Meet Our Providers

Kami McVeigh, APN

Board Certifications:
Family Nurse Practitioner
Staff Education:
Kami graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with her BSN in 1987, and with her MSN from University of North Dakota in 1997.
Work History:
I have been a nurse practitioner for more than 20 years, and the last 13 years have been in oncology at Illinois Cancer Care. I have spent most of that time in the breast cancer arena, but I have also helped to develop the Cancer Survivorship Program. I currently lead the Cancer Genetics Program and continue to work with a diverse population of oncology patients as well, but I have a large percentage of breast cancer patients still. Before returning to oncology in 2008, I spent over 10 years in Family Practice in community based clinic settings.
When did you join Illinois CancerCare?
October 2008
Hobbies / Interests:
I love walking, biking, reading, and gardening. I spend most of my time outside of work with my family and friends. We love to travel, and I have a passion for mission trips as well.
What medical change has impacted the field of cancer the most since you began practicing medicine?
I continue to be amazed at how fast cancer care changes. The development of new drug therapies has advanced faster every year that I practice in the field. However, in the last several years, I have been privileged to be a part of the development of new supportive care programs, such as cancer survivorship and cancer genetics. Genomic medicine is really at the forefront of cancer care today, so it's an exciting time to be involved in this field.
Why did you choose your field?
I chose oncology as a new RN many years ago because I found the patient care to be very fulfilling and the science behind the diseases to be very interesting. Today, many years later, I would say my answer remains the same. The science of oncology care is ever changing and more exciting than ever. That said, I still find my patients to be some of the greatest heroes I've ever met. I am constantly in awe of how people cope with this disease, and I continually learn something about the human spirit. I am privileged to walk the journey with my patients.
Why did you choose Illinois to practice when you could have gone anywhere in the country?
I moved back to Peoria after being gone 20 plus years to be close to family again. I appreciate the Midwest values and friends in this area. I enjoy spending time with my grown children and extended family now.
Do you have any advice to give patients after they have been diagnosed with cancer?
My advice to patients upon diagnosis is to reach out to those who support you, think positively, and surround yourself with others who do the same. Take time to laugh and rest and play every day. Make time for the important people in your life, and allow them to be a part of the journey with you.