Our Affiliates: The Power and Importance of the Local Oncologist
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Healing in the Heart of the Mountain West
When, began medical school, her aspirations leaned toward obstetrics and gynecology, driven by a passion for women’s health. But a clinical rotation with a lung cancer specialist altered her course. “She was so deeply connected with her patients,” Bigger recalls. “I realized oncology wasn’t just about treating cancer—it was about building relationships and supporting people through some of the hardest moments of their lives.”
That connection, a blend of scientific precision and human empathy, led her to pursue a career in oncology. It’s a journey that has taken her from running an oncology clinic in Botswana to practicing at one of Boston’s largest hospitals. But it was the rugged beauty and unique challenges of the Mountain West that ultimately called her to Helena, Montana.
Bigger joined in 2023. “When I interviewed here, my heart told me this was where I could make a difference,” she says.
Challenges in a Resource-Limited Environment
The transition from a world-renowned, big-city institution to a small clinic in rural Montana wasn’t without its hurdles. St. Peter’s Cancer Care had weathered years of turnover, and resources were scarce. The clinic operates with just two to three oncologists at any given time, requiring adaptability and innovation to meet patients’ needs.
“There’s a learning curve when you work in a place like this,” Bigger admits. “You have to figure out which patients can be treated locally and which need to be referred elsewhere. It’s about being resourceful and building trust within the team and community.”
That trust extends beyond the clinic walls. Affiliates with Huntsman Cancer Institute have been critical in ensuring patients receive advanced care when they need it. Bigger recounts the story of a multiple myeloma patient who initially refused to travel for care due to financial concerns and fear of the unknown. “I knew if she didn’t go, she wouldn’t survive,” Bigger says. With the help of Huntsman Cancer Institute, the patient received lifesaving treatment, and today, she’s back in Helena with an improved outlook.
Compassion and Collaboration
Bigger approaches each patient as an individual, prioritizing their autonomy and preferences. “Cancer takes so much control away from people,” she says. “Even small decisions—like adjusting treatment schedules or choosing supplements—can give patients a sense of agency. It’s about collaboration, not dictation.”
Families, too, play a vital role in this process. Bigger often sees loved ones stepping in as advocates, ensuring that patients’ voices are heard. “It’s a team effort, both in the clinic and at home,” she says.
Under Bigger’s leadership, St. Peter’s Ƶ Cancer Care has begun to stabilize and grow. She credits her team, including her nurse practitioner Melissa Cotner, for their dedication and adaptability.
Together, they’re working to expand services, from administering advanced therapies to exploring the possibility of collaborating with Huntsman Cancer Institute on local clinical trials.
“These treatments save lives,” Bigger says. “With the right training and resources, we can offer more of them here, so patients don’t have to travel.” For Bigger, oncology is more than a career; it’s a calling. Whether in Africa or Montana, her mission remains the same: to ensure everyone, regardless of their resources, receives quality treatment.
“Everyone deserves a chance,” she says. “The work is hard but knowing I’m helping people get the cancer care they need makes it all worthwhile.”