Outer Banks Times

Outer Banks Health has announced the addition of Dr. Michael Spiritos to its team at the Cowell Cancer Center in Nags Head, North Carolina. Dr. Spiritos, a medical oncologist with extensive experience in cancer care, joins from Duke Raleigh Hospital where he held the position of chief medical officer since 2013.

Dr. Spiritos is known for his work in medical oncology and hematology, with a particular interest in breast cancer. His career includes roles such as PDC representative for Wake County specialty practices and chief of medical oncology at Duke Raleigh Hospital. He holds academic credentials as an associate professor of medicine.

Radiation oncologist Charles Shelton expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Spiritos joining the center: “Dr. Spiritos brings new and exciting energy, beautifully coupled with a pedigree from Duke, a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, where he practiced medical oncology and hematology with an interest in breast cancer.”

Dr. Spiritos is set to lead the breast care team as Breast Program Director while Outer Banks Health seeks re-accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) in 2025. According to Dr. Shelton, "OBH remains the only critical access hospital in the U.S. to achieve both comprehensive cancer accreditation by the Commission on Cancer (2016, 2019, 2023) and breast care accreditation—including breast cancer and benign diseases—with NAPBC accreditation originally earned in 2022."

Dr. Spiritos is committed to providing personalized care using advanced diagnostics and therapies for his patients at Outer Banks Health. The aim is to make cancer care more accessible locally by offering services such as diagnosis, treatment planning, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care close to home.

Outer Banks Health serves a community that grows significantly during summer months and works alongside partners like ECU Health and Chesapeake Regional Healthcare to deliver quality healthcare services.