From stepping stones to milestones Building a foundation for the future Annual Report 2021
Pillars of strength At Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, we believe in surrounding our patients, like Yvette Edwards, with care. They are the foundation of everything we do, and their strength is inspirational.
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2 BaptistMDAnderson.com 2021 Program Milestones 7 fellowship-trained physicians recruited 10,601 new patients treated 48 open clinical trials Reaccredited by the Commission on ReaccreditedCancer by the National Accreditation Program for Breast ReceivedCentersaccreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC). Hosted patients.availablesupportshowcasingWeekSurvivorshipaExpotheservicestoour Partnered with Nassau County Fire Rescue to expand our First Responders Program, which is dedicated to caring for current and former first responders with cancer. Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center earned a three-year certification from QOPI®, the quality program for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). This certification is awarded to outpatient hematology-oncology practices for meeting nationally recognized standards for quality cancer care. Received accreditation from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) APEx - Accreditation Program for Excellence®
Julie Greenwalt, MD, radiation oncologist at Baptist MD Anderson,
recently completed the Disney Marathon. She ran in honor of her five year cancer-free mark and crossed the finish line wearing the names of two of her best friends who died of triple negative breast cancer before they could hit their five-year mark. approved cmyk colors
Cynthia Anderson, MD, was elected to the Baptist Health Medical Board as secretary for a one-year Jennyterm. Whitworth, MD, was appointed as the department chair for women’s and infant services at Baptist Medical Center LaunchedBeaches. our high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy program. Brachytherapy uses a catheter to deliver radiation doses from within the tumor site, providing unparalleled reduction of radiation exposure to healthy tissue.
Cynthia Anderson, MD Radiation Oncologist Jenny Whitworth, MD Gynecologic Oncology Surgeon
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The Jacksonville Association of Firefighters donated $10,000 to the Buddy Bus, a mobile mammography unit sponsored by Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center and First Coast News. The bus will be hitting the road in 2022 and will provide 3D mammograms. Hosted a Team STEPPS (Team Strategies & Tools to Enhance Performance & Patient Safety) retreat to enhance quality and patient safety.
In November 2021, all Baptist MD Anderson team members renewed their commitment to patient safety during a half-day Team STEPPS retreat, which provided a refresher on the key communication and leadership principles needed to ensure safe patient care. The course is based on 30 years of evidence derived from teams working in high-risk environments where the consequences of errors are the greatest. It is built upon a framework composed of four teachable, learnable skills: communication, leadership, situation monitoring and mutual support. During the retreat, our team members learned how to harness these skills to improve communication and teamwork and reduce the chance of error when providing patient care
4 BaptistMDAnderson.com A Bag of Tools Isn’t it strange That princes and kings, And clowns that caper In sawdust rings, And common people Like you and me Are builders for eternity? Each is given a bag of tools, A shapeless mass, A book of rules; And each must make –Ere life is flown –A stumbling block Or a stepping stone. – R. L. ProvidedSharpecourtesy of Bill Putnam, MD, Medical Director, Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center
5BaptistMDAnderson.com Building our future As the team at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center prepared this annual report, the poem “A Bag of Tools” (see bottom left) served as inspiration for both our headline and content. The poem emphasizes the impact that every human life has on current and future generations. At Baptist MD Anderson, the words reflect the profound and inspiring way our patients touch our lives every day. The poem reminds us of the importance of continuing to build and grow our cancer center and the services we offer so that we can serve more patients in the years ahead. We have achieved a great deal in the past six years, but there is still more work to be done. We are honored to share our story with you, and we appreciate the crucial role you have played in building our future. 6 | Message from our Medical Director 8 | Message from our Vice President 10 | Partnership 14 | Gynecologic Oncology 18 | Breast Cancer 21 | Surgical Oncology 23 | HIPEC 24 | Men’s Sexual Health 28 | Malignant Hematology 30 | Thoracic Cancer Table of Contents 34 | Clinical Trials 38 | Support Services 42 | Precision Health 44 | Our Physicians 47 | Adjunct Professors 48 | Foundation 54 | New and Noteworthy
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Let me start with a personal story: My first job after I completed my education and training in cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Michigan was at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. I was so proud to work there. Over 16 years, I grew to understand the philosophy, culture and model of cancer care that propelled MD Anderson to rank consistently as one of the leading cancer centers in the nation. Their patient-centered care was delivered by a team of committed, full-time cancer-care experts who coordinated with the patient’s own physician to recommend the optimal treatment plan.
We have all been through so much during the pandemic, and as we move ahead, our goal is to remain steadfast in providing patient-centered, compassionate, multidisciplinary care with our partner – our colleagues – at MD Anderson to accomplish our shared mission of Making Cancer History®!
Very sincerely, Joe B. “Bill” Putnam, Jr., MD, FACS
Message from our Medical Director
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After 12 additional years of leadership experience at Vanderbilt University, I was asked to serve as the first medical director of Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2015. I joined a visionary team at Baptist Health and MD Anderson to bring this special approach to cancer care to patients in Northeast Florida and beyond. I feel blessed that our ‘bag of tools,’ as referenced in the poem on page 4, has included the skill and knowledge of so many as we have grown and developed the center.
Baptist MD Anderson is one of only five cancer centers nationwide to partner with MD Anderson. More than displaying our names on buildings, our clinical partnership means we work together closely with our colleagues in Houston and commit to the same protocols and practice standards used in their proven model of multidisciplinary care. You can learn more about our partnership on page 10. Today, we embrace and expand this multidisciplinary standard-of-care model to provide novel clinical trials for our patients – for tomorrow’s care, today! We can offer these innovative treatment options as a consequence of our highly trained and compassionate physicians across all specialties. In 2021 alone, we successfully recruited seven new physicians from our nation’s leading cancer programs and universities. Our partnership means we replicate MD Anderson’s philosophy of care and their approach of putting the patient first. We strive to understand the patients’ personal needs as we continue to expand our highly customized prevention and screening programs for breast and lung cancer. In addition, we will soon launch a Baptist Health Precision Health program that includes Baptist MD Anderson’s current genetic, diagnostic and treatment plans. We envision that we will transform cancer care from treating a newly diagnosed cancer, to one that can predict or prevent future cancer through genetic and other diagnostic data. See page 42 for more information.
