2008 40 Under 40 Honoree: Benjamin Morris

As director of the Outpatient Cancer Center at the Skaggs Community Health Center in Branson, he has been working to implement a comprehensive cancer care program that will open in the next year.

“My role in this endeavor is to ensure that the entire cancer service line at Skaggs is successful in meeting the needs of cancer patients in the Branson area,” Morris says.

Specifically, the program will provide radiation therapy and chemotherapy services to residents in Stone and Taney counties and the surrounding areas.

Already, some treatments are offered through the program, and in the meantime, Morris says he’s meeting with a group of cancer survivors to gauge which ancillary services would improve the center.

Morris also serves the community in such groups as the American Cancer Society and its Relay for Life fundraiser.

“As the director of the cancer center, it is important for me to be involved in civic activities, especially those related to cancer care,” Morris notes.

He also was appointed to serve on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ Radiation Control Program’s radiation control advisory group, which is responsible for updating Missouri’s radiation safety and protection policies, some of which were more than three decades old.

At 24, Morris was the youngest president ever elected by the Missouri Society of Radiologic Technologists, where he designed and implemented a program of student mentorship.

“Since its inception, the program has resulted in a number of individuals going on to become leaders in the Missouri society as well as at the national level,” Morris says.

“It has allowed us to foster our own professional growth. Missouri seems to have a pretty strong presence, not only at the state level but at the national level.”

Morris also has impacted the CoxHealth School of Radiation therapy.

“I have helped 14 students achieve their goal of becoming radiation therapists, most of whom continue to work here in southwest Missouri,” Morris says.

Double Play

Birth date: Feb. 11, 1978

Family: My wife, Emily, and I have been married for almost eight years. Emily is the librarian at Republic High School. We were recently blessed with our first child, Paige Madelaine, who was born Feb. 14.

Philosophy to live/work by: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” –John 8:32

In a fantasy world, which professional sport would you play? Baseball. Like most boys, as a child I dreamed of growing up to be a Major League Baseball player. My favorite player was Will Clark.

Information accurate at the time of the honor.