ECU Physician Named Vidant Health Executive Director of Cancer Care | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Publisher's note: The author of this post is a contributor to ECU News Services.

    Dr. Emmanuel "Manny" Zervos, a surgical oncologist at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University (ECU), has been appointed as the executive director of Vidant Cancer Care as of July 1.

    "I am excited to utilize the knowledge and experience I have gained over the past 10 years working in this system and serving patients with cancer in eastern North Carolina," Dr. Zervos said. "The burden of cancer is so prevalent and one of the biggest public health issues we face in this region. I am humbled to have the opportunity to further develop and expand our cancer services, while working alongside a dedicated and talented team and others who are invested in supporting and fulfilling this mission."

    In his new role, Dr. Zervos will oversee cancer care delivery across the system and throughout the region. This includes the new cancer center and bed tower at Vidant Medical Center, a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as the hub of Vidant Cancer Care, providing both inpatient and outpatient cancer services.

    "I am thrilled to have Dr. Zervos join us in this new role. There is no one better to lead our Cancer Care team," said Dr. Mike Waldrum, chief executive officer for Vidant Health. "His vast experience and expertise will continue to greatly benefit eastern North Carolina and the patients and families we serve."

    Dr. Zervos joined Brody in July 2007 as professor and founding chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology in the Department of Surgery and as associate director of the Leo Jenkins Cancer Center. In addition, he is the vice chair of academic affairs for ECU's Department of Surgery, and chief of surgical oncology at Vidant Medical Center. Dr. Zervos is also on the medical staff of the Outer Banks Hospital.


Zervos’ new role will include oversight of all inpatient and outpatient cancer services delivered at Vidant Medical Center’s new cancer center, due to open in March 2018. (Contributed photos by Vidant Health)

    "I am delighted that after a national search, we have recruited Dr. Zervos to lead our cancer program," said Dr. Nicholas Benson, the school of medicine's interim dean. "He brings national-level stature to this leadership position. I have great confidence that he will be successful in collaborating broadly with other cancer professionals to move the program to all-new heights."

    Dr. Zervos received his medical degree in 1992 from the University of Michigan College of Medicine followed by an internship in general surgery, a surgical residency and fellowship in surgical immunology at the University of South Florida in Tampa (USF), and a fellowship in surgical oncology and molecular genetics research at the Ohio State University Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital.

    Following his extensive professional medical training, he joined the faculty at USF and Moffitt Cancer Center in 2001, serving as director of surgical research for USF and as assistant professor in the Division of General Surgery, ultimately serving as associate professor with tenure. At USF and Moffitt he developed national recognition for federally funded investigator-initiated industry-sponsored clinical trials in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

    Dr. Zervos' research efforts include 136 publications, 46 published abstracts, 183 presentations, 10 book chapters, and grant awards in excess of $2 million. He has also been appointed by the governor to the North Carolina Advisory Committee on Cancer Coordination and Control; served as chair of the Southeastern Surgical Congress and Society of Pelvic Surgeons Program Committee; provided oversight in the achievement of an Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer for Pitt County Memorial Hospital (now Vidant Medical Center); and received the North Carolina Surgical Oncology Best Doctors in America Award in consecutive years.