As an oncologist, Dr. Olivia Hightower is used to nervous patients.
But if a difficult diagnosis puts her in someone’s life, she does everything possible to make the experience a positive one.
“I encourage patients that knowledge is power,” says the doctor, who practices at Gulfport Memorial Hospital, “and there is so much we can do.”
Hightower herself has always loved learning and wanted to be a doctor from the age of 6. The University of Mississippi Medical School graduate became interested in oncology in high school, when her grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer — from which she eventually recovered.
Driven by a desire to use her knowledge and skill to help others, Hightower has been practicing on the Coast since completing her fellowship in 2013 and has locations in Gulfport, Biloxi and Wiggins.
“As I got further into my medical career, I realized that my goal was to make the best situation possible for my patients given their specific illness and stage,” she says, “whether that be a curative intent, if possible, or life-prolonging palliative chemotherapy in hopes of maintaining a good quality of life….”
Contrary to what some may believe, Hightower stresses that chemotherapy is not the only tool oncologists have for treating cancer.
“We do use a lot of chemotherapy,” she acknowledges, “but a significant number of these chemotherapies are more targeted based on the genetics of the tumor involved, usually leading to better results with fewer side effects. We also work together with surgeons and radiation oncologists to get optimal results based on the individual case.” The impact of a good support system and a positive attitude, the oncologist adds, can’t be overstated.
Given how much and how quickly her specialty is evolving, Hightower continues, “I expect to have significantly more targeted treatment options in the years to come based on genomic profiling of tumors.”
In the meantime, being proactive remains the best defense against cancer, Hightower says, as early detection makes the illness easier to treat. Screenings can save lives, including mammograms starting at age 40, colonoscopies starting at age 50 (or sooner if there is a family history) and regular pap smears.
She may enjoy her specialty because it’s exciting and intellectually challenging, but Hightower’s favorite part of her job is getting to know her patients and their families and walking them through a tough time in their lives.
“Some days are challenging,” she says, “but I always feel blessed for having the opportunity to help someone during their time of need.”