Dr. Harpaul (Paul) Gill, MD

Dr. Harpaul (Paul) Gill, MD Hematologist and Medical Oncologist

Dr. Harpaul “Paul” Gill, MD, is a board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist who cares for adults with cancer and blood disorders. His stated clinical interests include lung cancer, melanoma, genitourinary cancers, lymphoma, gastrointestinal cancers, and benign hematology. He practices with Atlanta Cancer Care and is affiliated with the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute.

Patients may meet Dr. Gill after an abnormal scan, biopsy, blood test, or cancer diagnosis. Others may be referred for unexplained anemia, abnormal blood counts, enlarged lymph nodes, recurring blood clots, or another condition that requires hematology assessment.

A referral to an oncologist does not mean every patient will need chemotherapy. The first appointment is generally used to confirm the diagnosis, understand the stage or severity of the condition, review available treatment choices, and decide whether monitoring, medication, infusion therapy, radiation, surgery, or another specialist should be involved.

About Dr. Harpaul Gill

Dr. Gill provides hematology and medical oncology care through Atlanta Cancer Care. His official profile emphasizes communication, patient education, and coordination with families and caregivers during cancer treatment.

His main clinical interests include:

• Lung cancer
• Melanoma
• Kidney, bladder, prostate, and other genitourinary cancers
• Lymphoma
• Gastrointestinal cancers
• Benign blood disorders
• Blood cancers
• Myeloproliferative disorders
• Myelodysplastic syndromes
• Multiple myeloma
• Neuroendocrine cancers
• Esophageal cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Ocular melanoma

Northside Hospital’s cancer directory lists a wider range of cancer and blood-disease interests, while Dr. Gill’s Atlanta Cancer Care profile identifies lung cancer, melanoma, genitourinary cancer, lymphoma, and benign hematology as his primary focus areas.

Patients comparing specialists in blood disorders can review other hematology doctors listed through Doctiplus.

Education and Medical Training

Training area	Institution	Details
Undergraduate education	University of Georgia	Microbiology
Medical education	Mercer University School of Medicine	Doctor of Medicine, completed in 2014
Residency	Emory University School of Medicine	Internal medicine
Fellowship	Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University	Hematology and medical oncology
Board certification	American Board of Internal Medicine specialties	Internal medicine, hematology, and medical oncology

Dr. Gill completed undergraduate studies in microbiology at the University of Georgia before earning his medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine.

He then completed internal medicine residency training at Emory University School of Medicine and advanced fellowship training in hematology and medical oncology through the Winship Cancer Institute. Emory lists him among its 2020 fellowship graduates who entered practice with Atlanta Cancer Care.

Internal medicine residency provides broad preparation in adult health, including infection, heart disease, kidney problems, diabetes, respiratory illness, and medication management.

Hematology and medical oncology fellowship training focuses more closely on cancer diagnosis, blood disorders, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted treatment, treatment-related complications, and long-term cancer monitoring.

Board Certification and Professional Credentials

Dr. Gill is board-certified in:

• Internal medicine
• Hematology
• Medical oncology

His professional background also includes membership in the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology.

His credentials include:

• MD, meaning Doctor of Medicine
• Residency training in internal medicine
• Fellowship training in hematology and medical oncology
• Board certification in three medical specialties
• Experience treating solid tumors and blood disorders
• Research and publication involvement in cancer treatment

Board certification is separate from a medical license. A license permits a physician to practice medicine, while board certification reflects specialist training and professional assessment within a particular field.

What a Medical Oncologist Does

A medical oncologist is a physician who diagnoses cancer and manages treatments that work throughout the body.

These treatments may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Selected oral cancer medicines
• Supportive treatment
• Clinical trial participation

Medical oncologists also coordinate care with surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, pulmonologists, urologists, dermatologists, and other specialists.

The oncologist may remain involved even when surgery or radiation is the main treatment. This helps ensure that test results, medication, symptoms, and follow-up plans are considered together.

What a Hematologist Does

A hematologist diagnoses and treats diseases involving the blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and clotting system.