We’ve significantly increased the number of support services we offer our patients. Our presence has gone from a single site on our Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville campus to an expanded presence at Baptist Medical Center South. I am so grateful to everyone who has played a role in creating the foundation for our continued growth and success, including our donors and team members!
With great appreciation, LeeAnn Mengel, RN, MBA, CMPE, FACHE
Part of our future growth involves enhancing our ability to serve patients south of Jacksonville, in St. Johns and Flagler counties. To that end, we have expanded our Baptist South infusion clinic and are now expanding our radiation oncology suite with a new CT simulation space and twice as many exam rooms. We have added neuro oncology, thoracic and breast clinics at Baptist South as well. Next, we will expand select services to Baptist Health’s newest hospital, Baptist Medical Center Clay. In the years ahead, we plan to continue expanding our access points to better serve the entire region. As we grow, the safety of our patients always remains a key focus. All Baptist MD Anderson team members renewed their commitment to patient safety in November 2021 during a half-day Team STEPPS retreat, which provided a refresher on the key communication and leadership principles needed to ensure enhanced patient safety.
The success of Baptist MD Anderson does not rest on one individual but on the comprehensive, collaborative effort our team puts forth every day, for each of our patients. As we continue with the enhancement of our clinical programs, we will uphold the needs of our patients as our highest priority. It is their strength that is truly unparalleled, inspiring us every day!
Message from our Vice President
We’ve come a long way since 2015 in building a solid foundation for the future. Our Baptist MD Anderson team has grown from 35 to more than 600 team members. Our building has gone from 4 to 6 floors of active clinics where thousands of patients receive treatment every week.
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Cancer Center is one of a select few partners nationwide Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center opened in October 2015 as a partnership, which brought together the region’s leading and most preferred health care system, Baptist Health, with one of the nation’s leading cancer centers, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. This partnership opened a broad range of options for patients with known or suspected cancer. Each patient can access advanced cancer care through the same MD Anderson patient-centered, evidencebased cancer treatment protocols and practice standards, extensive clinical trials and cutting edge translational research as provided in Houston. Our goal is to truly replicate MD Anderson Cancer Center here in Jacksonville.
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BaptistPARTNERSHIPMDAnderson
A distinctive feature of Baptist MD Anderson is its team approach to care. Each patient receives care based on the comprehensive research and specialized cancer expertise developed at MD Anderson, and delivered in a multidisciplinary manner. The multidisciplinary model brings together a group of cancer specialists to discuss and share insights on each patient condition – an essential characteristic of our partnership with MD Anderson. Our multidisciplinary team meets weekly during a Multidisciplinary Cancer Conference. Physicians and team members from all specialties conduct a broad clinical review of each patient and discuss a customized treatment plan. Our collaborative What does it mean to be recognized as a partner program with MD Anderson Cancer Center?
Multidisciplinary care: more choices, even better care, and closer to home
“In a year like no other, the Baptist MD cancerunderstandingandexcellencetirelessteamCancerAndersonCenterdemonstrateddedication,acriticalthatdoesnotstop for anything – even an enduring pandemic. The outstanding faculty and staff at Baptist MD Anderson continued to serve as vital collaborators with MD Anderson experts. Thanks to their extraordinary efforts, many more patients and families in the Jacksonville area felt a renewed sense of hope as they received access to quality cancer care and cutting-edge clinical trials close to home. We remain grateful for this impactful partnership as we collectively work toward advancing oncology and Making Cancer History® .” model includes a careful assessment of each patient to determine if they are eligible for innovative new technologies and clinical trials to further enhance their treatment. Our approach ensures that our patients receive the best possible treatment plan and benefit from the expertise and recommendations of many specialists, not just one. Should questions arise during treatment, our partnership allows for close collaboration and discussion with our MD Anderson colleagues to provide even better care. Clinical trials: Providing the care of the future, today Like MD Anderson in Houston, Baptist MD Anderson conducts its own research and offers innovative clinical trials to eligible patients. A clinical trial is a closely regulated medical research study of patients designed to answer specific questions about a specific type of treatment or use of a new device. As of February 2022, Baptist MD Anderson has 46 selected clinical trials open and available. Many of these clinical trials are in collaboration with MD Anderson. For additional information on available trials, please call 904.202.7468. Expert faculty Nearly 50 full-time faculty members provide care for our patients. Similar to MD Anderson, we have recruited our expert faculty from top cancer centers and universities across the country, including MD Anderson in Houston. Many of our physicians have trained or worked at MD Anderson, and hold adjunct faculty positions at their institution.
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Peter WT Pisters, MD President, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Nathan Gronski, radiation therapist at Baptist MD Anderson’s Baptist South location, speaks with patient Thanh Luu before his radiation oncology appointment.
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Michael Kupferman, MD Senior Vice President of Clinical and Academic Network Development, MD Anderson Cancer Center
“Clinical trials offer patients access to tomorrow’s treatments, today. Establishing a large-scale, national clinical trials network allows for increased participation and faster integration of the latest research discoveries to advance our shared mission of ending cancer. Most importantly, these efforts will allow patients access to novel clinical trials and therapies close to home and their support community.”
Improved clinical care and a better patient experience
Learn more about our partnership with MD Anderson by watching a video featuring Dr. Putnam, our medical director.
PARTNERSHIP
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Our entire team at Baptist MD Anderson surrounds the patient and their family with care and support throughout their treatment. As we care for the whole person, we offer them emotional and psychological support in addition to their medical care. Our support services include social workers; genetic testing and counseling; dietary and nutrition counselors; nurse navigators; psychologists; and wellness and survivorship team members, for patients throughout their cancer journey. Video
The iconic Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center building provides an integrated diagnostic, treatment and follow-up environment for each patient. Bright and airy modern infusion suites, tasteful and subdued examination and procedure rooms, comfortable treatment areas, and easy access to diagnostic imaging, laboratory, and support services are readily available, all under one roof. Prevention and screening services are incorporated for every clinical service. In addition to the extraordinary clinical environment, the cancer center provides a warm, calm and welcoming environment for patients and their families. Our outdoor courtyard provides a quiet and relaxing retreat for patients and staff.
