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SPECIAL FEATURE is the ability to care for all medical and surgical oncology patients in one dedicated unit. "This not only enhances clinical collaboration, but patient comfort and administrative effi ciency as well," Moser says. "Patients can bypass admissions and be admitted directly to the unit, a famil- iar space staffed by those who understand every aspect of their personal, emotional and clinical concerns." "This is the most ideal arrangement for our patients, and we are privileged to have the opportunity to make it happen," she says. Via Christi's integrative therapies include yoga, art, music and massage therapy. A Legacy of Progress The opening of the cancer institute is just one of many in Via Christi's ongoing efforts to make leading-edge cancer care available close to home, which started in 1983 with the establishment of the Wichita Clinical Community Oncology Program, which has had more than 12,000 patient participants to date. In 1989, Via Christi established the Blood and Marrow Transplant Center, followed by the addition of advanced treatment and technologies, such as CyberKnife and da Vinci Robotic Surgery. Currently, Via Christi is the only facility in the region offering CyberKnife. "Via Christi has always been dedicated Family media room in the Via Christi Cancer Institute much more efficient for the cancer treatment team." A large conference room and multidis- ciplinary work areas promoting greater collaboration among cancer physician specialists, nurses and other members of the cancer treatment team are highlights of the clinical features. "The cancer institute is completely state of the art and is almost what amounts to an independent hospital. When we rebuilt the space, we con- 10 | Greater Kansas MD NEWS MDNEWS.COM structed certain rooms in a way that made them capable of being an ICU in the future. We have always provided excellent care, and under the excellent leadership of Dr. Shaker Dakhil, and with the support of our incredible staff, we now have the dedicated space patients deserve," says Mattar. Unifi ed Space A monumental difference the Via Christi Cancer Institute brings to care to quality cancer care," says Shaker Dakhil, M.D., President of Cancer Center of Kansas and Medical Director for Via Christi Oncology Services. "They have the best physicians and the best nursing staff, and now they have the best facili- ties in the region for caring for patients with cancer." The opening of the cancer institute begins a new era of a comprehensive continuum of cancer services — includ- ing outreach, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support — as well as the spirit of compassion that continues to be the cornerstone of care at Via Christi Health's Wichita hospitals. s