PINEHURST — FirstHealth of the Carolinas is excited to announce the arrival of Chasse Bailey-Dorton, M.D., to the FirstHealth cancer care team.
Dr. Bailey-Dorton will lead FirstHealth Cancer Center’s new Integrative Oncology & Survivorship Program, a groundbreaking service that offers evidence-informed integrative therapies to support patients’ cancer treatment. Working in close collaboration with each patient’s oncologist who directs and oversees the primary cancer treatment plan, Dr. Bailey-Dorton helps patients manage symptoms, improve quality of life and foster overall wellness.
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.
Integrative oncology combines mind and body practices, natural products and lifestyle changes, alongside conventional cancer treatments to optimize health, improve quality of life and enhance clinical outcomes. The program will offer patients evidence-based guidance on managing treatment side effects, making lifestyle changes, using supplements safely and more.
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.”
About Integrative Oncology
Integrative oncology integrates evidence-based complementary therapies with conventional treatments to address the physical, emotional and psychological needs of cancer patients. This emerging field follows evidence-based guidelines from the Society of Integrative Oncology (SIO) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Through a blend of lifestyle changes, mind-body practices and natural products, integrative oncology offers a holistic approach to cancer care.
In partnership with a patient’s medical oncologist, FirstHealth’s Integrative Oncology Program provides individualized support, including:
- Management of cancer treatment side effects (e.g., hot flashes, neuropathy, anxiety and
joint pain) - Healthy lifestyle recommendations for reducing cancer recurrence and managing other
health conditions - Guidance on safe use of supplements, herbs and vitamins
- Nutritional counseling in collaboration with the cancer center’s dietitian team
- Physical activity recommendations with support from the cancer wellness team
- Referrals to integrative therapies such as acupuncture, yoga or mindfulness
The Integrative Oncology Program is available to:
- High-risk individuals (e.g., BRCA-positive) for preventative consultation
- Patients with active cancer undergoing treatment
- Survivors in surveillance seeking long-term health guidance
The Integrative Oncology Program offers a safe, evidence-based way for patients to discuss complementary treatments with trained experts.
“Many patients use alternative treatments, but few share this information with their providers,” said Dr. Bailey-Dorton. “This program gives patients the opportunity to discuss and explore these therapies safely.”
For more information about the Integrative Oncology Program, please call (910) 715-0998 or visit www.firsthealth.org/integrativeoncology.
