J.Thaddeus Beck, MD, FACP

J. Thaddeus Beck, MD is a founding physician and Medical Director of Highlands Oncology, where he has played a pivotal role in transforming cancer care in Northwest Arkansas. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock in 1985, completed his residency in internal medicine there in 1988, and went on to complete a fellowship in hematology and oncology at Duke University Medical School in Durham, North Carolina, from 1988 to 1991.

In June of 1996, Dr. Beck, alongside Drs. Daniel Bradford and Malcolm Hayward, founded Highlands Oncology with a shared vision: to provide patients in their home community access to the same advanced, innovative cancer care available at major academic centers. That vision has remained a driving force throughout Dr. Beck’s career. 

Dr. Beck is board certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and was elected a Fellow of the American College of Physicians in 2002. From the very beginning of his career, he expressed a strong desire to be involved in clinical cancer trials, fueled by intellectual curiosity and a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes. 

As Medical Director, Dr. Beck built Highlands Oncology’s clinical research program from the ground up into one of the largest and most successful community-based clinical trial programs in the country. He currently oversees more than 140 active clinical trials, working alongside approximately 30 providers and over 50 dedicated clinical research staff. Under his leadership, patients in Northwest Arkansas have access to first line and Phase I–III clinical trials—care that often rivals or exceeds what is available at major academic institutions. Patients frequently seek trials elsewhere only to discover the same cutting-edge options available at Highlands, a testament to the depth and strength of the program Dr. Beck has developed. 

Despite the scope of his leadership responsibilities, Dr. Beck remains deeply committed to patient care. He takes the time to sit with patients, develop thoughtful treatment plans, and ensure they understand and feel prepared for their journey. He carefully selects clinical trials he believes will be most meaningful and beneficial for the patients he serves.

Dr. Beck’s Role in Clinical Trials

Dr. Beck plays a vital role in advancing cancer treatment through his dedicated involvement in our Clinical Trials program.