Your clinical day at Highlands ARH will have a predictable rhythm that allows you to focus on patient care rather than administrative chaos. You will see 15 to 20 patients daily in a clinic environment designed around efficiency, with two dedicated exam rooms and a medical assistant assigned to help you room patients and manage workflow. The practice mix runs approximately 90% oncology and 10% hematology, giving you a solid tumor-focused caseload that includes breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, and other common malignancies seen in the region.
Eastern Kentucky's cancer profile reflects regional health patterns. Lung and colorectal cancers represent the highest volumes, driven by smoking rates and screening gaps that persist in rural Appalachia. You will also see breast and prostate cancers along with a range of other solid tumors typical of a community oncology practice. The hematology component involves benign hematologic conditions and occasional hematologic malignancies, but this is primarily an oncology-focused role.
The call structure here will come as a relief if you are accustomed to heavy inpatient obligations. This is strictly a consulting service with hospitalist support for any inpatient needs. You are not an admitting physician. When your patients present to the emergency department or require hospitalization, they are admitted to the hospitalist service, and you provide consultative input as needed. The reality is that most oncology issues can wait until the next business day or be handled by phone.
You will not practice in isolation. ARH operates oncology services at six locations across Kentucky and West Virginia, and all Kentucky sites hold CLC accreditation. Highlands and Hazard share COC network accreditation, which means you follow established protocols and quality standards. Weekly system-wide tumor boards connect you with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists across ARH facilities to discuss complex cases and treatment planning.
The UK Markey Cancer Center affiliation provides a direct pathway for patients who need higher-level care. UK Markey holds National Cancer Institute comprehensive designation, and ARH has a dedicated nurse liaison who coordinates referrals, tracks patients through their UK care, and helps transition them back to your clinic for ongoing chemotherapy and follow-up. This relationship gives you access to clinical trials (available at the Hazard location), subspecialty consultations, and the academic resources of a major cancer center without leaving your community practice.
This clinical environment lets you practice high-quality oncology care with appropriate backup and resources. You have the autonomy to manage your patients, the support to handle complex cases, and the referral pathways to ensure no patient falls through the cracks.