Meet Erin Saks, MD, Gynecologic Oncology

What is your current role at Carilion? 
I am the division director of Gynecologic Oncology, director of the Gynecologic Oncology clinical trial program, medical director of the Infusion Center at Riverside 1, and medical director of the cancer genetic counseling program.

Where do you work?
I work in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Riverside 1 and at CRMH.

How long have you worked at Carilion? 
9 years

The therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds to treat psychiatric and substance-use disorders has been attracting a lot of attention lately. Now, we'll be among those helping to advance knowledge of their use. With an award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Albert Arias, MD, chief of addiction psychiatry, will research whether psilocybin, a compound found in some mushrooms, can offer a new approach for people with cocaine use disorder.

Albert Arias, MD, chief of addiction psychiatry at Carilion Clinic, has received an award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to research how psilocybin, a psychedelic compound being studied for several psychiatric and substance use disorders, can offer a new approach for people with cocaine use disorder.

Some people with epilepsy experience delusions, hallucinations, paranoia and confusion after a seizure. While these episodes usually last only days, a new study led by Carilion researchers and published today in BMJ Neurology Open suggests they may place patients at significantly higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders later.

1. Name: Erin Saks, MD
2. Job Title: Division Director, Gynecologic Oncology; Director of Gynecologic Oncology Clinical Trial Program, Medical Director of Riverside 1 Infusion Center, Medical Director of Cancer Genetic Counseling Program
3. Department and Location:  Obstetrics and Gynecology; Riverside 1 and CRMH
4. How long have you worked at Carilion?  9 years
5. Why did you decide to go into medicine and work here?

U.S. Navy Reserve Capt. Brendan Byrne, MD, never expected to be part of the elite medical recovery team chosen to care for the four Artemis II astronauts after splashdown in April. But a series of unexpected events―combined with his specialized training in hyperbaric, tactical and austere medicine―placed him aboard the U.S. Navy recovery vessel off the coast of San Diego.

The 2026 Employee Art Show opened Wednesday, May 27, with a reception and awards ceremony in the south lobby of CRMH. 

All Carilion employees, volunteers, retirees and immediate family members were invited to participate and compete for cash prizes. 

What a great Carilion Proud Week! Thank you to everyone who participated in the events and activities that brought teams together across the organization. The week was filled with fun, appreciation, and opportunities to celebrate the people, culture, and connections that make Carilion such a special place to work. Check out these awesome photos from the celebrations!

In Spanish, los dientes means “teeth.”

Una carie is a cavity.

Rayos equis: x-rays.

In the small dental office at Roanoke’s Bradley Free Clinic, these translations and dozens more are found on laminated lists and handwritten notes tacked up in the examination room, next to the front desk, and on the x-ray machine—prompts for dentists and hygienists trying to communicate with their growing Spanish-speaking clientele.