Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/147475
Saint Anne's Hospital Regional Cancer Center medical oncologists John Niedzwicki, MD, PhD, (center) and John Yang, MD, confer with a patient. Dr. Niedzwicki: It strengthens a longtime relationship. We have both provided great community cancer care and consulted with each other for years; now we are members of the same team. One of the new advantages is our ability to offer access to national clinical trials. Saint Anne's has provided access to patients through such nationally respected organizations as the National Cancer Institute since 1976 — that is more experience than any other provider in our region. Now, we're able to extend this to a greater number of patients, too. What are the biggest advantages of the new Saint Anne's Hospital Regional Cancer Center? Dr. Yang: Our team brings not only expertise, years of experience, and research and academic credentials, but especially passion for caring for patients in their communities. We're now able to harness these advantages to care for patients across the Bristol County triangle — from Fall River to Taunton to New Bedford, plus nearby towns on the Massachusetts/Rhode Island border and into southern Plymouth County. Dr. Dugal: Our strength in radiation oncology is an essential component. Our team of radiation oncologists from Brigham and Women's Hospital has worked with Hawthorn physicians in providing radiation therapy to their patients for many years. By making this even more seamlessly available to patients and doing it close to where they live, we eliminate some of the hardships associated with cancer treatment. Patients don't need to travel far; they can save financially and be with friends and family. Dr. Niedzwicki: By partnering with Saint Anne's and becoming part of the Steward Health Care Network, we now have access to coordinated, cross-specialty care for patients with specific cancers. For example, patients with lung cancer may be seen by a team that includes not just oncologists but also specialists in pathology, thoracic surgery and pulmonology. That coordination is valuable in treating patients as promptly and effectively as possible. Dr. Anderson: Hospital-level ancillary clinical services, such as a full laboratory and pharmacy, are now available right at our Dartmouth center and can be easily coordinated between the radiation and medical oncology departments. Saint Anne's extensive diagnostic services, including PET/ CT; coordinated electronic health records; and a full array of services from diagnosis through survivorship, are a great addition to our practice. If a patient needs to be hospitalized, Saint Anne's specialized inpatient cancer program is also a nice option for one to have. Another benefit: Our cancer patients can take advantage of Saint Anne's specialized programs, such as yoga, women's fitness, book clubs and creative arts. These are tailored to their specific health and wellness needs, whether they're in or beyond treatment. What excites you most about this newly combined program? Dr. Yang: Patients in the Fall River/New Bedford area have always received excellent, coordinated cancer care through Saint Anne's Hospital's Hudner Oncology Center MDNEWS.COM I MD NEWS Greater Boston |7