Christopher Lake Littlejohn, M.D., hematologist and medical oncologist, is now seeing patients at Texas Oncology–Longview. Dr. Littlejohn shares how he provides personalized and unique care for each patient, as well as his passion for music.
What inspired you to specialize in cancer care?
The relationship between patient and oncologist is unlike anything else I found in medicine. I cherish the opportunity to not only treat cancer, but to also treat the whole person and work with his or her family so that they, too, can best care for their loved one. There are so many unknowns in oncology, and building trust in those situations is abundantly important. A solid relationship must precede any belief the patient has in his or her physician.
What do you want patients to know about you?
I would like my patients to know that I am committed to providing personal and unique care to each and every person that walks through the door. My faith, family, and friends are integral to who I am as a person.
What's the most memorable volunteer experience you have had and where was it?
Following my first year of medical school, I had the opportunity to travel to impoverished areas in Costa Rica and Panama to serve with a medical mission team. A lot of the folks we came in contact with just needed someone to listen to them. Experiences like these always put life in perspective and make me exceedingly grateful for the gifts I have been given.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by the memory of a friend I lost recently to cancer. He made every effort to spend as much time as possible with his wife and young son while he still had the energy to do so. He lost his father when he was a young boy and had intimate knowledge of the challenges his son would face growing up. I think about him and his family often and am reminded of how important it is to not only develop a deep relationship with my patients, but also with the family.
How do you get involved within your community?
Having just moved back to town, we're still getting settled in. I plan to get involved at our church and with my kids' sports teams. I also volunteer my time at Camp Fern Legacy in Marshall.
Do you play any instruments? If so, what do you play and how did you get started?
I play the guitar, primarily acoustic. I was given my first guitar around age 10 but started playing more seriously in high school and college. Music is a passion of mine. I'm always open to talking music and guitars.