Hematology includes both cancerous and noncancerous conditions.

Possible reasons for referral include:

• Anemia
• Low white blood cells
• High or low platelet counts
• Unexplained bruising
• Abnormal clotting
• Recurring blood clots
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Abnormal protein in the blood
• Suspected leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Myelodysplastic syndromes
• Myeloproliferative disorders

Not every abnormal blood test represents cancer. Infection, medication, vitamin deficiency, inflammation, kidney disease, liver disease, and other conditions can also change blood counts.

Cancer Diagnosis and Staging

Cancer treatment begins with confirming exactly what type of cancer is present.

The assessment may include:

• Reviewing biopsy findings
• Examining pathology reports
• Blood testing
• CT, MRI, or PET imaging
• Molecular or genetic tumor testing
• Bone marrow testing when appropriate
• Reviewing previous surgery
• Assessing lymph nodes
• Evaluating whether cancer has spread

Cancer staging describes how extensive the disease appears to be. Stage can influence whether treatment involves surgery, radiation, systemic medicine, or a combination.

The same cancer type may require different treatment in different patients because the tumor’s stage, molecular features, location, previous treatment, and the patient’s general health can all affect the plan.

Lung Cancer Care

Lung cancer includes two main groups:

• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Small cell lung cancer

Treatment depends on the exact type, stage, tumor features, breathing health, and whether the cancer has spread.

Possible treatment options include:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Combined treatment
• Clinical trials
• Symptom-focused care

Modern lung cancer treatment often uses biomarker testing to look for molecular changes that may respond to a particular targeted medicine. Immunotherapy may also be considered depending on the cancer type, stage, and laboratory findings.

The National Cancer Institute lists surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy among current lung cancer treatment approaches.

Patients should tell Dr. Gill about:

• Tobacco history
• Occupational exposures
• Previous lung disease
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood
• Unexplained weight loss
• Earlier cancer treatment
• Family cancer history
• All medicines and supplements

New or heavy coughing of blood, severe breathing difficulty, or sudden chest pain requires urgent assessment.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a cancer that begins in pigment-producing skin cells. It can sometimes spread to lymph nodes or internal organs.

Evaluation may involve:

• Reviewing the original skin biopsy
• Measuring tumor depth
• Checking whether ulceration is present
• Examining nearby lymph nodes
• Molecular testing
• CT, PET, or MRI imaging
• Reviewing previous skin surgery

Treatment may include:

• Surgical removal
• Lymph-node assessment
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Radiation in selected cases
• Clinical trial evaluation
• Continued surveillance

The National Cancer Institute identifies surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, and chemotherapy among melanoma treatment options.

Dr. Gill’s clinical interests include melanoma and ocular melanoma. Treatment may require coordination with dermatology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, ophthalmology, or another specialized cancer team depending on where the melanoma began and how far it has spread.

Genitourinary Cancer Care

Genitourinary oncology involves cancers affecting the urinary and male reproductive systems.

These may include:

• Kidney cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Ureter or renal pelvis cancer
• Other urinary-system cancers

A medical oncologist may become involved when cancer has spread, carries a high risk of returning, or requires treatment before or after surgery.

Care may involve coordination with:

• Urologists
• Urologic surgeons
• Radiation oncologists
• Pathologists
• Radiologists
• Kidney specialists
• Supportive-care professionals

Treatment may include immunotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone-based treatment, surgery, radiation, or combinations chosen according to the specific cancer.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a group of cancers that begin in the lymphatic system.

The two broad categories are:

• Hodgkin lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

These groups include many different subtypes. Some grow slowly and may initially be observed, while others require prompt treatment.

Possible symptoms include:

• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Fever without a clear infection
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Continuing fatigue
• Itching
• Abdominal fullness
• Frequent infections
• Abnormal blood counts

Diagnosis may involve lymph-node biopsy, blood tests, bone marrow assessment, PET imaging, and specialized laboratory analysis.

