A new oncologist recently began working in Demopolis at Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Shawn Tai will be working with cancer patients in Demopolis two-and-a-half days a week. He works in Tuscaloosa the other half of the week.

Tai, who spoke to the Demopolis Kiwanis Club Tuesday, said it is beneficial for patients to have their doctors here in town because it’s difficult for them to travel so far for therapy.

“Having a presence here and not having the patients drive so far is great for this area,” Tai said. “Even a 15 minute ride can be taxing for someone going through chemotherapy or radiation, let alone an hour.”

He added that working in Demopolis adds a broader range of coverage for this part of Alabama.

“Having everything here is important,” he said. “Patients can see their cancer doctor and their radiation doctor all in one visit. I like being able to limit travel for my patients for quality care.”

Tai grew up in Dallas, Texas, and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Dallas. He just completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Florida a few months ago.

He has been working in Demopolis for two months, and said he hopes to interact with the community more in the future.

“I want to get out and interact with the community more,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know more people in this area.”