Meet Our Team
You will join an established oncology service line with colleagues who understand the unique demands of practicing in Eastern Kentucky. While you will serve as the dedicated oncologist at Highlands ARH in Prestonsburg, you are part of a broader network of oncology professionals across the ARH system. This structure provides the peer support and clinical collaboration that solo practitioners in rural settings often lack.
Dr. Bailey serves as the system medical director for oncology and will be your primary physician colleague. Based at the Hazard cancer center, Dr. Bailey oversees oncology services across all ARH locations and has been instrumental in building the program's quality standards and UK Markey Cancer Center relationship. He is local to the region, completed his fellowship at UK, and understands both the clinical realities and lifestyle considerations of practicing oncology in Appalachia. He participates in candidate interviews and takes an active interest in supporting new physicians as they integrate into the system.
At Highlands ARH, you will work alongside Rebecca Conley, APRN, FNP-C, who serves as the oncology nurse practitioner for the clinic. Rebecca is a dedicated member of the ARH Care Network who takes pride in helping patients navigate their cancer journey. She provides continuity of care, manages follow-up visits, and supports the day-to-day clinical operations that keep the practice running smoothly. Her presence means you will have experienced APP support from day one rather than building a team from scratch.
The broader Highlands ARH medical staff includes hospitalists who handle inpatient admissions and provide backup for any after-hours needs. The hospital's Internal Medicine residency program creates an academic environment and ensures a steady presence of physicians in training who rotate through various services. You will have access to nearly every specialty for patient referrals, with the exceptions of cardiothoracic surgery and neurosurgery.
Weekly tumor boards connect you with oncology colleagues across the ARH system for case discussions and treatment planning. These multidisciplinary conferences include medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists who review complex cases together. You will never feel like you are making difficult decisions alone. The physicians who currently rotate to Highlands from Hazard and Harlan to provide coverage have expressed that this collaborative culture is one of the reasons they have stayed with ARH long-term.
The team here is ready to welcome a physician who wants to build lasting relationships with patients and colleagues. Staff turnover has been low among the seasoned nurses and support personnel, and the culture reflects the close-knit nature of the community itself.