Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1043567
SPECIAL CLINICAL SECTION: ONCOLOGY Baptist Network for Cancer Care Our Approach to a Patient's Needs BY MORTON K AHLENBERG, MD, FACS THE PRE VENTION AND TRE ATMENT OF BRE A ST CANCER IS OPTIMALLY ACHIE VED THROUGH A WELL ORCHESTR ATED TE AM APPROACH. THE BAPTIST NE T WORK FOR CANCER CARE WA S CRE ATED MORE THAN FIVE YE ARS AGO TO PROVIDE BE X AR COUNT Y AND SOUTH TE X A S WITH AN EFFICIENT AND COMPA SSIONATE MODEL TO PRE VENT AND TRE AT BRE A ST CANCER. A S A RESULT, OUR BRE A ST CENTERS HAVE GARNERED AND MAINTAINED NATIONAL RECOGNITION AND CERTIFICATION OF E XCELLENCE THROUGH THE NATIONAL ACCREDITATION PROGR AM FOR BRE A ST CENTERS (NAPBC). THE TR A DITION A L CA RE model for cancer care has been for patients to be seen by va rious physicia ns in a step- wise manner, often waiting a significant amount of time for each appointment, i n s u r a n c e a u t h or i z a t ion , a n d a n y required clinica l or radiologic services. Our model provides care coordination a nd a persona l i zed , compa ssionat e approach throughout each step of the care continuum. The Baptist Network for Cancer Care provides advanced breast radiology ser- vices at multiple locations throughout San Antonio. Radiology services include digital mammography, tomosynthesis (3D mammography), ultrasound, breast MRI and image-guided biopsy. Once an abnorma l mammogram is encountered and a biopsy is required, patients are introduced to a nurse naviga- tor. For patients who require care based on their biopsy findings, the nurse navigator becomes a personal care concierge and quarterback of care, ensuring that care from cancer specialists is provided in a timely manner. Our nurse navigators a re exper tly tra ined a nd cer tif ied to address all aspects and issues patients may face with the diagnosis of breast cancer. Stress and anxiety is generated by the unknown, and our nurse navigators empower patients with knowledge to help decrease anxiety and stress. Favorable treatment outcomes from breast cancer require skilled, experi- enced and compassionate physicians. The Baptist Network for Cancer Care is aligned with local breast cancer physi- cians from experienced oncolog y and surgical practices. Patients are provided access to advanced surgical, medical and radiation oncolog y services, as well as access to national clinical trials. Mo der n s u r g ic a l t e ch n ique s a re provided by the surgical specialists in the Baptist Network for Cancer Care, including breast preserving techniques and skin- and nipple-sparing mastecto- mies with reconstruction. Patients have access to network plastic surgeons who offer modern reconstruction techniques including expanders and implants as well as using one's own tissue (autologous reconstruction using DIEP, TR AM and latissimus flaps). Gene abnormalities serve as signifi- cant risk factors for breast cancer and the Baptist Network for Cancer Care provides genetic counseling and test- ing services for patients and families to ensure proper treatment and possible prevention of cancer. Baptist Health System is privileged to provide access to cancer care for San Antonio and south Texas. n Baptist Network for Cancer Team (from left to right): Jessica Shults, Michelle Speicher, Briana Sanchez, Sherry Archer, Dennis Rousseau, MD,PhD, FACS, Morton Kahlenberg, MD, FACS, Kathy Friedrichsen, Edith Zambrano, Andrea Kassem, Cleveland Sigh 1 6