CHI Saint Joseph Health – Cancer Care in Lexington Adds Seasoned Physician

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 1, 2024) – CHI Saint Joseph Health – Cancer Care in Lexington welcomes Nicola Jabbour, MD, to its esteemed team of caregivers. Dr. Jabbour has taken care of cancer patients for nearly 14 years, practicing oncology and hematology in Hazard and Danville.

Dr. Jabbour grew up in Syria, where his father, and several family members, uncles and cousins, were physicians. “By the time I was in high school, I knew I wanted to be a doctor,” he said. “Medicine is the science that always interested me and I considered myself a people person.”

During his internship year in Chicago, Dr. Jabbour completed oncology rotations as part of his training, discovering his love for working with cancer patients. “Oncology patients are the most honest, heroic and spiritual people that I ever met, and the opportunity to help and deal with them for the rest of my career has been a learning experience for me on how to be a true human being,” he said.

He knows the unique challenges and emotional weight that come with a cancer diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding.

“Receiving a cancer diagnosis strips away the phoniness that we sometimes put on our day-to-day life. Many of my patients experience anger or denial when they have cancer, and I understand that. I want them to know I’m here for them, and we’re in this together,” said Dr. Jabbour.

Central to Dr. Jabbour’s approach to patient care is a commitment to transparency, patience and collaboration. He believes in fostering open, honest communication to establish trust and mutual respect with his patients. “I want my patients to fully understand their diagnosis, prognosis and all their treatment options so they feel empowered and informed every step of the way,” he said. “This way, when we decide on a treatment plan, it’s a mutual decision. This can only be done if my patients trust me, which is why I am honest and straightforward with them.”

Dr. Jabbour obtained his medical degree from the University of Tishreen in Latakia, Syria, before pursuing further training in the United States. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago, followed by a fellowship in hematology/medical oncology at the University of Connecticut. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Jabbour has contributed to medical education through teaching roles in Hazard and at the University of Kentucky.

During his free time, Dr. Jabbour enjoys cycling, playing pickleball, reading history and being active in his church. He and his wife also stay busy caring for their three children.

Dr. Jabbour is practicing at CHI Saint Joseph Health – Cancer Care Center, located at 3470 Blazer Parkway, Suite 350, in Lexington. To make an appointment, call 859.629.7110.

About CHI Saint Joseph Health

CHI Saint Joseph Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 100 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes, home health agencies and an ambulatory Care Center. The hospitals in CHI Saint Joseph Health are Flaget Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Berea, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph Jessamine, Saint Joseph London, Saint Joseph Mount Sterling, and Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. CHI Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to providing a wide array of services toward a goal of building a healthier future for all. CHI Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.

About the CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group

CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group is the employed provider network of CHI Saint Joseph Health with 88 locations in 17 communities throughout central and eastern Kentucky.

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