Freeman Welcomes New Oncologist

Joplin, MO – Freeman Health System welcomes Regine Leconte, MD, to Freeman Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute. A physician since 1992, she was drawn to oncology and hematology because she saw hope in these fields.

“In my second year of residency, I took part in a hematology/oncology rotation,” said Dr. Leconte. “I saw physicians with great respect for patients and an interest in giving them options so the patients themselves could participate in their treatment plan. I saw hope.”

Dr. Leconte, a board certified medical oncologist and hematologist, comes to Freeman from the Mayo Clinic. She hails from Haiti, where she was born and raised and where she earned her Doctor of Medicine at Universite D’Etat D’Haiti in Port au Prince. Dr. Leconte then did her residency and fellowship at San Juan City Hospital in Puerto Rico. She speaks four languages: English, Spanish, Creole and French. Dr. Leconte said she considered being an agronomist or teacher but realized she wanted to be a doctor in the 11th grade.

“I loved the science behind everything,” Dr. Leconte said. “My aunt had a ministry with patients in the hospital and I went there with her. I was terrified of the hospital at first, but thought if I can do the ministry, I can do medicine.”

Dr. Leconte said she chose Freeman because it values physicians and is committed to patient care.

“I like its dynamic,” said Dr. Leconte. “I always say ‘take it a day at a time.’ I’m excited about all the options Freeman has for cancer patients with medications and technologies. I don’t want to impose treatments on patients but give them choices. We are in this together.”

Appointments with Dr. Regine Leconte are available by referral to the Freeman Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute at 417.347.4000.

                                                                        #####

About Freeman Health System

Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2020, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System the Best Hospital in Southwest Missouri for 2020-2021. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 80 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.