Dr. Kristin Higgins, a renowned radiation oncologist with a specialization in lung cancer, assumed the role of Chief Clinical Officer at City of Hope Atlanta in January 2024. Her appointment marks an exciting chapter for City of Hope’s Atlanta campus as it continues its mission to provide world-class, patient-centered cancer care in Georgia.
Dr. Higgins brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. After an impressive 13-year tenure at Emory University, where she served as Vice Chair for Clinical Research in Radiation Oncology, she is poised to guide City of Hope Atlanta to new heights. Known for her innovative approach to treating lung cancer, Dr. Higgins has a reputation for putting patients first—a value that aligns seamlessly with City of Hope’s mission.
City of Hope, founded over a century ago in Los Angeles, is a globally recognized leader in cancer treatment and research. Its legacy includes pioneering advances that have changed the face of medicine, such as the development of synthetic insulin and breakthrough cancer therapies. Ranked #5 by U.S. News & World Report for cancer care, City of Hope expanded its reach in 2022 with the acquisition of Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) locations in Phoenix, Chicago, and Atlanta. This acquisition created a cohesive, nationwide network focused exclusively on comprehensive cancer care.
What sets City of Hope apart from other institutions is its holistic and patient-centered approach to cancer treatment. “Everything a cancer patient needs is under one roof,” says Dr. Higgins. “From expedited appointments to personalized care, our entire team is aligned around the mission to turn hope into reality.” This integrated model ensures that patients receive not just cutting-edge medical treatments but also the emotional, psychological, and practical support they need during their journey.
City of Hope Atlanta is also deeply committed to engaging with the local community, offering educational events and free screenings to raise awareness and support early detection efforts. Two upcoming events underscore this commitment: a Cervical Cancer Screening Event on January 14 and a Breast Cancer Screening Event on March 12. These events are part of City of Hope’s broader strategy to make top-tier cancer care accessible and proactive for everyone in the community.
Dr. Higgins, a passionate advocate for patient care, highlights the deeply rewarding nature of her work. “Having a patient with stage 3 lung cancer that is curable but not necessarily a slam-dunk—taking those patients through radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, going through follow-up with them, and being able to tell them they are cured—is probably one of the most rewarding experiences,” she shares. Her dedication exemplifies City of Hope’s commitment to offering not just treatment but also genuine hope and healing.
The Atlanta campus is more than just a treatment center; it’s a hub of innovation and compassionate care. With a multidisciplinary team of experts working collaboratively under one roof, patients at City of Hope Atlanta have access to the latest advancements in oncology, clinical trials, and supportive therapies. This approach ensures that each patient receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.
In Atlanta, the impact of City of Hope’s expansion is already being felt. The integration of CTCA’s infrastructure with City of Hope’s cutting-edge research and patient-centered philosophy has created a robust cancer care network that’s uniquely positioned to serve patients in the Southeast. For local residents facing a cancer diagnosis, this means access to some of the most advanced treatments available anywhere in the world, delivered by a team that genuinely cares about their well-being.
Dr. Higgins and her team are not just transforming cancer care—they are transforming lives. Their dedication to each patient’s journey, from diagnosis to survivorship, ensures that no one faces cancer alone. “At City of Hope, it’s about more than medicine,” Dr. Higgins says. “It’s about human connection and the belief that together, we can overcome even the most challenging diagnoses.”
To learn more about their services and upcoming events, visit cityofhope.org/locations/atlanta, follow @cityofhopeatlanta on Instagram.