Dr. Kathleen Doughney, MD is an Oncology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive oncological care for older adults. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a general oncologist, she provides expert medical care for older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to manage complex conditions and create a personalized treatment plan for common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia. Dr. Doughney is currently welcoming new patients; please call (386) 673-2442 to schedule an appointment. Raised in the Daytona area, she began her practice in Florida in 1987 and continues to be an Active Consultative Staff Member with Memorial Health Systems in Ormond Beach. With a medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, she further specialized through fellowships at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine and the University of Rochester School of Medicine. She is Board Certified in Hematology, Internal Medicine, and Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, reflecting her commitment to continuous professional development. Dr. Doughney's care philosophy aligns with the values of Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, emphasizing personalized care and minimizing disruption to daily life. She is an avid runner with over 30 marathons and 15 Boston Marathons under her belt, and is married with four sons and one grandson. While Dr. Kathleen Doughney provides consultations primarily in English, the staff at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute strive to ensure effective communication for all patients.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Kathleen Doughney is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Kathleen Doughney is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive oncological care for various cancers common in older adults. She collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to create personalized treatment plans, focusing on the unique needs and goals of each patient. Her approach prioritizes not only the medical treatment but also the well-being and comfort of her patients and their families.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Kathleen Doughney can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AWH Emory Northside Hospital System OAAS
- Blue Card
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- 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
- EmblemHealth
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- HealthSmart
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- 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
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Kathleen Doughney 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:
- Biliary Tract Cancer: Biliary tract cancer, a cancer of the bile ducts, may cause symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and treatment, often involving surgery and other therapies, focuses on easing symptoms and extending life expectancy for seniors.
- Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare type of cancer that starts in the brain or spinal cord, and treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can help manage symptoms and extend life.
- Acute Lymphoid Leukemia: Acute Lymphoid Leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow, and while it's more common in children, it can occur in older adults, requiring specialized treatment plans to address their specific needs and maintain quality of life.
- Central Nervous System Lymphoma: Central nervous system lymphoma is a cancer affecting the lymph nodes in the brain and spinal cord, and while serious, treatment with tailored approaches can help seniors to live fulfilling lives.
- Cervical Cancer: Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the lower part of the uterus, and while it can be upsetting to receive this news, modern medicine provides several ways to manage the disease, often leading to improved quality of life.
- Uterine Cancer: Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the lining of the uterus, and treatments like surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy can help manage the disease and improve your comfort.
- Refractory Anemia without Sideroblasts: If you've been diagnosed with refractory anemia without sideroblasts, it signifies your bone marrow isn't producing enough red blood cells, causing things like fatigue; treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
- Gallbladder and Biliary Tract Cancer: Gallbladder and bile duct cancers can be challenging, but advancements in treatment offer hope; the care team will prioritize managing the side effects of treatment and maintaining the patient's quality of life.
- Pancreatic Cancer: For older adults, pancreatic cancer treatment often prioritizes managing discomfort and preserving their quality of life, with doctors working closely with patients and families to create a care plan that meets individual needs and goals.
- Gallbladder Cancer: While gallbladder cancer can be challenging, treatment options including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy exist to target the cancer and help maintain independence as much as possible.
- Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer treatment focuses on managing the disease and improving your comfort, considering your specific needs and preferences to help you live as fully as possible despite the diagnosis.
- Brain Cancer: Treatment for brain cancer in older adults is carefully planned to balance effectiveness with the individual's overall health, aiming to improve comfort and maintain the highest possible quality of life.
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. Kathleen Doughney offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Biopsy of Breast: A breast biopsy aids in creating a personalized care plan by providing crucial information about the type and extent of any breast cancer present.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy is a small procedure that helps doctors check for signs of blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, guiding treatment decisions and ensuring the best possible care plan for you.
- Cancer Screening: Cancer screening tests help find cancer early, often before you have any symptoms, improving treatment chances.
- Liver Biopsy: This procedure helps determine the cause of liver abnormalities detected in imaging scans, which could be related to cancer, aiding in effective care management.
- Total or Simple Mastectomy: A total mastectomy helps manage breast cancer in older adults by surgically removing the breast, which can be part of a larger strategy to fight the disease.
- Kidney Removal: In some cases, a nephrectomy helps to alleviate pain and improve kidney function for seniors living with advanced kidney cancer.
- Liver Transplant: For seniors with end-stage liver disease caused by cancer or other illnesses, a liver transplant can be a life-saving procedure that helps manage symptoms and extend lifespan.
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. Kathleen Doughney 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 undergoing treatment for biliary tract cancer, a senior felt a significant reduction in jaundice symptoms, allowing them to resume their beloved hobby of painting again. The family found comfort in knowing the treatment plan was effectively managing the cancer's impact on their quality of life.
- With the guidance of a supportive oncology team, a patient with primary central nervous system lymphoma regained the ability to enjoy engaging in stimulating conversations with family, a cherished activity previously hindered by the disease's effects.
- With the oncology's guidance, a senior with Acute Lymphoid Leukemia felt more secure at home, enjoying quiet evenings with their family, a significant improvement in their quality of life.
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 (Hematology)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Oncological care with Dr. Kathleen Doughney:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Doughney and her team are medical oncologists, meaning they specialize in treating cancer with medications like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Other specialists, like surgical and radiation oncologists, may also be part of your care team, working together to create a personalized treatment plan.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Doughney 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. Doughney will explain the diagnosis, discuss potential treatment options, and answer all your questions with care and compassion, marking the start of a partnership in your care.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is a factor, Dr. Doughney considers a patient's overall health, fitness level, and personal goals more important when determining the best treatment plan. 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.
- How is breast cancer treated in older women?
- Treatment for breast cancer in older women is highly individualized, 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. Doughney works collaboratively with a team to create the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
- What is immunotherapy?
- Immunotherapy is an advanced cancer treatment that uses your body's own immune system to find and fight cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly kills cancer cells, immunotherapy "unleashes" your immune system to do the job. It's a groundbreaking approach to cancer care, often well-tolerated.
- What does it mean if my prostate cancer is managed with 'active surveillance'?
- Active surveillance means your prostate cancer is slow-growing and low-risk, so we monitor it closely with regular blood tests and biopsies instead of immediate treatment. This approach avoids potential side effects of treatment for a cancer that may not cause any problems. It's a safe and standard way to manage this type of cancer.
- What is chemotherapy and what are the side effects?
- Chemotherapy is a powerful medication used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. While side effects like fatigue, nausea, and hair loss are a concern, there are many excellent medications and supportive care strategies available today to effectively manage these side effects and maintain quality of life during treatment.
- 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 provided alongside curative treatment at any stage. Hospice care, on the other hand, is comfort care when curative treatment is no longer desired.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
325 Clyde Morris Blvd
Ormond Beach FL 32174
Phone: (386) 673-2442
Dr. Kathleen Doughney, 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): 1093729287
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. Kathleen Doughney 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.