Treatment may include chemotherapy, antibody-based therapy, targeted medicine, immunotherapy, radiation, stem-cell transplantation, or monitoring. The treatment choice depends heavily on the lymphoma subtype and stage.

Patients interested in understanding newer immune-based cancer treatments can read about how CAR-T cell therapy is changing cancer care. Availability and eligibility depend on the exact diagnosis and treatment center.

Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer involving plasma cells, a type of immune cell found in bone marrow.

Possible findings include:

• Abnormal blood or urine protein
• Anemia
• Bone pain
• Bone fractures
• High calcium
• Kidney problems
• Frequent infections
• Weakness or tiredness

Evaluation may involve:

• Blood protein testing
• Urine testing
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Imaging
• Kidney-function assessment
• Calcium testing
• Genetic analysis of myeloma cells

Treatment may combine several medicines, including targeted therapy, immune-based treatment, steroids, chemotherapy, and bone-supporting medication. Some patients may also be evaluated for stem-cell transplantation.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Myelodysplastic syndromes are bone marrow disorders in which blood cells do not develop normally.

They may lead to:

• Anemia
• Low white blood cells
• Low platelets
• Tiredness
• Frequent infections
• Easy bruising
• Bleeding

Some forms remain stable for a long period, while others carry a greater risk of progressing to acute leukemia.

Assessment may include repeated blood counts, bone marrow biopsy, chromosome studies, and molecular testing.

Treatment depends on the specific type, symptoms, blood counts, age, general health, and progression risk.

Myeloproliferative Disorders

Myeloproliferative disorders cause the bone marrow to produce too many blood cells.

These conditions may involve excess:

• Red blood cells
• Platelets
• White blood cells
• Bone marrow scar tissue

Possible symptoms include headaches, itching, dizziness, blood clots, bleeding, abdominal fullness, or abnormal blood-test findings.

Care may involve medication, removal of blood in selected cases, clot-prevention planning, laboratory monitoring, or treatment directed at a specific genetic change.

Benign Hematology

Benign hematology covers noncancerous blood conditions.

A hematology appointment may be appropriate for:

• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Vitamin-related anemia
• Abnormal platelet counts
• Unexplained bruising
• Blood-clotting concerns
• Recurrent blood clots
• High red blood cell counts
• Abnormal white blood cell counts
• Unexplained laboratory changes

The evaluation may include:

• Complete blood count
• Blood-smear review
• Iron studies
• Vitamin B12 and folate
• Clotting tests
• Kidney and liver testing
• Inflammation markers
• Bone marrow testing when needed

Treatment depends on the cause. An iron supplement may help one form of anemia but be unnecessary or unsuitable for another.

Patients should avoid starting high-dose iron or other blood-related supplements until the reason for the abnormal result is understood.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medicines that damage cancer cells or interfere with their ability to grow and divide.

It may be given:

• Through an intravenous infusion
• By injection
• As tablets or capsules
• In treatment cycles
• Alone or with another treatment

Chemotherapy affects different cancers in different ways. It may be used to shrink cancer before surgery, reduce the chance of recurrence, control advanced disease, or relieve symptoms.

Possible side effects depend on the medicine and may include:

• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Reduced blood counts
• Infection risk
• Mouth soreness
• Hair changes
• Numbness or tingling
• Digestive changes
• Appetite changes

Not every patient experiences every side effect. The oncology team may use blood testing, dose changes, preventive medicine, and supportive treatment to make therapy safer.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize or attack cancer.

It is used for selected cases of lung cancer, melanoma, lymphoma, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and other malignancies.

The benefit depends on:

• Cancer type
• Disease stage
• Biomarker results
• Previous treatment
• General health
• Autoimmune history
• Organ function

Immunotherapy can cause the immune system to inflame normal organs. Symptoms involving the lungs, bowel, liver, hormone glands, skin, kidneys, nerves, or heart should be reported promptly.

Dr. Gill has participated in published research involving immune-based treatment in gastrointestinal and lung cancers.

Targeted Therapy and Biomarker Testing

Targeted treatments are designed around a particular feature of cancer cells.

