Elizabeth Claire Dees, MD, ScM

I decided to become a physician to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives and specialized in cardiology due to the high prevalence of heart disease and the rapid diagnostic and therapeutic innovations in the field. My goal is to empower patients to understand their risk for heart disease and to take steps to prevent cardiovascular events.

I am a physician assistant in the oncology division of the UNC Cancer Center in Chapel Hill. I worked for five years in adult hematology and oncology at a community private practice in Cary, North Carolina. I joined the UNC Healthcare team in 2019 and work with the gastrointestinal oncology and breast oncology groups. I have a primary focus on early phase clinical trials looking at novel treatments for cancers in adults.

My philosophy of care is rooted in patient education, shared decision making, preventative care, and evidence-based medicine. By listening to patients’ goals and concerns, I work collaboratively to develop care plans that reflect both personal values and the latest evidence-based guidelines. Above all, my goal is to provide compassionate, patient-centered care that promotes both immediate well-being and long-term health.