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Oncologist Earle Weeks MD, is the kind of doctor people would want treating them for one of life's most devastating diagnoses: cancer. He is that rare practitioner who is both compassionate and smart, driven yet calm, detail-oriented but keenly aware, too, of the big picture.

As founding partner of the Family Cancer Center, Weeks and a team of nine oncologists treat cancer patients across the Mid-South. His rationale for building small clinics was simple: bring family-centered care to communities, be it in Memphis, Union City, or West Memphis, Ark. The clinics enable individuals to see the same doctor and nursing staff closer to home. Since the stress and exertion of cancer treatment already extracts a heavy toll, not having to drive long distances for care is one way of easing the strain.
"We're always trying to do a better job," said Weeks. "In our business, if you're satisfied with what you know in 2009, then you're accepting treatment that's not good enough, because it's not curing cancer. It's a tall order, but you have to keep your eye on the prize. If you can treat patients close to home and can provide up-to-date or new treatment, then that's almost the best of both worlds.

Weeks chose to specialize in oncology because cancer research remains on the forefront of medical science. It's where scientific breakthroughs eventually transform lives. "It's new and innovative and things that will rapidly change society will come from oncology," noted Weeks.

During the course of his 20-year career, cancer medications have improved, chemotherapy drugs have become less toxic, and Weeks has seen a steadily higher response rate among his patients.

"What used to be inpatient treatment is now almost exclusively outpatient care, you don't have as much hospitalization. It's still a tough disease with serious ramifications, but it's an easier disease to manage. The treatments are easier on patients, they don't get as debilitated."

Weeks started his practice in 1997, after working with the Boston Oncology Group. "I got tired of having others make decisions for me," Weeks said. "As doctors, we're all relatively intelligent and fiercely independent." Instead, he set out to make his own mark by opening the Family Cancer Center, steadily growing it into the thriving 10-clinic practice it has become today.

Weeks practices at Center's Collierville office, a 100-year-old historic building the group remodeled and expanded three years ago. But his corner office seems more of a way station than work space. Book shelves lay empty. Boxes await unpacking. A foot-high stack of medical files looms near the computer, offset by a humorous figurine of a middle-aged marathoner, a nod to Weeks passion for running.

Instead of spending much time here, Weeks is diagnosing patients or conferring with staff and family members. He listens, prescribes the best course of action, and chooses always, "to concentrate on what I can do to make their situation better." Over time, many patients become friends. So perhaps it's telling that his office isn't adorned with the usual professional ephemera. He's too busy taking care of more important business.
With the significant strides made during Weeks lifetime, he likens treating cancer now to managing heart disease, or diabetes. The biggest difference is the family dynamic

"When you go to see a cardiologist, you don't typically bring the whole family. But it is more common to bring the whole family to the cancer center, because everybody participates in this health process. They have questions, they want to know what they can do to help. It's common to have the kids, nephews, and others in the room because (the diagnosis of cancer) is a big event; it requires the whole family to give support."

To foster that support, Weeks has worked to keep the practice personal despite their growth. "We've gotten big but we've made a valiant effort at trying to maintain a community perspective," said Weeks in a Commercial Appeal story announcing their Collierville expansion in 2005. Most offices house the same physicians and nursing staff, and offer an extensive menu of treatment and diagnostic services. In addition, the practice takes part in clinical drug trials with pharmaceutical companies.

When he feels the need to escape, Weeks travels with his wife, Melissa Hudson, a pediatric oncologist at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and their two teenage daughters. Paris and Bangkok are favorite foreign destinations. Closer to home, Weeks tends a small farm in Potts Camp, Miss., 30-acres he fondly refers to as his personal park where he goes bass fishing or cruises in his pontoon boat.

He is also an avid runner. Weeks is working towards running a marathon in all 50 states. He's logged 41 thus far. There may be a parallel between treating cancer and running: the total focus each endeavor demands, the knowledge that winning doesn't come by dint of desire, but by summoning discipline and fortitude. If cancer is the ultimate marathon, then Weeks is determined to cross the finish line a winner.

Tags:

cancer, Earle Weeks, Family Cancer Center

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