MDNews - Mid Hudson

" Education is a vital component of what we do, including educating the community about their risk levels and the importance of screenings. In addition, we've been providing CME courses for physicians in the area, and we are involving members of other cancer programs in the state so they understand our capabilities. At the end of the day, it's about ensuring that patients and physicians alike are aware of the services we offer, and how we can partner with them to provide a comprehensive level of oncology care." CLIFF CONNERY, MD, FACS, FCCP, MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF THE DYSON CENTER FOR CANCER CARE AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF THE HEALTH QUEST MEDICAL PRACTICE DIVISION OF THORACIC ONCOLOGY "Traditional replacement involves a rotational flap, so this is highly specialized in that you're disconnecting it from the body and its blood supply and then recon- necting it to another blood supply under the microscope," Dr. Keleher explains. "Patients are evaluated to ensure they're appropriate candidates for the surgery. These surgeons completed a fellowship in microvessel surgery and then specialized in breast surgery. There are only a few such specialists in the country." Dr. Keleher collaborates with the plastic surgeons, who share o„ce space at the Dyson Breast Center, to determine the appropriate mastectomy and reconstruc- tion techniques for each patient. In some cases, the surgeons can remove the cancer and immediately perform the reconstruc- tive procedure, reducing the number of surgeries a patient must undergo. The Dyson Breast Center's dedica- tion to improving patient outcomes and satisfaction is also evident in its utili- zation of breast tomosynthesis, which increases early breast cancer detection and decreases unnecessary callbacks. In addition, patients have opportunities to participate in national clinical trials or speak to a genetic counselor about their personal risk levels for breast cancer. A social worker navigator connects patients to supportive services they may require, i nclud i n g a n onco -nut r it ion ist a nd massage therapist, and patients can access other resources as well, such as financial assistance professionals or services that can help them obtain prostheses or wigs. EASING THE BURDEN ON PATIENTS The challenges of a cancer diagnosis are amplified for patients when they must seek treatment and follow-up care in major met- ropolitan areas a significant distance from the communities where they and their families live and work. Vassar Brothers Medical Center's comprehensive level of services means patients can receive the high-quality, specialized oncologic care they need in a location that is convenient for them and that fosters close collabora- tion with their referring physicians. "Our cancer program has grown in numbers, but a lso in prov iders a nd specialties, and that's what we want," Dr. Keleher says. "Patients going through cancer shouldn't have to travel hours to get to a place where they feel they will receive quality care. We're providing state-of-the- art diagnosis, treatment and supportive services in our patients' backyard, and in a personalized, compassionate man- ner. We know the area, and we want to take care of this community. That's our goa l, a nd we've brought together the components necessary to achieve it." For more information , visit health quest.org/cancer. ■ "Our cancer program has grown in numbers, but also in providers and specialties, and that's what we want," Dr. Keleher says. 1 0 1 0❱❱❱❱❱ C O V E R F E A T U R E

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