MDNews - San Antonio

COVER FEATURE Comprehensive NETWORK of Breast Cancer Coverage for All Patients By Michael Ferguson ONE IN EIGHT WOMEN WILL PERSONALLY BATTLE BREAST CANCER AT SOME POINT IN LIFE, ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE. IN 2012, THERE WERE AN ESTIMATED 1,460 TOTAL CASES IN BEXAR COUNTY, AND SPECIALISTS AT METHODIST HEALTHCARE PROVIDED CARE FOR APPROXIMATELY 1,000 WOMEN FROM BEXAR COUNTY AND BEYOND. F ACING SURGING INCIDENCE rates and increasingly complex treatment plans, physician leaders and Methodist Healthcare leadership have recognized the necessity of an integrated, comprehensive approach, emphasizing physician leadership and patient-centered care. "We have implemented a collaborative model for physicians and hospital leadership to engage in an open dialogue for continuous improvement of services, quality and patient experience," says Jonathan Tinker, Regional Vice President for Cancer Services at Methodist Healthcare. Setting the Standard The system's reputation for providing the 6 | San Antonio MD NEWS I MDNEWS.COM highest levels of care began 50 years ago, when Methodist Hospital opened its doors. During the last half-century, the criteria of excellence cultivated at Methodist Hospital has spread throughout the system and influenced the way health care is practiced in south Texas and beyond. An example of the historical strength is the concept of prospective breast tumor con ference s, where a team of specialists discusses and determines the best treatment p a t hw a y f or Paula Larson, MD patients. Paula Larson, MD, Managing Partner of South Texas Pathology Associates, who helped spur the advent of these conferences in 1992, notes that they also cultivate a more effective synergy between colleagues. "Through these conferences, I've learned a lot about what problems surgeons and radiologists face in breast cancer treatment," Dr. Larson says. "Knowing other physicians' challenges makes the care you provide better because you can help colleagues avoid these difficulties. The conferences facilitate communication and result in improved patient outcomes." In addition to the breast conference at Methodist Hospital, biweekly breast conferences are also held at Metropolitan

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