Dr. Aaron O. Williams is an experienced radiation oncologist, registered pharmacist, and founding Medical Director of the Athens Cancer Center in Athens, Ohio. Dr. Williams also serves as an international consultant to countries with limited access to radiation therapy. He has driven the creation of many domestic outreach programs, including the Appalachian Cancer Foundation, which he is establishing with the mission of providing direct aid to cancer patients and their families in that region.
In addition to his practice and consulting, Dr. Williams delivers presentations on radiation oncology, pharmacy, other cancer-related topics, and biomedical research. He has been a Clinical Assistant Professor at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and has spoken for many medical organizations and universities across the world. Entities include the European Society of Radiotherapy and Oncology, National Medical Association, Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ohio State University, All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, India, Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya as well as the American International University of West Africa in The Gambia. He as has also been a visiting radiation oncologist at the Centre Medical Specialise ELYSIUM and the Centre International de Cancerologie de Dakar in Senegal. Professionally, Dr. Williams is a member of the American College of Radiation Oncology and National Community Pharmacists Association.
Dr. Williams earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa, FL and completed residency training at the Wayne State University/ Detroit Medical Center/ Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, an NCI designated cancer center. Dr. Williams also earned a Doctor of Pharmacy and post-doctoral pharmacy residency at Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences in Tallahassee, FL. He is also a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Haslam College of Business where he earned an Executive MBA.
Dr. Williams' Philosophy of Care
After practicing pharmacy and being involved in the treatment of diseases, I became more interested in the diagnosis and management of diseases and wanted to come full circle and study medicine. I chose oncology because though cancer is a potentially life-threatening disease, there continue to be significant advances in technology in combating this disease. I feel privileged to be able to make a contribution and potentially cure a patient with cancer.
When a patient learns that they have cancer, their whole world changes. Not only do they become worried, so do their friends and family members. To help alleviate patients’ fears, I feel that they should be provided with the utmost personalized care and compassion. Explanation of their condition and any recommended treatment in simple, easy-to-understand language is utmost important. Finally, spending the time to answer their questions and address their concerns is key. Patients find this extra attention can make the whole process a positive one for them and their loved ones.
“I feel privileged to be able to make a contribution and potentially cure a patient with cancer.”