You are stepping into more than a position — you are inheriting the legacy of a beloved community program that has served the Columbia Gorge for over 25 years. As the new Hematologist/Oncologist at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge’s Celilo Cancer Center, you will become the cornerstone of a service line that has weathered transition and is now poised for renewal. The previous physician’s retirement created an opportunity for a new leader — someone who values quality, connection, and the satisfaction of providing continuity of care in a close-knit, mission-driven environment.
The cancer center’s reach extends far beyond the city limits of The Dalles, serving five to six counties and a catchment area of 11,000 square miles — approximately 65,000 lives that depend on this program for their oncology needs. Patients travel from both sides of the Columbia River, often choosing this center over urban options because of its personalized, relationship-driven approach to medicine. In this role, you are not simply filling a vacancy; you are restoring access and stability to an entire region.
At Celilo Cancer Center, success is defined by the quality of your relationships rather than the volume of your encounters. You’ll find a practice designed around low-volume, high-quality care, allowing time for meaningful dialogue, careful planning, and continuity across the full spectrum of oncology. The clinical pace reflects the program’s philosophy — to treat each patient like family, supported by nurses, pharmacists, and navigators who share your values of empathy and precision.
This is an Oncology Generalist position ideal for a physician who finds fulfillment in comprehensive, community-based practice. The center has the infrastructure, patient base, and system support to expand, making this an excellent opportunity for a provider who enjoys program-building. For those with leadership experience or interest, the organization is prepared to designate you as the Medical Director of Hematology/Oncology, guiding accreditation initiatives, program development, and future recruitment as volume grows.
Adventist Health Columbia Gorge stands apart for its commitment to physician retention, family well-being, and long-term satisfaction. You will be supported by leadership that values collaboration over bureaucracy and mentorship over hierarchy. The health system’s flexible compensation model allows you to choose between an ongoing guaranteed salary or a 90/10 productivity structure — both designed to reward stability and patient-centered care rather than speed.
The organization’s onsite childcare, collegial work environment, and patient-first culture make it possible to build a rewarding practice without sacrificing family or lifestyle. Leadership has prioritized creating a sustainable schedule and a culture of mutual respect — something that has kept many of the nursing and administrative staff here for years, even through times of transition.
As you step into this role, you will inherit a respected name in the community and the trust of both colleagues and patients who are eager for long-term continuity. Your presence will allow the cancer center to pursue reaccreditation, expand community outreach, and set the foundation for future growth — including the potential recruitment of an additional oncologist as patient volume continues to rise. You will also find yourself surrounded by peers who understand that true success in medicine isn’t measured only in metrics, but in the number of patients who feel seen, known, and cared for.
Here, your work will matter deeply — not just to the patients you treat, but to an entire community that depends on the heart, skill, and presence of its oncologist.