Title: Physician
Company: St. Luke’s Center for Cancer Care
Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
Elliot E. Abbey, MD, Physician at St. Luke’s Center for Cancer Care, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Doctors for dedication, achievements, and leadership in hematology and oncology.
With 50 years of experience to his credit, Dr. Abbey has found much success in the field of medicine and education, establishing himself as an esteemed board-certified physician and expert in hematology and oncology. Since 2005, he has excelled as a physician operating as a vital part of St. Luke’s Center for Cancer Care in Chesterfield, Missouri. In this position, he focuses on high-level patient care through effective communication and honesty. His commitment to patient communication is deeply rooted in his early education at the Bayer Institute in Connecticut, which emphasized the art of listening to patients. Dr. Abbey believes that comprehensive patient histories are crucial for accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
Prior to his tenure at St. Luke’s Center for Cancer Care, Dr. Abbey served as the president of Oncology-Hematology Therapeutics, Inc. from 1992 to 2005. In this role, he led initiatives that advanced therapeutic practices in his field. He previously worked as a physician at the St. Louis VA Medical Center from 1980 to 1991, where he honed his skills in patient care and medical research. Dr. Abbey began his career at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital, where he completed his residency and fellowship.
Dr. Abbey’s career in academia is equally impressive. He was active as a professor of clinical medicine at Washington University in St. Louis from 1975 to 2024, where he inspired countless students with his passion for teaching and medicine. A firm believer in the power of reading, Dr. Abbey’s dedication to education is further evidenced by his membership with, and his appointment as president of, Alpha Omega Alpha, an honor medical society that recognizes excellence in the medical profession. Likewise, he was greatly motivated by the inspiration and guidance provided to him by his professors at Cornell University.
Before embarking upon his professional path, Dr. Abbey initially pursued an education as a musician, training in piano at the renowned Juilliard School, where his mother had taught for 35 years prior. He subsequently continued his studies at Cornell University, from which he earned a Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry in 1971. He ultimately concluded his academic efforts at New York University in 1975, graduating from the Grossman School of Medicine with a Doctor of Medicine. Soon thereafter, he completed a post-graduate oncology internship at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Abbey attributes much of his success to the mentorship that he received during his formative years, particularly during his time working with Michel Rabinovitch, a renowned macrophage expert.
Beyond his primary achievements, Dr. Abbey is actively involved in civic and philanthropic endeavors. He supports organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League and donor for The Leadership Institute. His contributions in these roles reflect his commitment to giving back to the community and supporting future generations. He was also the recipient of a scholarship from The New York State Regents. Moreover, Dr. Abbey was elected as the past president of the St. Louis Internal Medicine Society.
In his personal time, Dr. Abbey enjoys playing the piano, golf, cooking, shopping for food, and exploring wines. He shares these interests with his loving wife, Kathryn Kiefer, and their four wonderful children: Gail, Curtis, Macy, and Henry. A bilingual healthcare provider who practices in both English and French, he has attributed his success to his ability to search for answers when facing obstacles or gaps in his own knowledge, and his acknowledgement that not everything can be treated. As he looks toward retirement in the coming years, Dr. Abbey aims to expand his extracurricular pursuits while continuing to be remembered as an excellent teacher who made a lasting impact on both his students and patients alike.
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