New technology Baptist MD Anderson offers many innovative diagnostic and treatment options to our patients such as our new SPECT/CT 3D scanner; new radiation treatment devices (linear accelerators), brachytherapy for prostate cancer, robot-assisted bronchoscopy for early diagnosis of lung cancer, and minimally-invasive robot-assisted surgery for chest, abdominal, and gynecologic cancers. Genetic analysis and targeted therapies can replace systemic therapy for many patients.
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In January 2021, McGee began experiencing severe abdominal pain. There were mornings when she could not get out of bed or eat or drink anything because of the extreme pain. McGee believed the discomfort was associated with her age, so she brushed it aside and put on a strong face.
“I heard the doctors say ‘cancer,’ and I blacked out,” McGee said. “I was unable to process anything else they said to me.”
GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
After the initial shock of the cancer diagnosis, McGee was flooded with thoughts of her children. With her youngest daughter in her final year of high school, all she wanted was to see her daughter graduate and to make sure all her kids were cared for. Time was crucial. McGee’s ovarian cancer had already spread to her spleen and kidney.
After several weeks, McGee could no longer bear it, and she called her sister to take her to the emergency room, where the care team ran some tests. McGee recalls the moment when the doctors came into her room to inform her that she had multiple abdominal masses that resembled ovarian cancer.
A mother’s truth about being diagnosed with cancer. “Everyone pitched in, everyone jumped in headfirst, and there was no hesitation about it,” said McGee. “I told my kids that you’re all I got, and I’m all that you got.”
An unwavering commitment
Asha McGee, 48, was working hard to provide for her kids when she was faced with a new challenge that would change her and her family’s lives.
True grit Lauren Hand, MD, a gynecologic oncology surgeon at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, originally met McGee the night she was admitted into the hospital. Not even 24 hours later, Dr. Hand was sitting on McGee’s bed in the hospital room explaining to her the severity of her ovarian cancer and what her treatment would look like going “Iforward.trytoconnect with my patients and form a relationship right from the start,” said Dr. Hand. Dr. Hand made it her priority to get McGee’s treatment started right away, starting with preoperative chemotherapy to help shrink the tumors.
Facing reality
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Unwavering commitment When McGee returned to work, she scheduled her shifts around her chemotherapy treatments because she still needed to provide for her family.
Ghazal Vafabakhsh, PA-C, Dr. Hand’s physician assistant, also met McGee during her initial visit to the hospital and assisted Dr. Hand during McGee’s operation. Vafabakhsh interacted with McGee throughout her follow-up and chemotherapy appointments.
GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
started on treatment as soon as possible because of how far along her cancer was,” said Dr. Hand. McGee felt scared leading up to her surgery, but she knew she needed to go through with it. Her cancer was too far along to wait any longer.
Dr. Hand was inspired by McGee’s drive as she worked hard throughout her treatment.
“I’ve been through divorce and raising kids by myself… I wasn’t going to let the cancer put me in a position where I was not able to care for my kids,” said McGee. “I was determined to make sure that I had a roof over my head, food in my house and that my kids were provided for.”
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“Asha took what we gave her seriously, and she followed through,” said Vafabakhsh. “She did what we asked of her – which was a lot.”
When McGee reflects on the care she received with Baptist MD Anderson, she thinks of how honest and straightforward the doctors were with her, especially Dr. Hand, who did not waste any time explaining McGee’s diagnosis and the reality of her disease. “I don’t know what it was about her, but when she came into that initial visit with me, she sat on the bed with me and was straightforward from the beginning,” said McGee. “I respected how honest she was, and I believe that is why I felt so comfortable with her.”
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“The fact that she worked with a smile on her face despite all she was going through was incredibly inspirational,” Dr. Hand said. Although the treatment caused McGee to feel sluggish and lose her appetite, she refused to let cancer take control of her life. She put on a strong face for her children.
Dr. Hand’s nurse, Michele Mayerlen, called McGee daily to make sure she was moving forward with the next steps.
According to Dr. Hand, McGee did well with surgery and was only in the hospital for one week. After discharge, she received additional chemotherapy to help maximize the effectiveness of her treatment. Dr. Hand recommended McGee take off work for six weeks – the standard length of time for a procedure this complex. With McGee’s spirit of determination, Dr. Hand was confident she would be back on her feet and working again in six weeks on the dot.
“At that moment I had to get treatment, and I couldn’t play around with that,” said McGee. McGee then underwent complex surgery that resulted in the removal of her cancer, along with her reproductive organs, spleen, left adrenal gland, part of the left kidney and a portion of her stomach. The surgical team was led by Dr. Hand and included Baptist MD Anderson experts in surgical oncology and urologic oncology.
Honesty is the best policy
“Everyone pitched in, everyone jumped in headfirst, and there was no hesitation about it,” said McGee. “I told my kids that you’re all that I got, and I’m all that you got.”
During a recent appointment, McGee found out that her cancer has returned. She knows she not only has the support of her family, but of the entire Baptist MD Anderson team. “If there is anyone who has the strength to keep fighting, it is McGee,” said Dr. Hand. Dr. Hand, Ghazal and the entire clinic team will continue to support McGee throughout her cancer journey, providing her with care during her followup and chemotherapy appointments. Additionally, the team will provide support services, including social workers and psychology colleagues, offering her access to multidisciplinary resources right here at Baptist MD Anderson. “Even though my cancer has come back, it just means the fight continues on,” McGee said.
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Lauren Hand, MD (left), a gynecologic oncologist at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, reviews McGee’s patient chart with Ghazal Vafabakhsh, PA-C (right), her physician assistant.
“They were on it,” said McGee. “Dr. Hand’s nurse was like a bulldog – she called every day.”
Family over everything Since her initial diagnosis, McGee’s family has pitched in to help with her treatment, and they have grown closer than they’ve ever been. Her sister stepped in too, always bringing McGee food whenever she needed it.
Video Learn more about the gynecologic oncology team by watching a video featuring Dr. Hand.
