Dr. Elizabeth Kent, MD is an oncologist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive oncological care for older adults. She practices at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute in St. Johns, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in senior health, Dr. Kent understands the unique needs of older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses. She provides expert medical care for common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia, collaborating with primary care physicians and other specialists to develop personalized treatment plans that address the complexities of aging.
Dr. Kent is a board-certified medical oncologist with extensive training and experience. Having earned her medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed her residency and fellowship training at Mayo Graduate School of Medicine and the University of Michigan, respectively, she brings a deep understanding of the comprehensive medical care required for older adults. Her specialized training in hematology/oncology, coupled with her experience at various leading cancer centers, has equipped her to handle the complexities of cancer treatment within the context of senior health. Furthermore, she is the Chief of the Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital in Clay County and Cancer Liaison for the Commission on Cancer at Orange Park Medical Center, further demonstrating her commitment to providing the best possible care. Dr. Kent is currently welcoming new patients and can be reached at (904) 269-6526 to schedule an appointment. Consultations are primarily offered in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Elizabeth Kent is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Kent acts as a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive oncological care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. She expertly manages common cancers, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to create personalized treatment plans that prioritize the patient's well-being and quality of life. Her approach emphasizes understanding each individual's goals and preferences, ensuring a supportive and coordinated care experience.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Elizabeth Kent can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Coventry Health Care of Florida
HealthLink
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AWH Emory Northside Hospital System OAAS
- Ambetter
- AvMed
- Blue Card
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Select
- BlueOptions
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice
- Choice Care (Humana)
- Choice Plus
- ChoiceCare Network
- Empower
- Empower - Small Employer Groups
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- HealthSmart
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- LocalPlus
- MAPFRE Life Insurance Company of Puerto Rico
- Managed Choice (Open Access)
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National
- Navigate
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice
- Options
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- QualChoice
- Qualchoice
- Select
- Superior Health Plan
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Elizabeth Kent provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkins Lymphoma: Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer affecting the lymph nodes, but modern treatments, often a combination of approaches, are effective in many seniors, enabling them to remain independent and enjoy their later years.
- Lobular Carcinoma: This type of breast cancer, known as lobular carcinoma, affects the lobules (milk-producing glands) and treatment plans aim not only to fight the cancer but also to minimize disruption to your daily life and maintain comfort.
- Urinary Tract Cancer: Developing urinary tract cancer can be concerning, but treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation aim to control the cancer and improve your quality of life, allowing you to enjoy your daily activities.
- Thyroid Cancer: While thyroid cancer can be concerning, advancements in treatment often allow for effective management, allowing seniors to preserve their independence and focus on what matters most to them.
- Upper Digestive Tract Cancer: If an older adult is facing a diagnosis of upper digestive tract cancer, a team of doctors and caregivers will work together to create a personalized treatment plan that considers their overall health and goals.
- Testicular Cancer: If diagnosed with testicular cancer, treatment options are available to manage the disease and minimize disruption to your daily life, helping you maintain independence.
- Tonsil Cancer: While a tonsil cancer diagnosis can be concerning, it's important to remember that effective treatments exist to help seniors manage symptoms and preserve their ability to eat, speak, and interact with others.
- Marginal Zone Lymphoma: This specific lymphoma, called marginal zone lymphoma, is a cancer of the immune system that can often be managed effectively with targeted therapies, minimizing disruption to daily life.
- Lymphoma: While lymphoma can be concerning, advancements in treatment mean many seniors can successfully manage their condition, leading to extended life expectancy and improved independence.
- Oral Cancer: Oral cancer affects the tissues of the mouth, but with early detection and appropriate treatment such as surgery, radiation, or medication many seniors can successfully manage this condition and continue enjoying their daily activities.
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a type of blood cancer where the bone marrow doesn't function correctly, which may result in anemia, fatigue, and other health issues; luckily, there are treatments available, including medication and supportive care, to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.
- Reticulosarcoma: Reticulosarcoma is a rare type of cancer that affects the body's lymphatic system, and treatments like chemotherapy or radiation can help manage the disease and improve your comfort.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Elizabeth Kent offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy helps doctors understand the extent of certain cancers, such as multiple myeloma, allowing for more precise treatment planning and better management of your condition.
- Cancer Pain Management: Through a combination of medication, therapies, and lifestyle changes, cancer pain management helps seniors stay active and engaged.
- Cancer Risk Counseling: By assessing your risk factors, cancer risk counseling helps you and your doctor develop a comprehensive plan for cancer prevention and early detection.
- Cancer Screening: Cancer screenings help manage your cancer risk by identifying precancerous cells or early-stage cancers, making timely interventions possible.
- Cancer Treatment: Through various methods like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, cancer treatment offers seniors options tailored to their individual cancer type and stage.
- Immunotherapy: As part of a comprehensive cancer care plan, immunotherapy helps boost your body's natural defenses to control tumor growth and improve your overall health.
- Partial Mastectomy: A partial mastectomy is a surgical option that allows for the diagnosis and removal of breast cancer while maintaining a more natural breast shape.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Oncology in Florida.
Dr. Elizabeth Kent is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After treatment for nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma, a senior couple felt renewed security in their home, able to enjoy their daily walks and garden without the persistent fatigue that had previously limited their activities.
- With personalized treatment for lobular carcinoma, a senior woman regained her energy and was able to resume her beloved watercolor painting, a cherished hobby that had been put on hold.
- After undergoing treatment for urinary tract cancer, a senior was able to resume her beloved hobby of gardening, a source of immense joy and connection with nature. The family felt a profound sense of relief and hope, knowing their loved one was regaining her vitality and enjoying life's simple pleasures.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Oncological care with Dr. Elizabeth Kent:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Elizabeth Kent and her team are oncologists, medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating cancer. Different types of oncologists, like medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and radiation oncologists, often work together to create a personalized treatment plan.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Kent will be a comprehensive consultation to gather information and begin forming a plan. It will involve a detailed review of your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans. Dr. Kent will explain the diagnosis, discuss potential treatment options, and answer all of your questions with care and compassion, starting a partnership to address your needs.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is considered, Dr. Kent emphasizes that a patient's overall health, fitness level, and personal goals are often more important factors in treatment decisions. She specializes in creating personalized treatment plans for seniors, which may be adapted to be just as effective while minimizing side effects and preserving independence.
- What is radiation therapy?
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells, while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. It's a localized treatment, affecting only the targeted area. The procedure itself is painless, similar to an X-ray.
- What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
- Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and stress from serious illnesses like cancer, and can be given at any stage alongside treatment. Hospice care is comfort care provided when curative treatment is no longer desired.
- How is breast cancer treated in older women?
- Treatment for breast cancer in older women is highly personalized, considering the specific cancer type and the patient's overall health. Options often include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy pills, which are frequently well-tolerated. Dr. Kent works with a dedicated team to create the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
- What is chemotherapy and what are the side effects?
- Chemotherapy is a powerful medication used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Side effects are a major concern, but common ones like fatigue, nausea, and hair loss are effectively managed with many excellent medications and supportive care strategies available today to maintain quality of life during treatment.
- What does it mean if my prostate cancer is managed with 'active surveillance'?
- Active surveillance is a safe and standard way to manage slow-growing, low-risk prostate cancer. It involves close monitoring with regular blood tests and biopsies, instead of immediate treatment. This approach avoids potential side effects of treatment for cancers that may not cause any problems.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
105 Badger Park Dr Ste 1
Saint Johns FL 32259
Phone: (904) 269-6526
Dr. Elizabeth Kent, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1790756450
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Oncology like Dr. Elizabeth Kent are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.