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COVER FEATURE and Hawthorn Oncology Center. Our newly formed partnership allows us to provide even better care, and at greater convenience, to cancer patients in this region, and patients have better access to an array of specialists, including general surgeons, urologists, gastroenterologists and radiologists, in their fight against cancer. Dr. Niedzwicki: Being able to consult with the larger team and provide an even greater complement of specialists is a big plus for our patients. Dr. Anderson: Providing personal hematologic and oncologic care of exceptional quality in the community setting requires a dedicated and experienced staff. We have chemotherapy nurses, a social worker, office managers, medical assistants and support staff who have been the foundation for providing compassionate and patient-centered care for many, many years. By formally creating a combined program, we are able to enhance this foundation with further resources available to our patients and families. It positions us to continue building a comprehensive regional center with extensive services that include local access to clinical trials and coordinated multidisciplinary care, all while maintaining our personal approach. Dr. Dugal: Our growing resource network makes it easier than ever for patients to be treated closer to home. This is the hallmark of a true community cancer care program. What next steps in the combined program do you foresee? Dr. Yang: We will develop more streamlined processes for patients to quickly access the best-quality specialists they need throughout the treatment of their cancer. Dr. Niedzwicki: In addition to treating cancer, I think we'll see an increasing emphasis on helping people prevent cancer. Advanced screenings, genetics, and health and wellness programs are all important in helping prevent a cancer diagnosis. For more information about the Saint Anne's Hospital Regional Cancer Center, please call 508-235-5608 or visit w w w. s t e w a r d . o r g /C a n c e r- C a r e /O u r- C e n t e r s /S a i n tAnnes-Hospital. I The Saint Anne's Hospital Regional Cancer Center team of oncologists: Jacqueline Tan, MD; John Niedzwicki, MD, PhD; Raymond Dugal, MD; J. Bruno Pestana, MD; Michele Albert, MD, FRCPC; Jason Lee, MD; Nancy McKinney, MD; Peter Ward, MD; John Yang, MD; and Elliott Anderson, MD 8 | Greater Boston MD NEWS I MDNEWS.COM