Mindie Kavanaugh, MD

Meet Mindie Kavanaugh, MD

Bringing Advanced Cancer Care, Research and Compassionate Support to East Texas

Dr. Mindie Kavanaugh is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist with specialized expertise in gastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal, pancreatic, liver and gastric malignancies. Trained at LSU Health Shreveport, where she completed medical school, Internal Medicine residency and Hematology/Oncology fellowship training, Dr. Kavanaugh has built her career around helping patients navigate complex cancer diagnoses with clarity, confidence and compassion. With extensive experience in academic medicine, clinical research and cancer program leadership, she is committed to expanding access to advanced oncology care for patients and families throughout Longview and the surrounding East Texas communities.

Career at a Glance

• Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology
• Chief Fellow during Hematology/Oncology fellowship training
• Clinical expertise in gastrointestinal cancers, integrative oncology and palliative care
• Published researcher and clinical trial investigator focused on colorectal cancer outcomes, cancer disparities and innovative cancer treatments

Clinical Role and Leadership

Throughout her career, Dr. Kavanaugh has served in numerous leadership roles focused on improving access to high-quality cancer care, including Director of GI Oncology, Director of the Monroe Cancer Clinic, Physician Leader for cancer program initiatives and Co-Director of Hepatobiliary Conference programs. She is passionate about delivering comprehensive cancer care that addresses not only the disease itself but also the physical, emotional and supportive needs of each patient. Her interests in integrative oncology and palliative care help ensure patients receive personalized, whole-person care throughout every phase of treatment.

She provides specialized care for adults ages 18 and older with conditions such as:

• Colorectal cancer (colon and rectal cancer)
• Pancreatic cancer
• Liver cancer and hepatobiliary malignancies
• Stomach (gastric) cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Neuroendocrine tumors
• Blood cancers and hematologic disorders

What You Can Expect from Care with Mindie Kavanaugh, MD

Dr. Kavanaugh believes every patient deserves the same level of care and respect she would want for her own family. Her role is not simply to recommend treatment, but to help patients understand their diagnosis, their options and the information they need to make the best decision for themselves. She recognizes that cancer affects entire families and is committed to providing guidance, education and support every step of the way.

You can expect:

• Honest, easy-to-understand conversations about your diagnosis and treatment options
• Personalized recommendations tailored to your individual goals and circumstances
• A collaborative approach that empowers you to make informed decisions
• Access to the latest research, clinical trials and evidence-based therapies
• Compassionate care that supports both patients and their loved ones throughout treatment

Advanced Diagnostic Care and Treatment Innovation

Dr. Kavanaugh combines leading-edge oncology treatments with a personalized, patient-centered approach. Her experience includes participation in national clinical trials and multidisciplinary cancer programs that help bring emerging therapies closer to patients in the community setting.

Her areas of expertise include:

• Gastrointestinal oncology
• Integrative oncology approaches that support overall well-being during cancer treatment
• Precision oncology and personalized treatment planning
• Clinical trial enrollment and research-based cancer care
• Palliative care integration to enhance quality of life throughout treatment
• Multidisciplinary tumor board review and treatment coordination

By combining research, innovation and compassionate care, Dr. Kavanaugh helps patients access advanced treatment options while remaining focused on their quality of life and long-term goals.

Research, Clinical Insight and Thought Leadership

In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Kavanaugh has earned recognition as a clinical researcher, educator and advocate for improving cancer outcomes. Her peer-reviewed research has explored colorectal cancer survival, treatment disparities, surgical and chemotherapy outcomes, and rare gastrointestinal cancers. She has contributed to national clinical trials and published work that helps shape how cancer care is delivered across the country.

As a faculty member and educator, she has mentored medical students, residents and oncology fellows while helping develop educational programs and clinical training initiatives. Her commitment to research ensures patients benefit from the latest advances in cancer treatment and supportive care.

Commitment to Public Health and Health Equity

Dr. Kavanaugh is a strong advocate for cancer prevention, screening and early detection. Throughout her career, she has participated in community education programs, public awareness initiatives and outreach efforts designed to improve access to cancer care and reduce disparities in treatment outcomes.

Her research has also examined factors that influence cancer survival and access to care, reflecting her commitment to ensuring every patient has the opportunity to receive high-quality, evidence-based treatment. She encourages proactive screenings, conversations about family history and genetic risk assessment when appropriate, helping patients take an active role in protecting their health.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Kavanaugh enjoys spending time with her family and their farm. She and her partner, Ben, are raising their children, and much of her time away from work is spent outdoors. Whether reading, caring for animals or enjoying life on the farm, these experiences reinforce the values of family, resilience and connection that influence her approach to caring for patients.