When going through cancer treatment, McGee said that the most crucial aspect was having her family’s support from the original diagnosis through treatment and beyond.
As is illustrated by the experience of these new physicians, our team brings a diverse group of experts and fellowship-trained specialists from across the country to Baptist MD Anderson. This helps us provide care to more patients at every stage of their breast cancer journey.
Three new physicians came on board in 2021.
Screening and prevention
Our Breast Screening and Prevention Clinic evaluates patients who have been identified as potentially high-risk by their primary care physician, gynecologist or radiologist. The clinic team performs a comprehensive risk assessment of the patient before designing an individualized imaging surveillance plan that includes risk reduction strategies. Genetic counseling and testing is also available.
For those patients seeking an annual screening mammogram, Baptist Health offers seven screening locations, including Hill Breast Center, located across from Baptist MD Anderson on San Marco Boulevard in the Baptist Outpatient Center building. All of our locations provide 3D digital mammography with tomosynthesis.
Growing our breast cancer team
Baptist MD Anderson’s multidisciplinary breast cancer team has specialists in surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology and plastic and reconstructive surgery. Our program grew significantly in the past year. In 2021, we welcomed two new fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologists – Karen Ching-Tismal, MD, FACS, and Cathryn Johnson, MD. They joined Laila Samiian, MD, FACS, breast surgical oncologist and director of the breast program. Before coming to Baptist MD Anderson, Dr. ChingTismal served as a breast surgeon and clinical trial investigator at Enloe Regional Cancer Center in Chico, California, and affiliated with the City of Hope Cancer Center in Duarte. Prior to that, she served as the director of the Sparrow Herbert-Herman Cancer Center Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Clinic at Michigan State University and worked as an assistant clinical professor there. Dr. Johnson completed her fellowship in breast surgical oncology at Bryn Mawr Hospital in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, before coming to Baptist MD Anderson. She completed her internship and residency in general surgery at the University of Tennessee Health College of Medicine OurChattanooga.breastmedical oncology team also expanded with the addition of Lara Zuberi, MD, hematologist/ oncologist. Before joining Baptist MD Anderson, Dr. Zuberi was assistant professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at UF Health in Jacksonville. She also served as the associate program director of the Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville. She joined Dr. Jennifer Crozier, a breast medical oncologist and director of our Breast Cancer Research Program.
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Back row from left to right: Tracy Leahy; Cathryn Johnson, MD; Ryan Makar, MD; Trishna Patel, MD; Jennifer Crozier, MD; Amanda Kent, DO; Ken Terhaar, MD; Dianne Johnson, MD; Michael DeFazio, MD, FACS; Ankit Desai, MD, FACS; and Debbie Williamson.
Treatment options In addition to radiation oncology, surgical oncology, medical oncology and plastic and reconstructive surgery, Baptist MD Anderson offers eligible breast cancer patients unique clinical trials. The trials feature novel and innovative treatment options, including many from MD Anderson Cancer Center in MoreHouston.information about some of our open trials can be found in the article on page 35
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3D mammograms are more detailed and accurate than traditional mammograms, allowing physicians to examine breast tissue layer by layer.
Wellness and Survivorship Our L.I.F.E. Survivorship Program offers patients the tools and resources they need to handle the challenges they experience during and after treatment, so they can find their new normal. From the day patients enter Baptist MD Anderson, they are considered cancer survivors for whom we provide care focused on wellness and health during and after treatment. More information about the support services available to our breast cancer patients, and all our patients, can be found in the article on page 38
Front row from left to right: Mark Augspurger, MD; Julie Greenwalt, MD; Cynthia Anderson, MD; Mary Alderman, MD; Ashley Crowder, MD; Laura Brown, RN; and Peggy Neville, RN.
• Suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL): This involves the direct removal of fibrofatty tissue from the affected extremity and is best suited for patients with late-stage solid-phase predominant disease, who would not otherwise respond to physiologic interventions, such as LVA or VLNT. The procedure is typically performed as an outpatient operation. While SAL has the potential to achieve the most dramatic reductions in limb volume, lifelong use of compression garments is considered mandatory to maintain the effects of surgery over time. In some cases, patients require a combination of these different treatment options. The lymphedema clinic team works with them to develop a treatment plan that meets their unique needs.
Lymphedema
• Physical therapy with our certified lymphedema therapists.
• Lymohovenous anastomosis (LVA): This minimally invasive outpatient procedure helps to redirect lymphatic fluid from blocked lymphatic channels to other unclogged veins. This leads to a reduction in swelling and discomfort. The procedure is most effective for patients with early fluid-phase predominant disease.
Plastic and Reconstructive surgeons, Michael DeFazio, MD, FACS, and Ankit Desai, MD, FACS, provide specialized microvascular procedures for the treatment of lymphedema for patients at Baptist MD Anderson. Our lymphedema clinic aims to reduce the risk of long-term lymphedema while also offering treatment options for its symptoms, including:
Wendy Jones, coordinator of the Life Wellness Center at Baptist MD Anderson, fits patient Al Stallings for lymphedema garments.
• Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT): This is a more invasive operation that involves the transfer of lymph nodes from an unaffected region of the body to the area where swelling is most prominent using microvascular techniques. Patients will typically remain in the hospital for a few days. This procedure is best suited for more advanced fluid-phase predominant disease.
Our Baptist MD Anderson team is also available to help patients cope with the physical side effects of cancer treatment, including lymphedema. Lymphedema is swelling, usually of the arm or leg, that may result from cancer treatment. It occurs when fluid typically drained by the lymph vessels does not flow out of the arm or leg effectively.
Michael DeFazio, MD Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
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Dr. Chouliaras is certified by the American Board of Surgery. His fellowship training included a focus in minimally invasive techniques for the management of malignant and premalignant lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, with a particular interest in surgical treatments for peritoneal surface malignancies. As an active investigator and clinician, Dr. Chouliaras has more than 50 publications and book chapters to his credit. He completed his The surgical oncology team at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center continues to grow, bringing high-quality care to patients facing simple or complex cancers or precancerous lesions.
