GET TO KNOW
Dr. Robert Oldham
Board Certified Hematology/Oncology
Q Can you tell us about your field of medicine?
DR. OLDHAM Many people see the field of
hematology/oncology simply as cancer treatment.
There are actually three main aspects to my
practice: hematology, oncology and immunology.
Hematology is the study of and care for those with
blood disorders, often non-cancer related. The field
of oncology deals with prevention, screening,
diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This includes
long-term follow up care. Finally, immunology
involves using the patient’s own immune system
to help fight cancer.
Q Why did you chose this field as your specialty?
DR. OLDHAM As a medical student I saw many
patients with cancer who were not being treated
and felt that more could and should be done.
Q You are regarded as a leading pioneer in the
development and use of immunotherapy.
How does the use of the patient’s own immune
system help to fight cancer?
DR. OLDHAM Our body’s immune system works by
detecting and destroying cancer cells, preventing
the growth of many cancers. There are many
different types of immunotherapy but they all have
a common goal – to improve the destruction of
cancer cells. It is best to speak to your physician
about the best treatment for you.
Q The Cancer Program at Parrish Medical Center
has been accredited by the Commission on
Cancer (CoC) since 1989. Why is choosing an
accredited provider so important?
DR. OLDHAM Simply put, accredited programs
are held to more rigorous standards than
non-accredited programs. This means that we
implement the highest level of evidence-based
practices, cutting-edge diagnostic testing and
innovative treatments. Ultimately, this leads to
better patient outcomes. Parrish has been
committed to this level of patient care because
it fulfills our vision of Healing Families—
Healing Communities®.
Q What piece of advice would you like to give
current and future patients?
DR. OLDHAM Your physical health is vital in the
prevention of cancer and other diseases. All
diseases are best treated after early detection, so
don’t skip your doctor’s appointments. I encourage
each of you to speak to your provider about
methods by which to maintain your health and
when to schedule preventive tests and exams.
For more information, visit
parrishhealthcare.com/oldham
parrishhealthcare.com Healing Families—Healing Communities®
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