Why I Shout about Being a Cancer Doctor
Nov 12, 2017
A prestigious oncology journal recently published an opinion piece titled, “Why I Keep Quiet about Being a Cancer Doctor.” I was depressed after reading it, because the author self-identified as ... continue
Moving the Needle on Health in Angelina County
Aug 13, 2017
Back in January, I wrote about the abysmal county health rankings in Deep East Texas and the fact that Angelina County has been named the county with the highest obesity ... continue
A Truly Community-Wide Cancer Program
Jun 11, 2017
Every three months or so, I chair a meeting at CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial in Lufkin of the Cancer Committee. As an accredited cancer program through the American College ... continue
What I Learned in Medical School That Was Wrong
May 14, 2017
I recently attended my 30th medical school reunion at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. It was a grand time of reminiscing and reconnecting with war buddies from the ... continue
The Grass is Greener in Lufkin!
Apr 09, 2017
Sometimes our medical community gets a bad rap. In any community, there can be a tendency to think the grass is always greener somewhere else. This is true whether ... continue
Empowered – and Inundated – by Pink
Oct 04, 2016
There is a minor malady that comes around every season. It is characterized by a drop in energy, glazed eyes, and a strong desire just to sit and do ... continue
Prostate Cancer Screening Saves Lives
Sep 06, 2016
Over the last 30 years, I have been witness to a remarkable change in how we diagnose and treat prostate cancer. Prior to the mid-1980s, prostate cancer was detected most ... continue
Lung Cancer Screening Saves Lives
May 03, 2016
For more than 50 years now, we have known the dangers of smoking. That smoking causes heart disease, emphysema, and lung and other cancers is not in dispute. For ... continue
Cattle Baron's Gala Supports Local Cancer Patients
Oct 06, 2015
I always look forward to the Pineywoods Cattle Baron's Gala. Not only do I have a good time, I know the money raised is going to a great cause - ... continue
Jimmy Carter's Cancer Revelation
Sep 01, 2015
When a current or former President of the United States has a major health problem, it is international news. And when a former president has cancer, we all take ... continue
Cancer is a Global Problem
Feb 03, 2015
Tomorrow is World Cancer Day. We think we have a cancer problem in the US, and we do. But other countries, especially the poorer ones, are truly suffering. Two ... continue
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
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
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
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