PINEHURST — Brian T. Burgess, D.O., Ph.D., was attracted to the practice of gynecologic oncology because of his interest in surgical care and the complexity of the area of medicine, but, ultimately, it’s the patients that drew him to this highly specialized field.
“It’s a blessing and honor to work with my patients,” said Dr. Burgess. “I appreciate the continuity of care this specialty affords — to follow my patients through surgery, post-operative care, and, if needed, adjuvant chemotherapy and cancer surveillance.”
Dr. Burgess will join Michael Sundborg, M.D., the area’s first gynecologic oncologist, at FirstHealth Gynecologic Oncology on July 27. His services cover a full scope of gynecological cancer care – diagnosis, surgery, medical oncology, surveillance and supportive care.
“We are very excited for Dr. Burgess to join FirstHealth’s cancer care team,” said Dr. Sundborg. “His highly regarded training and philosophy for patient-focused care make him a wonderful addition to our team.”
Dr. Burgess said there were several attractions to the opportunity to join FirstHealth Gynecologic Oncology including the desirable location, the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Sundborg and the development of a Comprehensive Cancer Center at FirstHealth.
“I’m thrilled about the growth potential of cancer care at FirstHealth with the development of the cancer center,” he said. “It is an exciting time for cancer care in this region.
Dr. Burgess is committed to providing patients at FirstHealth with high quality, compassionate care.
“Our patients expect good surgical outcomes and expert guidance through treatment options,” he said. “But the most important thing we can do as physicians is at the bed side, building relationships with our patients and their families to make sure they feel as safe and secure as possible, providing hope as we walk with them through their cancer journey.”
Prior to medical school, Dr. Burgess worked for nine years as an engineer with Merck and Company, Inc. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Auburn University in Auburn, Ala. and a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Florida. He also holds a Doctor of Philosophy in chemical engineering from the University of Florida.
While he enjoyed his time at Merck, Dr. Burgess said he felt a deep sense of being called to do something else. “I truly felt led to pursue medicine, and God opened the doors for me to train to become a doctor.”
Dr. Burgess attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, N.C., and recently completed a gynecologic oncology fellowship at the University of Kentucky.
Dr. Burgess and his wife have four children — ages 12, 11, 9 and 4. When he’s not caring for patients, Dr. Burgess enjoys spending time with his family, particularly outdoors biking, hiking, fishing or working in the yard.
Originally from Anderson, South Carolina, Dr. Burgess said he and his family are excited to be back in the Carolinas and look forward to learning more about the Sandhills region and all it has to offer.
FirstHealth Gynecologic Oncology is located at 220 Page Road North in Pinehurst. For more information, call 910-715-8684 or visit our website at www.firsthealth.org.
