Our Mission

Our Story

In 1996, Dr. Thaddeus Beck, Dr. Daniel Bradford, and Dr. Malcolm Hayward, soon joined by Dr. Patrick Travis, shared a vision of bringing exceptional cancer care closer to home. They believed patients facing cancer and blood disorders deserved access to specialized treatment while remaining near the people and places that mattered most. From those humble beginnings with a small team of physicians and support staff, Highlands Oncology was born.

From the start, Highlands was built on the idea that community-based cancer care could be both compassionate and innovative. That commitment led to the launch of the nation’s first community-based multidisciplinary chest cancer clinic in 1999, bringing specialists together to coordinate care for patients in a way that was uncommon at the time. As they expanded through the years with an additional clinic in Benton County, Highlands continued investing in new technologies, services, and programs designed to keep advanced cancer care accessible to the communities it serves.

A major milestone came in 2020 with the opening of the Springdale campus, bringing clinical care, research, diagnostics, infusion services, and support programs together under one roof. The organization also expanded its nationally recognized clinical research program, becoming home to one of the country’s leading community-based oncology research initiatives and the only community-based Phase I clinical trial program in Arkansas.

Today, Highlands Oncology has grown to 7 locations serving Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, Mountain Home and the surrounding areas. The staff now includes more than 900 employees and over 30 physicians, providing medical, surgical, and radiation oncology, clinical trials, imaging, pharmacy services, genetics, rehabilitation, and supportive care.

In 2026, Highlands celebrated it’s 30-year anniversary. We invite you to hear directly from the physicians who helped start it all. In the fireside chat below, our founders reflect on the early days of Highlands, the challenges and opportunities they encountered, and the vision that continues to guide the organization today.

ONCare Alliance seeks to empower independent practices, enhance community care, and foster innovation through a vast proprietary data engine and a network of exceptional oncological practices. This strategic alliance is poised to redefine excellence in cancer care, emphasizing agility, independence, and a comprehensive support system for clinical trials, advocacy, education, and training, all while maintaining a commitment to high-quality, accessible care for those affected by cancer.