Cancer Talk: Sponsored by Restoration Health Care

Dr. Chen, an Arkansas native, earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and a medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock in 2002. She trained in obstetrics and gynecology at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, in 2004 before completing her internal medicine residency and hematology/oncology fellowship at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia in 2010. 

Dr. Chen is Board-certified in internal medicine, hematology, and oncology. She is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the American Society of Hematology. In addition to English, she speaks Mandarin.

Dr. Mary Thaxton, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with CHI St. Vincent Women’s Clinic in Hot Springs. She earned her medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed her residency at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Thaxton provides comprehensive care ranging from preventive screenings to advanced gynecologic services.  

Jessica Treat, APRN, is a nurse practitioner with National Park Pulmonology Associates, part of National Park Medical Center. She provides specialized care in pulmonary medicine, treating conditions such as asthma, COPD, and other respiratory illnesses. Jessica is passionate about supporting her patients’ health by blending medical expertise with compassionate, personalized care to help them breathe easier and live well. 

Dr. Krakowiak is the science department chair and Instructor of Excellence at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts. She earned a B.S. degree in Chemistry with an emphasis in molecular biology and a Ph.D. in Human Genetics. She is the winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), is state and nationally board certified in Science Education and teaches teachers as the co-director of the Advanced Biology PLUS program. She also co-directs the Arkansas Summer Research Institute in collaboration with Arkansas's NSF EPSCoR program. After studying birth defects at NIH and UAMS, Dr. Krakowiak shifted her focus to developing innovative educational tools for students and teachers.

Dr. O'Sullivan earned a medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2017 and completed her residency in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Arkansas in 2022. She is board-certified in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. She practices comprehensive otolaryngology with a special interest in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

Susan Hernandez is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at Arkansas Heart Hospital, and board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She completed her Master of Science in nursing degree from University of Arkansas for Medical Science in 2008 where she graduated with honors. She also completed her Bachelor of Science in nursing from University of Arkansas for Medical Science in 2005 and her Associate of Science in Nursing from Garland County Community College in 2003. She also holds an Associates Degree in Health Information Management and has been in the medical field for 20+ years. She resides in Hot Springs with her husband Mike and three daughters. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, running and traveling.

Jessica Treat, APRN, is a nurse practitioner with National Park Pulmonology Associates, part of National Park Medical Center. She provides specialized care in pulmonary medicine, treating conditions such as asthma, COPD, and other respiratory illnesses. Jessica is passionate about supporting her patients’ health by blending medical expertise with compassionate, personalized care to help them breathe easier and live well. 

Dr. Warford is an Arkansas native who grew up in Little Rock. She graduated summa cum laude from Florida Southern College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. While there, she competed in three events waterskiing on a scholarship. She then obtained a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences from Mississippi College. She received her medical degree at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), where she graduated with honors and was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha, a national honor medical society. She completed her five-year urologic surgery residency training at UAMS and has been practicing in Hot Springs since then. Dr. Warford is Board certified by the American Board of Urology. She practices general urology and has special interests in robotic surgery, incontinence, kidney stones and enlarged prostates.

Dr. Nicquel Gordon is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with more than 20 years of experience caring for women across all stages of life. She has practiced at the CHI Women’s Center for 21 years, where she provides comprehensive care ranging from contraception and preventative health to minimally invasive surgery, prolapse and incontinence treatment, hormone therapy, menopausal care, and adolescent gynecology.

In addition to her medical practice, Dr. Gordon serves as the Medical Director of Unique Skin, where she has spent the last decade integrating aesthetics and advanced laser therapy into women’s health and wellness. She completed her medical degree and residency training at the University of Oklahoma, building the foundation for a career dedicated to empowering women through compassionate, individualized care.

Dr. Gordon is passionate about helping women feel their best—inside and out—and is known for her approachable, patient-centered style.

Dr. Mary Thaxton, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with CHI St. Vincent Women’s Clinic in Hot Springs. She earned her medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed her residency at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Thaxton provides comprehensive care ranging from preventive screenings to advanced gynecologic services.  

Dr. Marleigh Leek is a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in Pelvic Health at National Park Medical Center. With a passion for patient education, she is dedicated to empowering individuals to better understand their pelvic health and to feel confident in their bodies. Her clinical focus combines compassionate care with evidence-based practice to help patients achieve optimal well-being. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys playing tennis and spending quality time with her family.

Mandy Burton is a board-certified nurse practitioner with 28 years of experience in women’s health, including labor and delivery, flight nursing, and leadership roles. For the past 4 years, she has specialized in urogynecology and am one of only 20 Certified Menopause Practitioners in Arkansas. She is an active member of The Menopause Society, ISSWSH, and AUGS, and has completed advanced training in hormone therapy, menopause-related musculoskeletal issues, testosterone prescribing, and post-cancer hormone management. Her passion is providing evidence-based, compassionate care to women across all stages of life.