Published on August 25, 2025

UNC Health Southeastern Welcomes New Specialists

UNC Health Southeastern has welcomed a team of specialists to care for patients throughout our region. They include Hand Surgeon Brian Cable, MD, Urologist Antonios Karamalegos, MD, Hematologist and Medical Oncologist Everett Ribakove, MD, and General and Bariatric Surgeon Benjamin Yglesias, MD.

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Hand Surgeon

UNC Health Orthopedics at Southeastern Health Park and UNC Health Southeastern Medical Staff have welcomed a new orthopedic surgeon, Brian Cable, MD, who specializes in upper extremity/hand surgery, and sports medicine.

“Each patient is unique, and their treatment should reflect their specific needs, circumstances, and goals,” said Dr. Cable. “By emphasizing a patient-centered approach, individualized care, and open communication, each patient can receive the most appropriate treatment that aligns with their unique needs and aspirations.”

He completed medical school at University of California Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, Calif., and residency in orthopedic surgery at Texas Tech University Program in Lubbock, Texas. He completed a hand surgery fellowship at University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Fla., and a sports medicine fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pa. He is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.

According to Dr. Cable, “The decision for surgery can be overwhelming for patients. It is our goal to provide patients with education, insight, and perspective, helping them make more informed decisions. Good communication allows patients to gather information, clarify doubts, and gain a broader perspective on their treatment options.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cable at UNC Health Orthopedics at Southeastern Health Park, located at 4901 Dawn Drive, Suite 2300, Lumberton, call (910) 738-1065. To learn more about orthopedic services available through UNC Health Southeastern visit https://www.unchealthsoutheastern.org/care-treatment/orthopedics/.

Urologist

Antonios Z. Karamalegos, M.D., has joined UNC Health Urology at The Oaks and the medical staff of UNC Health Southeastern. He specializes in general adult and pediatric urology.

“I strive to provide my patients with excellent, safe, and compassionate quality urological care,” said Dr. Karamalegos. "I will provide the members of this community and the surrounding area with exceptional urological care with respect and dignity at all times."

He completed medical school at Michigan State University in Lansing, Mich., and a urology residency at William Beaumount Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich. He is certified by the American Board of Urology.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, contact UNC Health Urology at the Oaks, which is located at 815 Oakridge Blvd. in Lumberton, at (910) 738-7166. To learn more, visit https://www.unchealth.org/care-services/locations/unc-health-urology-at-the-oaks-lumberton.

Hematologist and Medical Oncologist

Hematologist and Medical Oncologist Everett Ribakove, MD, has joined Gibson Cancer Center and the medical staff of UNC Health Southeastern. He specializes in hematology, including clotting and bleeding disorders, abnormal blood counts, leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, and myeloma; as well as medical oncology including lung cancer, head and neck cancers, gastrointestinal cancer, prostate and bladder cancers. 

“Medical care is a necessity which needs to be available to all,” said Dr. Ribakove. “Having cancer or a blood disorder can be frightening. Understanding treatment options and their potential side effects can also be challenging. By taking time with patients and their families, I hope to make the road through their disease journey less burdensome.”

Dr. Ribakove completed medical school at Albany Medical College in Albany, NY. He completed both an internal medicine residency and a hematology/medical oncology fellowship at Strong Memorial Hospital; University of Rochester; Rochester, NY. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in both hematology and medical oncology.

“Science has always been a passionate interest, so much that I was close to completing a PhD in Chemical Physics,” said Dr. Ribakove. “I changed my career to medicine because it allowed me to combine a love of science with a desire to be service to the community.”

To learn more about oncology services available through Gibson Cancer Center and UNC Health Southeastern, visit unchealthsoutheastern.org/care-treatment/cancer/. For referral or appointment information for Gibson Cancer Center, located at 1200 Pine Run Drive, Lumberton, call (910) 671-5730.

General and Bariatric Surgeon

Benjamin Yglesias, MD, has joined UNC Health Surgical Specialists at Southeastern Health Mall and the medical staff of UNC Health Southeastern as both a general and bariatric surgeon. His clinical areas of special interest include minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery, metabolic and weight loss surgery, hernia and abdominal wall reconstruction, foregut, and colorectal.

“I chose to become a physician to combine my passion for science with a commitment to improving lives through compassionate, evidence-based care,” said Dr. Yglesias. “My approach is patient-centered, focusing on listening, clear communication, and partnering with individuals to achieve their best possible health outcomes. I am proud to serve the community of Lumberton, NC. and am dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible care that meets the needs of our diverse population.”

He completed medical school at Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown, Ohio, and completed a general surgery residency at Western Reserve Health Education, Inc., in Youngstown, Ohio. He also completed a fellowship in bariatric and advanced gastrointestinal surgery at Carolinas Medical Center, Atrium Health Mercy in Charlotte, NC. He is certified by the American Board of General Surgery.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Yglesias at UNC Health Surgical Specialists at Southeastern Health Mall, which is located at Biggs Park Mall, 2934 North Elm Street, Suite E, in Lumberton, call (910) 739-0022. To learn more, visit https://www.unchealth.org/care-services/locations/unc-health-surgical-specialists-at-southeastern-health-mall-lumberton.