Pictured left to right: Niraj Gusani, MD, chief of the section of surgical oncology; Kostas Chouliaras, MD, surgical oncologist; Ron Landmann, MD, chief of the section of colon and rectal surgery; and Chris Pezzi, MD, head of the division of surgery, stand in front of the “And Still I Rise” sculpture by Konstantin Dimopoulos in Hope Park.
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Our expert surgical oncology team expands
In 2021, the surgical oncology program recruited two extraordinary specialists: Niraj Gusani, MD, FACS, chief of surgical oncology, and Konstantinos Chouliaras, MD, surgical oncologist. They join Christopher Pezzi, MD, FACS, head of the division of surgery, and Ron G. Landmann, MD, FACS, FASCRS, chief of the section of colon and rectal surgery. Dr. Gusani is certified by the American Board of Surgery. As a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist, he brings more than 15 years in general and cancer surgery experience in all aspects of general and cancer surgery. A former tenured professor of surgery and an active researcher, Dr. Gusani specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques for abdominal tumors, including laparoscopy and robotic-assisted surgery. He completed his residency at the University of Chicago Medical Center and his fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
• Lymph node biopsies and dissections
SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
“Surgical oncologists are at the forefront of clinical and translational research – they ask the right questions that lead to improved surgical care for patients,” said. Dr. Pezzi. “It has been an honor to help grow this team and bring in experts from across the country who are not only highly skilled but also passionate about their work.”
The surgical oncology team provides contemporary surgical and non-surgical management of a wide variety of conditions, including:
BaptistMDAnderson.comresidencyatWake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and his fellowship at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York. Dr. Landmann is certified by the American Board of Surgery and specializes in colon and rectal surgical oncology. With extensive experience in this area, Dr. Landmann consistently applies some of the latest innovations in minimally invasive robotic and endoscopic techniques for better patient outcomes and sphincter preservation. His expertise has been recognized with his appointment to the Executive Committee of the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer. He is also Chair of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) Rectal Cancer Coordinating Committee. He has published numerous papers and book chapters as well as led national and international symposia focusing on colorectal cancer. He completed his residency at St. Luke’s – Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York and fellowships at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Cleveland Clinic Florida. Dr. Landmann is adjunct professor of surgical oncology at MD Anderson in Dr.Houston.Pezziiscertified by the American Board of Surgery and completed his fellowship in surgical oncology at MD Anderson in Houston. He has been treating patients with cancer for more than 30 years. His surgical practice includes compassionate and effective treatment for patients with a wide variety of proven or suspected tumors. He is a past president of both the Philadelphia Academy of Surgery and the Metropolitan Philadelphia Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. At the national level, he served as a project director for the Commission on Cancer’s new Cancer Quality Improvement Program and oversaw the activities of the National Cancer Database. He completed his residency at Geisinger Medical Center in Pennsylvania. He serves as an adjunct professor of surgical oncology for MD Anderson in Houston.
Peritoneal surface malignancies
Sarcomas of the retroperitoneum or the Adrenalextremitiesandendocrine (thyroid and parathyroid) tumors
Stomach and small bowel (benign and malignant) tumors
Retrorectal/presacral lesions/masses
• Breast cancer surgery
These cancer experts collaborate with the multidisciplinary team at Baptist MD Anderson to ensure each patient receives individualized, coordinated care. Patients are treated using the same protocols and practice standards as provided at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
Colon and rectal cancers and pre-cancerous lesions
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• Complex abdominal surgery for tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and retroperitoneum
Liver, pancreatic and biliary (benign and malignant) tumors
Individualized care for a variety of cancers
Hereditary and familial colorectal cancer/adenomatous syndromes
• Melanoma and soft tissue tumor surgery
Appendiceal lesions/growths
HIPEC In March 2022, Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center implemented a new treatment modality, Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC), that will be used for advanced abdominal cancers. The treatment involves delivering chemotherapy directly into the abdominal “Hyperthermiccavity.
Pictured left to right: La Treasia Allen, Dr. Chouliaras, Dr. Gusani and Emily Cramer, RN, outpatient oncology nurse.
HIPEC is a major abdominal operation that can range from eight to 16 hours. Once the doctors locate the tumors, a variety of techniques are employed to remove them completely, sometimes removing different organs (such as the intestine, the gallbladder, the spleen or others) at the same time. One of the key components is the removal of the peritoneum (the thin wallpaper-like tissue that envelops the abdominal cavity) that contains cancer, a procedure called a peritonectomy. The recovery time for this procedure is between seven to 14 days in the hospital.
Video Learn more about HIPEC by watching a video featuring Dr. Chouliaras and Dr. Gusani.
“Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy allows us the best chance to eradicate the tumor, and it may provide the best hope to those who have complex and advanced abdominal cancers,” said Dr. Gusani. “We are excited to implement this unique technique at Baptist MD Anderson and establish a referral center for Northeast Florida and beyond.”
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Both Dr. Chouliaras and Dr. Gusani have experience in conducting cytoreductive surgery, removing tumors from the belly cavity, and performing HIPEC in their previous roles. They are looking forward to implementing this procedure for their patients at Baptist MD Anderson.
Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy is critically important because it allows us to provide advanced treatment for patients with a tumor in the belly cavity, for which we previously had few options,” said Niraj Gusani, MD, FACS, chief of surgical oncology at Baptist MD HIPECAnderson.canbeused to treat several abdominal cancers including colorectal cancer, appendiceal cancer, ovarian cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma and stomach cancer. These cancers can occasionally affect the lining of the abdomen, which limits complete resection by the surgeon. Providing HIPEC directly to the abdominal cavity can benefit patients with these conditions.
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
HIPEC is usually coupled with cytoreductive surgery, which involves removing all visible tumors within the peritoneal cavity before administering the HIPEC treatment.
“Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy represents a technique that offers new hope to appropriately selected patients with peritoneal spread of their cancer,” said Dr. Chouliaras. During the HIPEC treatment, the surgeon instills chemotherapy directly into the abdomen to treat the microscopic disease that could be lingering in the abdominal lining after cytoreductive surgery. The fluid is circulated with the help of a pump and gentle agitation of the abdominal cavity to ensure that it comes into contact with all the exposed surfaces that could harbor cancer. It is important to note that the fluid is heated to 42 degrees Celsius (108 degrees Fahrenheit), and the high temperature acts as a “second hit” helping kill cancer cells and increasing the penetration and efficacy of the chemotherapy. This chemotherapy perfusion, or “chemo bath” can last anywhere from 90 minutes to two hours and is designed to kill any remaining cancer cells.
The benefits of a HIPEC treatment include its ability to apply a high concentration of chemotherapy to the abdominal tumors without as much systemic absorption, therefore reducing side effects.
“Appendiceal cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma and peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer treated with HIPEC have all shown substantial improvement in outcomes compared to historic data, and it is a significant addition to the armamentarium of our state-of-the-art cancer center that offers the whole array of therapies for challenging cases,” said Konstantinos Chouliaras, MD, surgical oncologist at Baptist MD Anderson.
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Men commonly experience sexual health changes during their lifetime. These may include a decrease in libido (desire to engage in sexual activity), or a change in the ability to physically participate in sexual activities. The changes may be the result of age, medications or a chronic illness such as diabetes or cancer.
Breaking the silence
The Men’s Sexual Health Program at Baptist MD Anderson, led by Lael Stieglitz, MD, MPH, general urologist, offers a clinic with therapies and treatment options for all patients with questions regarding any aspect of their sexual care and sexual health. Dr. Stieglitz, who completed her residency at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, treats both cancer and non-cancer patients. Additionally, consultations are encouraged before patients undergo surgery or radiation treatment to understand the treatment outcomes and the potential sexual side effects. Dr. Stieglitz works in collaboration with her colleagues in urologic oncology, including Jonathan Melquist, MD, FACS, chief of the section of urologic oncology, and Barrett McCormick, MD, urologic oncologist. Both are fellowship-trained urologic oncologists from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Helping men talk about their sexual health.
Pictured left: Lael Stieglitz, MD, general urologist, talks with her patient Stephen Thompson about his care plan.
MEN’S SEXUAL HEALTH
At Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Men’s Sexual Health Program emphasizes that maintaining your health requires focusing on the entire body, and that includes sexual health.
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Pictured left to right: Lael Stieglitz, MD, general urologist, is part of a multidisciplinary urologic oncology team that includes Jonathan Melquist, MD, chief of the section of urologic oncology and Barrett McCormick, MD, urologic oncologist.
• Testicular pain • Additionally,VasectomyDr.
Jana Parnell, PT, DPT, WCS, Baptist MD Anderson’s pelvic floor therapist, is one of fewer than 35 board-certified pelvic floor therapy providers in Florida and one of fewer than 500 in the country. A native to Jacksonville, Florida, Jana is dedicated to bringing pelvic health services to the First Coast.
For those undergoing prostate surgery, research shows that physical pelvic floor muscle training prior to a prostatectomy can help reduce the duration and severity of urinary incontinence. Biofeedback and exercises encourage relaxation and strengthening of the lower pelvic muscles. Massage and manual therapy techniques stretch and release the connective tissue between the skin, muscles and bones in your pelvic region.
MEN’S SEXUAL HEALTH
Jana Parnell, PT, DPT, WCS Pelvic Floor Therapist Video Learn more about the Men’s Sexual Health Program by watching a video featuring Dr. Stieglitz.
include: • Low libido • Low testosterone • Erectile dysfunction • Painful ejaculation • Premature ejaculation • Delayed ejaculation •
Conditions
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During the patient’s consultation, Dr. Stieglitz and her team review each patient’s goals and objectives and design a customized treatment plan to meet their patient’s individual needs. Dr. Stieglitz also welcomes the patient’s spouses or partners to join in on the conversation so couples can customize their goals together. that are seen and treated in the clinic Peyronie’s disease, or ‘crooked’ erection Stieglitz offers prosthetic procedures including artificial urinary sphincters and penile implants. There are roughly 13,000 urologists in the United States and only a few hundred offer these types of procedures. Baptist MD Anderson urology patients have access on-campus to rehabilitation services, including physical therapy-guided pelvic floor muscle training. Pelvic floor therapy helps to address sexual problems, incontinence and discomfort resulting from cancer treatment by improving pelvic muscle and tissue health. This service is offered to both cancer and non-cancer patients.
At Baptist MD Anderson, patients have access to a team of urology experts and innovative technologies to provide a comprehensive plan including follow-up. Each urology patient’s plan will be uniquely tailored to their diagnosis and based on guidelines from the American Urological Association and the Sexual Medicine Society of North America.
All of our patients are discussed at our multidisciplinary care conference – a major component of our team-based approach to patient care. In addition, our neuro-oncology team frequently supports patients dealing with neurological side effects that are associated with blood and lymphatic cancers.
Baptist MD Anderson’s malignant hematology program is comprised of a team of experts who specializes in specific blood and lymphatic cancers. Our team is unique in that it has the disease-specific clinicians necessary to manage these rare cancers.
28 BaptistMDAnderson.com MALIGNANT HEMATOLOGY
For example, patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia are more likely to live longer if they are treated by a disease-specific expert rather than by a generalist. Additionally, patients with multiple myeloma have significantly inferior outcomes if they are not evaluated by a myeloma specialist within a year of their diagnosis.Our team includes Edward Gorak, DO, MBA, MS,
The Baptist MD Anderson malignant hematology program model represents a unique, multidisciplinary, comprehensive and personalized approach to the care of the blood cancer patient.
neoplasms.myelofibrosiswhoMD,lymphomainmedicine,headhematologist/oncologistFACP,andofthedivisionofcancerwhospecializesmultiplemyelomaandandMaximNorkin,hematologist/oncologist,specializesinleukemia,andmyeloid
Baptist MD Anderson’s outpatient care team includes specialists in hematologic malignancy and other physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, nurse navigators, clinic nurses and medical assistants. In addition to Drs. Gorak and Norkin, our team includes Sridhar Srinivasan, MD, hematologist/oncologist; and our advanced practice nurses, Jackie Carson, APRN; Amy Crews, APRN; Cindy Goodrow, APRN; Sarah Griffis, APRN; Cherrie Rosimini, APRN; and Ramie Tucker, APRN. In 2022, our team will expand to meet the needs of our patients and families – we plan to recruit several other hematology/oncology physicians with advanced training and experience in treating patients with hematologic malignancies. Our inpatient team includes Geetika Bhatt, MD, hematologist/oncologist; Adam Hammond, MD, hematologist/oncologist; Kimberly Blythe, APRN; and Leslie Lohse, APRN, who provide continuity of care for patients throughout their hospital stay.
At Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, we continue to expand the treatment options available in our malignant hematology program.
Edward Gorak, DO, MBA, MS, FACP MedicineHead,Hematologist/Oncologist,DivisionofCancer
Treating blood and lymphatic cancer
Max Norkin, MD, PhD, hematologist/oncologist (left), and Anterpreet Neki, MD, medical oncologist (right), discuss their clinical trials.
Since our program began in 2015, our team has met the increasing needs of patients with acute leukemia, multiple myeloma and aggressive lymphoma. In addition, we have expanded the number of clinical trials available for our patients to provide even better care. Recently, Dr. Norkin successfully concluded a clinical trial that offered therapy for patients with hard-to-treat myelofibrosis. Currently, two other trials focused on the treatment of patients with relapsed/ refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and various B-cell malignancies are open for enrollment (more information about these trials can be found in the clinical trials article on page 37). Dr. Norkin is also planning to open three trials in the year ahead focused on treating acute diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes.
Moving forward, our malignant hematology treatment team will launch a cellular therapy program to provide bone marrow transplants and CAR-T therapies to our patients. Our team is looking forward to having this as another treatment option to offer in the years ahead at Baptist MD Anderson. “It’s an honor to serve our blood and lymphatic cancer patients,” Dr. Gorak said. “These cancers can be complex and intimidating, and our goal is to put people at ease and explain care and treatment options in an easy, digestible way.”
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“I thought, ‘OK, here I go again,’” Stauble said. “I wondered what I did to have this come upon me. But I also made up my mind that I would try my best to beat it.” His tumor was located in the distal esophagus where it connects to the stomach. The tumor had caused the esophagus to narrow to the width of a pen (it is normally about 1.5 inches wide). This condition left Stauble unable to eat or drink normally. He was weak, dehydrated and weighing just 98 pounds, down from his usual 185
Joe Stauble, 63, thought the heartburn, weight loss and the trouble he had keeping food down were the result of his acid reflux. After a series of doctors’ appointments in January 2021, he found out that his symptoms were signs of something much more serious.
31BaptistMDAnderson.com THORACIC Round Two
For the second time in his life, a physician told Stauble that he had cancer. He had successfully battled prostate cancer in 2004, and now he had been diagnosed with stage III esophageal cancer, a cancer of the muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach.
When Stauble came to Baptist MD Anderson for a second opinion, Subrato J. Deb, MD, chief of thoracic surgical oncology, recommended admitting Stauble to the hospital to save his life and restore his strength. The team of doctors After a bout of prostate cancer in 2004, Joe Stauble faced esophageal cancer in 2021. A minimally invasive robot-assisted esophagectomy helped to save his life.
Joe and Cathy Stauble talk with Subrato Deb, MD, chief of thoracic surgery, about Joe’s treatment plan.
Cathy, Stauble’s wife of 43 years, supported him throughout his journey. “She stuck to me like glue,” Stauble said. “She was always wanting to make sure I was OK. When I was not feeling as well as I should, she would tell me to sit down and rest.”
Sarah Griffis, APRN, nurse practitioner with the medical oncology team, and Robert Zaiden, MD, medical oncologist, talk with Stauble about his scans.
we do on the thoracic oncology team at Baptist MD Anderson is guided by evidence-based research and best surgical practices,” Dr. Deb said. “Superior surgical care results from performing this operation less invasively and providing consistent evidence-based management of the patient during and following surgery.”
32 BaptistMDAnderson.com THORACIC then worked over the course of several days to rehydrate Stauble and to help him get stronger. He stayed at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, where a small feeding tube was placed for nutrition, and he underwent physical therapy and nutritional therapy to restore his energy for about a week prior to his discharge home. Then, the multidisciplinary team sprang into action. Stauble remained on high-protein nutrition as he started chemotherapy with Robert Zaiden, MD, medical oncologist, and radiation therapy with Michael Olson, MD, head of the Division of Radiation Oncology. After Stauble completed chemotherapy and radiation in April 2021, Dr. Deb performed a completely minimally invasive robot-assisted esophagectomy on May 19. This complex procedure uses a da Vinci robot to help the surgeon remove the cancer-containing esophagus and then reconstruct the esophagus with the patient’s own stomach so the patient may eat more normally once Minimallyagain.invasive robot-assisted esophagectomy is not a common procedure and is only offered by highly trained thoracic surgeons at specialized centers such as Baptist MD Anderson. The benefits of such an approach include faster recovery, less pain and improved patient satisfaction. “The entire procedure is done using a robotic platform, allowing for more precise resection and reconstruction of the esophagus,” Dr. Deb said. “As a result, the patient experiences less blood loss and less tissue trauma, meaning they are in less pain and in most cases, able to leave the hospital more Staublequickly.”onlyspent five days in the hospital compared to the normal recovery time of 10 to 14 days. When he was discharged home, he began to slowly return to eating solid foods. As the thoracic surgical oncology team does with each of its patients, it followed Enhanced Recovery
Rebuilding his strength Stauble’s family played a key role in his recovery.
After Surgery (ERAS) protocols to ensure that he received the most effective evidence-based surgical care. Excellent pain management, good nutrition, early ambulation and quicker recovery are the goals for each Baptist MD Anderson patient. Our multidisciplinary care team at Baptist MD Anderson worked hard to ensure Stauble made a speedy “Everythingrecovery.
“When I pray, I thank God for Baptist MD Anderson and the people working there,” Stauble said. “I’m grateful to have a new lease on life.”
