Chelsea Salyer, MD

Biography

From heartache to hope, an oncologist on a quest to conquer gynecologic cancers while transforming the lives of her patients

Dr. Chelsea Salyer is a dedicated gynecologic oncologist whose personal experience with cancer has deeply shaped her career. Her father's battle with esophageal cancer and subsequent passing, coupled with the financial hardships her family faced, have driven her commitment to patient care.

"Honoring my father's memory, I chose to become a cancer doctor, and I consider it a privilege to be part of my patients' lives during such difficult times," Salyer says. This experience taught her the importance of addressing not just the physical, but also the spiritual and socioeconomic well-being of her patients.

As the lead for the gynecologic oncology clinical trial program at VCU Health, she ensures patients have access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials. "I came to VCU because it gives me the opportunity to work in a Comprehensive Cancer Center that provides care to the underserved," she says. "I am most excited about caring for women with gynecologic cancers and bringing comprehensive cancer care to the women who need it most.”

Specializing in caring for women with gynecologic cancers as well as complex benign conditions, Salyer’s role involves patient care, academic research and teaching students. She is skilled in both minimally invasive and open surgeries, utilizing advanced techniques such as robotic surgery, sentinel lymph node mapping and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Her treatment approaches also include chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

She advocates for whole-person care, recognizing that treating cancer requires a team-based approach. "It’s important that my patients have access to spiritual care, social workers, mental health providers, nutritionists, physical therapists and experts in pain and symptom management," she explains. By collaborating closely with radiation oncologists, fertility specialists and other medical and surgical oncologists, she ensures optimal outcomes.

Nationally, Salyer serves on the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) palliative care committee and the NRG Oncology surgical oncology and uterine corpus committees. At VCU Health, she is part of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center that provides care to underserved populations, aligning with her passion for reducing health disparities.

Salyer completed her fellowship in gynecologic oncology at University of Kansas Medical Center and an obstetrics and gynecology residency at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center. She attained her medical degree at the University of Louisville School of Medicine and prior to that, earned her Master of Public Health while at University of Louisville School of Public Health & Information Sciences.

Outside of her clinical work, Salyer enjoys spending time with her husband, Arpen, and their two dogs, Maybelle and Luna. She loves hiking, relaxing by the James River, exploring new restaurants and international travel.