I am most passionate about believing every patient deserves an individual, personal approach to cancer treatment. I treat patients with a deep understanding of the patient’s goal combined with the best of medical science and innovation. The cancer experience for the patient also involves a reordering of their lives, their way of viewing the world. There is a lot of opportunity for personal growth during that time frame. I am committed to treating the whole patient which includes the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient also. I am based out of Columbia but travel to Marshall to see patients on most Mondays.
When did you know you wanted to be in the medical field? Why oncology care? After four years of being a lawyer. I fell in love with patients on my last rotation as a resident.
Favorite thing about being a physician at MCA? The freedom to treat patients with the dignity they deserve
Best advice you’ve ever received and why? Treat the patient not the lab.
Favorite quote. “We often meet our destiny on the road we take to avoid it.” — Oogway, Kung Fu Panda
If I wasn’t a physician, I would be a writer.
Favorite charity and why? Coyote Hill. It’s hard to beat helping orphans.
One item you couldn’t live without? My glasses
Favorite food or favorite restaurant and menu item in Columbia? Batter-fried lobster
Favorite birthday you celebrated and why? My last two grandchildren, Lucy and Cooper, born in just the last month (July 2021)
Favorite subject in school? Religion
What’s your hidden talent? Detecting patterns
First job? Delivering newspapers
Next bucket list item? Biking New Zealand
Favorite way to spend your free time? Reading, writing, golfing, playing with grandchildren
Career highlight you are most proud of? MCA culture initiative
If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be? Oil painting
First car? $300 four-door Oldsmobile
Where is your happy place? Meditating on Psalm 23
Favorite all-time song and why? Joe Cocker “Feelin’ Alright.” It is the most emotion ever poured into a song.
What TV character would you play and why? I don’t watch much TV. I like Mel Gibson in Braveheart. Feeling of total freedom.
Favorite holiday and why? Christmas. Celebrating with friends and family
What is something newly diagnosed patients at MCA should know? That we are all in this together. They are not alone.
If I didn’t have _____, I don’t know how I would make it through the day. Two cups of coffee
Look for his book series The Narrow Path — The Song of the Bear and A Ship Called Eros — on Amazon.