery, but fortunately, it was in the computer for surgery. Just awful administrative service. But clinically, superb. Just superb.
August 19, 2026
5
The doctor was professional, cating, knowledgeable and set me at ease . He made me feel comfortable and well informed.
August 20, 2026
5
Dr sokoya was great but he needs to smile more. I know he has a very important job and it's ok to be professional but giving a smile or laugh can go a long way in helping people through scary situations. It's ok to laugh! ?
August 22, 2026
5
Dr. Sokoya is a kind listener and skilled surgeon. The office staff is delightful and efficient. I am so grateful to have found this practice.
August 23, 2026
1
This plastic surgeon did not even have mirror nor a photograph to illustrate where the surgery was to be on my forehead. His answers to my questions about recovery time vastly contradicted the paperwork described post operative. He simply told me what I wanted to hear. My appointment was for 2:50. When he entered the room at 4:10 (80 minutes late) he mumbled an insincere apology. I explained I would have rather waited in the lobby instead of the cramped exam room he snidely remarked that I could have looked out the window. Since he had such little regarded for this patient I have since cancelled my procedure and am going elsewhere. I am a patient of no fewer than six WellStar doctors of which I admire all. This doctor was a great disappointment and a waste of my time.
August 26, 2026
1
I will like for Wellstar to provide a complimentary visit with another specialist based on my experience.
September 12, 2026
5
I was perfectly Satisfied with everything!!
September 20, 2026
4
My experience initially, all is very good, but this was our first encounter, so we haven't had any other means of forming an opinion, hadn't had any work done, but I think this follow-up would be much better consideration if it was after we had had some further experience with a doctor. But so far, the initial impression is very good.
September 26, 2026
5
Everyone is accommodating
October 3, 2026
5
Every one was so helpful and kind.
October 5, 2026
Publications and Articles
Wellstar PeopleCare | Beating Cancer Twice with Coordinated Care
David Butler’s cancer journey began when he underwent treatment for an aggressive head and neck cancer. Supported by his family, faith and a team of head and neck cancer specialists, he had part of his jaw removed and went through radiation therapy and intense rehabilitation.
A major setback
The same year of his jaw surgery and initial radiation course, David’s recovery was beginning to feel like “smooth sailing.” Just as life started to feel manageable again, he faced an unexpected challenge.
David and his wife, Jill, got devastating news: routine follow-up imaging revealed three new tumors on the other side of his neck and tongue. Dr. Fiyin Sokoya, David’s cancer surgeon, removed lymph nodes from David’s neck, had them biopsied and confirmed that it was an aggressive cancer.
At first, David felt so discouraged that he didn’t want to move forward with treatment.
However, seeing that a group of experts were working together to give him the best, evidence-based treatment path for his unique circumstance gave him confidence to renew his fight against cancer.
Wellstar PeopleCare | Moving Fast, Working Together: Advanced Head & Neck Cancer Surgery Keeps David Smiling
David Butler's cancer journey took him through a rare jaw reconstruction, radiation and coordinated care from specialists across Wellstar. His care team collaborated to provide what he needed as quickly and efficiently as possible.
A bothersome mouth sore
Lean and energetic, David is quick with a joke and even quicker with a smile. A neatly trimmed mustache frames a grin that lights up his blue eyes, illuminating his trademark optimism and humor. They’re qualities he kept intact throughout cancer treatment and draws on today, when he encourages people who are newly diagnosed with cancer.
It started with a sore on his gum in the fall of 2023. He assumed it would heal on its own. Instead, it got worse. When he could hardly swallow a few months later, his dentist referred him to an oral surgeon for a biopsy. That’s when he got the life-changing news: it was cancer.
“You hear the big C and it scares you to death,” David said. “But there's light at the end of the tunnel. There's always hope.”
What followed was cancer treatment involving surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and support from a whole team of cancer specialists. Along the way, David said he leaned on his faith, the support of his wife, Jill, who he credits as his biggest advocate—and the expertise of Wellstar caregivers.
Wellstar PeopleCare | Michael's Head & Neck Cancer Care Journey
Presiding over weddings is one way that the Reverend Michael Teston, ThM, gives back to his community after retiring as a full-time pastor.
One recent wedding was quite different than the rest. It was with heartfelt pride that the pastor looked on as the groom—the man Michael credits with saving his life—said his vows.
“Fiyin, do you take Courtnee to be your lawfully wedded wife?” Michael asked his head and neck cancer specialist.
“I do,” Dr. Fiyin Sokoya replied, standing happily as his former patient—now friend, spiritual advisor and premarital counselor—joined him with his wife in holy matrimony.
Compassionate expertise follows an unexpected diagnosis
A few years earlier, an unexpected diagnosis brought the two men together as they formed a bond that exceeded the typical doctor-patient relationship.
It began when Michael noticed a knot in his left cheek. He thought he had an infected lymph node so he went to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor to get it checked out. The prognosis was that the knot was likely non-cancerous, but worth getting removed because it was growing rapidly and increased the risk for cancer. The clergyman was referred to Dr. Fiyin Sokoya, a head and neck cancer specialist and facial plastic surgeon at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center.
Specialized head & neck cancer care
Dr. Sokoya surgically removed the tumor using techniques similar to a facelift. This helped the scars heal well and meant minimal downtime during the healing process.
“If you look at my face now, you couldn’t tell,” Michael shared. “Dr. Sokoya did a phenomenal job.”
As a precaution and part of standard practice at Wellstar, the tumor taken from his face went to specialized head and neck pathologists for testing.
“I went into the doctor’s office for a follow-up visit,” Michael remembered. “The doctor said, ‘Unfortunately, it’s cancer.’”
The tumor was a rare type of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma.
“Well, that’s not what I was expecting!” Michael remembered thinking at the time. “I thought it was just a benign tumor. But Dr. Sokoya kept his manner calm, kind and never rushed. He explained things in a non-technical way to make sure I understood.”
Along with Dr. Sokoya’s demeanor, the reverend’s belief that no matter what happens, a higher power is watching out for him helped. Michael said, “My heart rate didn’t go up one bit. I never had a moment of panic.”
Fortunately, Michael was already in the right place for his care.
“We’ve become the destination center for advanced head and neck cancer care,” Dr. Sokoya said. “We can take care of him whatever his needs may be with top-notch physicians who empathize and display emotional intelligence while connecting on a human level throughout treatment.”
Aside from the surgery, Michael did not need further treatment, other than regular monitoring and bloodwork.
“Michael ended up not needing chemo because we caught it early and his medical oncologist is able to watch it closely in case any symptoms develop again,” Dr. Sokoya said.