A biopsy or blood sample may be tested for:

• Gene mutations
• Gene rearrangements
• Protein expression
• Hormone receptors
• Immune markers
• Other molecular changes

A targeted medicine is useful only when the relevant target is present and the treatment is appropriate for the cancer.

Testing may help:

• Select a treatment
• Avoid an unlikely treatment
• Estimate recurrence risk
• Identify a clinical trial
• Explain why an earlier treatment stopped working

Patients should ask whether enough biopsy tissue is available for testing and whether additional sampling may be needed.

Clinical Trials and Research

Clinical trials evaluate new treatments, new combinations, different treatment sequences, or better ways to reduce side effects.

Atlanta Cancer Care works with Northside Hospital researchers and clinical trial networks to provide access to selected cancer studies. Trial availability changes according to diagnosis, treatment history, cancer stage, and enrollment criteria.

A clinical trial may compare:

• A new treatment with standard care
• Two approved treatment combinations
• Different treatment schedules
• New biomarker-guided approaches
• Strategies for preventing recurrence
• Supportive treatments

Participation is optional. Patients should understand the purpose of the trial, possible risks, additional visits, costs, alternatives, and whether they may receive standard treatment or an experimental approach.

Supportive Cancer Care

Supportive care treats symptoms and side effects while cancer treatment continues.

It may address:

• Pain
• Nausea
• Poor appetite
• Tiredness
• Anemia
• Infection risk
• Sleep problems
• Anxiety
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Nerve pain
• Treatment-related skin changes
• Nutrition concerns

Supportive care does not mean that cancer treatment has stopped. It can be included from the time of diagnosis and adjusted as needs change.

Cancer Treatment Monitoring

Monitoring helps determine whether treatment is working and whether it remains safe.

Follow-up may include:

• Blood counts
• Kidney and liver tests
• Imaging
• Physical examination
• Symptom review
• Medication assessment
• Tumor-marker testing when useful
• Repeat molecular testing in selected cases

A scan may show that cancer is shrinking, stable, or growing. The oncologist interprets imaging together with symptoms, laboratory results, and the expected timing of treatment response.

One unusual result may need confirmation before the treatment plan changes.

Second Opinions

A second oncology opinion may be useful when:

• The diagnosis is rare
• Pathology findings are unclear
• Several treatment options are available
• A major treatment decision is required
• Surgery and systemic therapy are both being considered
• Treatment has stopped working
• A clinical trial is being considered
• The patient wants greater confidence in the plan

A second opinion does not necessarily mean changing doctors. It may confirm the original plan or identify another reasonable approach.

Patients should bring pathology slides, biopsy reports, imaging files, laboratory results, and treatment records when seeking another opinion.

Who May Benefit From Seeing Dr. Gill

An appointment may be appropriate for adults who:

• Have been diagnosed with lung cancer
• Need treatment planning for melanoma
• Have kidney, bladder, prostate, or another genitourinary cancer
• Have lymphoma
• Have an abnormal blood count
• Have unexplained anemia
• Have enlarged lymph nodes
• Have suspected multiple myeloma
• Have a myelodysplastic or myeloproliferative disorder
• Need chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted-therapy assessment
• Want a second oncology opinion
• Need follow-up after cancer treatment
• Want to discuss a clinical trial
• Have treatment-related symptoms

Patients searching more broadly can use the Doctiplus directory to find doctors by specialty.

What Patients Can Expect During an Appointment

The consultation usually begins with a review of the diagnosis, symptoms, medical history, medications, and previous test results.

Dr. Gill may ask:

• When did symptoms begin?
• How was the cancer or blood condition found?
• Has a biopsy been completed?
• What did the pathology report show?
• Has imaging been performed?
• Has cancer treatment already started?
• Is there a family history of cancer?
• Have blood clots or bleeding occurred?
• Are weight loss, fever, or night sweats present?
• Which medicines and supplements are being taken?
• What are the patient’s main treatment concerns?

