Dr. John Matthew Mcdonald

I specialize in surgical and medical management of cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and other gynecologic cancers. I also serve as the lead physician for the Novant Health Cancer Institute in Charlotte. \n Given the complexity of diagnosing and treating gynecologic cancer, and the rapid pace of innovation in the field, I have dedicated much of my career to clinical research and teaching. \n My research has revolved largely around testing the efficacy of using combinations of radiation, chemotherapy and surgery to slow, reverse or stop tumor growth in women with cancer. In 2018, this led to my being appointed to an advisory committee on gynecologic oncology at ClinicalPath, a data-based service I and many other oncologists use to guide clinical decision-making. \n As important as these endeavors are, I've found that the relationships built caring for patients are what inspire us to be better doctors and nurses. More importantly, they inspire us to be better human beings. \n A native …of Charlotte, I got my start in medicine thanks to a scholarship from the U.S. Navy. With the scholarship, I attended medical school at Wake Forest University. I completed my residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Carolinas Medical Center and then served as medical director of the OB-GYN department at the Naval Hospital Charleston from 2003 to 2005. \n After completing a fellowship in gynecologic oncology in 2008, my wife, Cherie, and I jumped at the chance to come to Charlotte, where I joined Novant Health's gynecologic oncology team. Cherie grew up in Belmont, North Carolina, and we were excited about raising our three daughters in the community where we have such deep roots. Being able to give back to my hometown as a trustee of the Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation and as a medical adviser to Lydia's Legacy, which raises funds for gynecologic cancer research, has also been extremely fulfilling. \n In my free time, I enjoy fly-fishing and golf.