Recognizing Stages of Grief
Jan 06, 2015
My father recently passed away from pancreatic cancer at age 81. What a devastating disease! He lasted a mere two months. Thanks to attentive physicians and great hospice care ... continue
Living Between the Dates
Dec 02, 2014
As a cancer physician, reading obituaries is, unfortunately, part of my job description. I don't mean to be morbid about it. Not everyone who gets cancer dies from it ... continue
Tips for Success in Any Office Environment
Nov 04, 2014
My wife, Catherine, starting working for St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church as Parish Administrator about four and a half years ago. We were close to empty nesting at the time, and ... continue
One Teacher's Story of Cancer and Community Support
Oct 07, 2014
I have had the privilege over the last few months of speaking at Lions and Rotary Club lunches about cancer and the work of the American Cancer Society. My tag ... continue
Being There for Those Who Suffer
Sep 02, 2014
Two articles appeared recently in major newspapers discussing how we can be more helpful to those who are suffering. The New York Times article by David Brooks (The Art of ... continue
My Bar Code Diet
Aug 05, 2014
In December 2013, I wrote a column about my brother's heart attack and my wakeup call to lose weight. I promised to report back on my progress. I just didn't ... continue
Prostate Cancer: How Should We Treat It?
Jul 01, 2014
Prostate cancer screening and treatment may be the most divisive issue in oncology today. Oh, we argue about breast cancer, and whether or not women in their 40s should get ... continue
Memorial and Catholic Health Initiatives
Jun 03, 2014
In my January column, I wrote that we have an ongoing obligation to provide non-profit care locally so that Memorial’s mission of compassion, established in 1949 by our community forefathers ... continue
The Profession of Medicine
May 06, 2014
Physicians today rarely encourage students to consider becoming a doctor. There are quicker ways to start earning a good living. (Petroleum Engineering and Investment Banking come to mind.) But ... continue
What’s Coming in Healthcare Reform in 2014?
Apr 02, 2014
My middle daughter is a graduate student in opera at Eastman School of Music. After October 1, if I go to hear her sing in an opera and get ... continue
Winning the War on Cancer
Mar 04, 2014
“I have cancer.” What is your first reaction when someone tells you that? Not the same as when you hear, “I have diabetes,” or, “I high blood pressure.” Something ... continue
A New Paradigm of Volunteerism
Feb 04, 2014
Last week, I had the privilege of speaking at the annual Chamber banquet as outgoing Chair. This was my charge to the 700-plus in attendance, and my hope for ... continue
What a Hospital Should Be
Jan 07, 2014
Healthcare reform may be the most polarizing issue today. Depending on your point of view, you are either eagerly anticipating or just dreading the changes that are happening. Either ... continue
Heart Disease Prevention for the Holidays
Dec 03, 2013
My brother just had a heart attack. He had classic chest pain and immediately went to the ER. Before he could sneeze, he was transferred from his small town ... continue
Giving Thanks!
Nov 05, 2013
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, but why wait! I want to send a big thank you to Debbie Jackson, my hardworking co-chair for local enrollment for the American ... continue
Choosing Wisely
Oct 02, 2013
My specialty society, the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO for short) is a participant of Choosing Wisely®, an effort to support and engage physicians in being better stewards ... continue
Your Role in Cancer Prevention
Sep 03, 2013
Cancer. Got your attention now? I live and breathe cancer. It's my job. Who knows, I may die with cancer. But my odds are improved because of some choices ... continue
Shop Local, Get Well Local
Aug 06, 2013
I have the privilege this year of serving as Chairman of the Board for the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber, along with the City of Lufkin and ... continue
A Texan, West or East?
Jul 02, 2013
I am a 4th generation Texan, born in Abileneand raised in Midland. Moving away from West Texas wasn't easy for many reasons, but mainly because I didn't want to ... continue