The next step may involve:

• Additional blood tests
• Pathology review
• Molecular testing
• Imaging
• Bone marrow evaluation
• Treatment planning
• Referral to surgery or radiation oncology
• Clinical trial review
• Continued observation

Patients should ask for an explanation of the diagnosis, stage, treatment goal, and expected next step before leaving the appointment.

Preparing for the Appointment

Patients can prepare by bringing:

• A complete medication list
• Supplement information
• Allergy details
• Biopsy and pathology reports
• Imaging reports
• Imaging discs or electronic files
• Previous blood-test results
• Surgical reports
• Radiation records
• Earlier cancer-treatment details
• Family cancer history
• Hospital discharge documents
• Insurance and referral information
• Written questions

Patients should bring a trusted family member or caregiver when possible, especially when a new diagnosis or major treatment decision will be discussed.

Taking notes may help because the first oncology appointment often includes a large amount of new information.

Questions to Ask Dr. Gill

Patients may consider asking:

• What is my exact diagnosis?
• What type and stage of cancer do I have?
• Is another pathology review needed?
• Do I need molecular or genetic tumor testing?
• What is the goal of treatment?
• Which treatment choices are available?
• Why is this treatment being recommended?
• What are the alternatives?
• What side effects should I expect?
• Which symptoms require an urgent call?
• How will we know whether treatment is working?
• Could treatment affect fertility?
• Should my family consider genetic counseling?
• Is a clinical trial available?
• Should surgery or radiation be part of the plan?
• Would another opinion be helpful?
• How often will follow-up tests be needed?

Patients should also ask whom to call during evenings or weekends if a treatment-related problem develops.

Practice and Appointment Information

Dr. Gill provides care through Atlanta Cancer Care at two main locations.

Alpharetta Office

3400 Old Milton Parkway
Building C, Suite 400
Alpharetta, GA 30005

Phone: 770-740-9664

Cumming Office

1505 Northside Boulevard
Suite 4600
Cumming, GA 30041

Phone: 770-205-5292

The Cumming location currently lists weekday hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Dr. Gill is listed as a medical oncologist at both centers. Office hours and provider schedules may change, so patients should confirm the correct location before traveling.

Hospital Affiliations

Dr. Gill’s official Atlanta Cancer Care profile lists affiliations with:

• Northside Hospital
• Northside Hospital Forsyth
• Northside Hospital Cherokee

The facility used for treatment may depend on the cancer type, required service, insurance network, and current hospital participation.

Insurance and Telehealth Information

Insurance participation can differ by office, hospital, laboratory, imaging provider, infusion center, and treatment.

Before scheduling, patients should ask:

• Is Dr. Gill included in my current network?
• Is a referral required?
• Is the selected hospital in network?
• Are laboratory and imaging services billed separately?
• Does chemotherapy require prior authorization?
• Is immunotherapy covered for my diagnosis?
• Are oral cancer medicines handled through a specialty pharmacy?
• Are new patients currently being accepted?
• Is telehealth available for this appointment?
• Should pathology and imaging be sent in advance?

Telehealth may be useful for selected follow-up or result-review visits. A new diagnosis, physical symptoms, treatment planning, or conditions requiring examination and laboratory testing may need an in-person appointment.

Patients can review Doctiplus oncology and diagnostic services while confirming actual service availability directly with the treating practice.

When Symptoms Require Urgent Care

Patients receiving cancer or blood-disorder treatment should not wait for a routine appointment when symptoms are severe or worsening quickly.

Urgent assessment may be needed for:

• Fever during chemotherapy
• Severe breathing difficulty
• New chest pain
• Coughing up a significant amount of blood
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Sudden confusion
• Fainting
• Severe weakness
• A new seizure
• Repeated vomiting
• Inability to drink fluids
• Signs of serious dehydration
• A painful, swollen leg
• Sudden weakness on one side
• Severe treatment-related rash
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Rapidly worsening abdominal pain
• Signs of a serious infusion reaction

Patients should follow the specific emergency instructions supplied by the oncology team because some treatments require a faster response to fever, infection, breathing changes, or other complications.