Chasse Bailey-Dorton, M.D. specializes in integrative oncology and survivorship. Integrative oncology is a patient-centered, evidence-informed field of cancer care that utilizes mind and body practices, natural products and/or lifestyle modifications from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments.
Integrative oncology aims to optimize health, quality of life and clinical outcomes across the cancer care continuum and to empower people to prevent cancer and become active participants before, during and beyond cancer treatment. Research shows combining integrative oncology approaches with traditional treatment methods benefits both patients and caregivers with enhanced quality of life and improved clinical outcomes. Integrative oncology engages the mind and body while incorporating natural products and embracing lifestyle modifications.
Dr. Bailey-Dorton’s journey into integrative oncology was influenced by her own experience as a patient. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39 and went through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and endocrine therapy. I was drawn to this field first to help myself and, ultimately, to better help my patients,” she explained.
Dr. Bailey-Dorton earned her medical degree from East Carolina University School of Medicine, completed her family medicine residency at ECU Health Medical Center, and pursued advanced training in integrative medicine through a fellowship at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine in Tucson, Arizona.
Dr. Bailey-Dorton emphasized the importance of integrative oncology in modern cancer care. “Integrative oncology needs to become standard of care for our patients. Some studies have shown improved outcomes and certainly improved patient satisfaction,” she said.
Research in the field supports this approach, indicating that integrative methods combined with traditional treatments can significantly enhance patient experiences and outcomes.
This new program is unique for a community hospital, as Dr. Bailey-Dorton noted, “Most major cancer centers in the U.S. have integrative oncology and survivorship services available to their patients. Developing this program in a community hospital is groundbreaking and demonstrates the commitment to excellent patient care here in our community.”
