Dr. Thomas Gaddis, MD is an oncology specialist practicing at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive oncological care for older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses. As a registered physician with The Florida Board of Medicine, Dr. Gaddis practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of care. He serves as a trusted partner in your health journey, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to manage complex conditions and create a personalized treatment plan for your specific needs. He specializes in the expert medical care of older adults with common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia.
A general oncologist, Dr. Gaddis understands the unique needs of older adults. He has over 35 years of dedicated experience in oncological care, bringing a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine ensures that patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He earned his medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport School of Medicine in 1987 and completed an internship, and further specialized through fellowship training at University Ala School Med. He is affiliated with Baptist Medical Center Beaches and currently accepting new patients. Please call (904) 997-3800 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Gaddis provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Thomas Gaddis is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Gaddis is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive oncological care. He expertly manages common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to the individual needs and goals of each patient. His approach prioritizes not only the medical treatment but also the emotional and practical aspects of the journey, ensuring the best possible quality of life for your loved one.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Thomas Gaddis 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 of Florida
Humana
MultiPlan
Also Accepts These Carriers
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- Inc.
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Thomas Gaddis 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:
- Bladder Cancer: Bladder cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow in the bladder, and treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation can help control it and improve your comfort.
- Head and Neck Cancer: For older adults, head and neck cancer treatment focuses not only on eliminating cancer cells but also on minimizing side effects and maximizing comfort, so you can continue enjoying your daily life.
- Throat Cancer (Oropharyngeal): Managing oropharyngeal cancer in older adults often involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining therapies with supportive care to maintain independence and reduce discomfort.
- 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.
- Gallbladder and Biliary Tract Cancer: For older adults with gallbladder or biliary tract cancer, the goal of treatment is often to improve symptoms, enhance comfort, and allow them to remain as active and independent as possible for as long as their health permits.
- Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the large intestine or rectum, and with proper treatment, many seniors can manage their condition and maintain a good quality of life.
- Anemia: Having anemia means your body lacks enough red blood cells, resulting in tiredness and shortness of breath; thankfully, treatment often involves simple adjustments like iron supplements or changes in diet to boost your strength and vitality.
- Cervical Cancer: Cervical cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, and while it can be challenging, treatments like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy can often help manage the cancer and improve comfort.
- Melanoma: Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is treatable, and with the right care, including surgery, medication, or radiation, you can remain comfortable and independent.
- Nodular Lymphoma: This blood cancer, nodular lymphoma, involves the abnormal growth of white blood cells which can form nodules, but modern treatments such as immunotherapy or radiation aim to shrink these nodules and help seniors manage their symptoms and live full lives.
- Multiple Myeloma: Multiple myeloma is a cancer that starts in the plasma cells in your bone marrow, and while it can be serious, treatments like medication and supportive care help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Anal and Rectal Cancer: While a diagnosis of anal or rectal cancer can be upsetting, many effective treatments are available to help seniors fight the cancer, minimize side effects, 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. Thomas Gaddis offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: This procedure involves taking a small sample of bone marrow to determine if cancer cells are present, helping doctors tailor your cancer treatment and monitor its effectiveness.
- Stem Cell Transplant: Stem cell transplants are sometimes used to treat certain cancers in older adults that haven't responded well to other treatments, offering another pathway towards recovery.
- Sentinel Node Biopsy: A sentinel node biopsy is a procedure to check if cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, helping doctors determine the best treatment plan for your specific cancer.
- Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: For seniors with certain cancers that have spread to the abdomen, intraperitoneal chemotherapy offers a targeted approach to manage the disease and improve their quality of life.
- Excision of Bile Duct Tumor: Excision of a bile duct tumor is a surgical intervention that aids in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in this area, creating a personalized plan for seniors.
- Lip, Excision or Resection: This procedure involves the surgical removal of part or all of the lip, helping manage lip cancer and improve the chances of a positive outcome for seniors.
- Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT): Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a precise radiation therapy technique that delivers high doses of radiation to tumors in a short timeframe, helping seniors manage some cancers effectively with fewer treatments.
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. Thomas Gaddis 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 a comprehensive treatment plan, a patient with bladder cancer experienced a significant reduction in discomfort and was able to return to their favorite hobby of painting, a cherished pastime that had been put on hold.
- After treatment for head and neck cancer, a senior was able to reconnect with loved ones through phone calls and visits, a deeply valued part of their life. The patient's family expressed profound gratitude for the support, feeling much more secure about the future.
- After undergoing treatment for oropharyngeal cancer, a senior was able to resume their beloved hobby of painting, a source of immense joy, with less discomfort. Family members felt a profound sense of relief and gratitude for the support provided.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He 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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Oncological care with Dr. Thomas Gaddis:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Gaddis and other oncologists are medical doctors specializing in cancer. Medical oncologists, like Dr. Gaddis, use medications like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Surgical and radiation oncologists also play key roles, often working together to create a personalized treatment plan.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Gaddis will be a comprehensive consultation. We will review your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans to gather complete information. This is the first step in a partnership to explain your diagnosis, discuss treatment options, and answer all your questions with care and compassion.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is considered, Dr. Gaddis prioritizes a patient's overall health, fitness level, and personal goals when determining the best cancer treatment. Personalized plans are tailored to maximize effectiveness while minimizing side effects and preserving independence.
- 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 at any stage alongside other treatments. Hospice care, on the other hand, is comfort care for when curative treatment is no longer pursued.
- What is radiation therapy?
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to precisely target and destroy cancer cells, while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. It's a localized treatment, affecting only the area being treated. The procedure itself is painless, similar to an X-ray.
- 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 major 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.
- How is breast cancer treated in older women?
- Treatment for breast cancer in older women is highly personalized, based on 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. Gaddis works with a team to recommend the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
- What does it mean if my prostate cancer is managed with 'active surveillance'?
- Active surveillance is a safe and standard approach for managing 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 problems.
7015 A C Skinner Pkwy Ste 1
Jacksonville FL 32256
Phone: (904) 997-3800
Dr. Thomas Gaddis, 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): 1346245768
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. Thomas Gaddis 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.