For the first month after surgery, a home health nurse came to help Stauble and Cathy three to four days a week. Stauble also slowly transitioned from a feeding tube to soft food to four to eight small meals a day. Anna Stallard, RD, LDN, oncology dietician, was there to advise Stauble on how he could gain the proper nutrition through each phase of his shifting diet.
Pictured left to right: Michael Olson, MD, head of the division of radiation oncology; April Starling, DNP, RN, nurse manager; Bill Putnam, MD, medical director and thoracic surgeon; Anna Vrabel, BSN, RN, clinic nurse; Subrato Deb, MD, chief of the section of thoracic oncology; Raegen Carpenter, RN, clinic nurse; Aakash Modi, MD, interventional pulmonologist; Andi Diamond, PA-C, thoracic surgery APP; Lillie O’Steen, MD, radiation oncologist; Candace Gordon, MSN, AGACNP-BC, thoracic surgery APP; and Patty Bryant, medical assistant. Website To learn more about Dr. Deb and his work at Baptist MD Anderson, please visit our website.
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“At school and at work, I always had to rush through meals, so it was an adjustment slowing down and being mindful of how I was eating as my body healed,” Stauble said. He continued his tradition of walking by taking walks up and down his street to build up his strength, and he received immunotherapy to ensure that all traces of his tumor were removed.
“It was an honor to take care of Joe Stauble and his wife – they are wonderful people,” Dr. Deb said. “This was truly a team effort. From our Patient Access Services (PAS) team at the front desk to our medical assistants, nurses, physician assistants, dieticians and physicians, we all depended on each other to make sure Joe received the best possible care.”
Stauble is currently in remission and continuing immunotherapy. He comes in to Baptist MD Anderson for surveillance visits.
Cancer Center ensures that patients have access to innovative treatment options by conducting and participating in groundbreaking clinical trials. Our passion for research is fueled by our partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center, where researchers conduct as many as 50 clinical trials in a year to test new treatment options in areas such as neuro-oncology and breast cancer. Baptist MD Anderson served as a site for eight MD Anderson clinical trials.
Genitourinary Cancer A Randomized Open-Label Phase III Study of Sacituzumab Govitecan versus Treatment of Physician’s Choice in Subjects with Metastatic or Locally Advanced Unresectable Urothelial Cancer
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Poonam Neki, MBBS, DA, CCRP, research director at Baptist MD Anderson, supervises a team of research nurses, coordinators and regulatory monitors that support clinical research efforts, while also overseeing the Tumor Registry and all clinical research.
Below are some examples of our existing and upcoming clinical trials, all of which are open and enrolling. TRIALS
The primary objective of this study is to assess overall survival with sacituzumab govitecan-hziy in comparison with treatment of physician’s choice in participants with metastatic or locally advanced un-resectable bladder cancer.
CLINICAL
BaptistMDAnderson.comBaptistMDAnderson
Sacituzumab govitecan-hziy is an antibodydrug conjugate that delivers cancer-fighting drugs directly into tumor cells and into the tumor cell environment to destroy these cells. The trial evaluates the effectiveness of this novel treatment, which involves a new antibody linked to an active molecule SN38, compared to a standard chemotherapy arm involving Taxanes.
PrincipaI investigator: Anterpreet Neki, MD
Information about our existing and upcoming clinical trials.
Poonam Neki, MBBS, DA, CCRP Research Director
Clinical Trials Update
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This is a study for patients with metastatic/stage 4 disease where the breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This study is evaluating a novel/new drug (CX-2009) targeting these breast cancer cells in patients with triple negative (not hormone driven) breast cancer. There is also a group of patients in the study who will receive the novel/new targeted drug (CX-2009) with immunotherapy (CX-072). Immunotherapy assists the natural immune system to detect and kill the breast cancer cells. Baptist MD Anderson enrolled the first patient in the world on the combination therapy.
Principal investigator: Jennifer Crozier, MD
This phase II trial studies how well hypofractionated partial breast irradiation works in treating patients with early stage breast cancer. Hypofractionated radiation therapy delivers higher doses of radiation therapy over a shorter period of time and may kill more tumor cells and have fewer side effects. Treating only the part of the breast where the cancer started may lead to fewer side effects than standard treatment.
Breast Cancer Optimizing Preventative Adjuvant Linac-based Radiation: the OPAL Trial A Phase II/III Study of Hypofractionated Partial Breast Irradiation in Women with Early Stage Breast Cancer
Principal investigator: Jennifer Crozier, MD A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebocontrolled, Phase 3 Study of Pembrolizumab Plus Chemotherapy Versus Placebo Plus Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Chemotherapy-Candidate Hormone ReceptorPositive, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Negative (HR+/HER2-) Locally Recurrent Inoperable or Metastatic Breast Cancer (KEYNOTE-B49) In this trial, we are examining the impact of immunotherapy in patients with metastatic, estrogen receptor positive breast cancer who previously have not had access to this treatment. Pembrolizumab plus the investigator’s choice of chemotherapy will be used.
Principal investigator: Cynthia Anderson, MD A Phase 2, Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Safety and Antitumor Activity of CX2009 in Advanced HR-Positive/HER2 Negative Breast Cancer and of CX-2009 as Monotherapy and in Combination with CX-072 in Advanced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (CTMX-2009-002)
ANeuro-OncologyRandomizedPhaseII/III
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Double-Blind Phase 3 study of HBI-8000 Combined with Nivolumab versus Placebo with Nivolumab in Patients with Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma not Previously Treated with PD-1 or PD-L1 Inhibitors
Principal investigator: Robert Cavaliere, MD
This phase II/III trial explores whether radiation therapy in combination with immunotherapy is more effective than the traditional treatment of radiation therapy with chemotherapy in the treatment of newly diagnosed MGMT unmethylated glioblastoma. Radiation therapy uses high energy photons to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. Chemotherapy drugs, such as Temozolomide, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, or by stopping them from dividing or spreading. However, Temozolomide, may not work as well for the treatment of tumors that have the unmethylated MGMT, so this study looks at whether immunotherapy is more effective. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies called immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as Ipilimumab and Nivolumab, may help the body’s immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. It is also possible that immune checkpoint inhibitors may work better at the time of first diagnosis as opposed to when the tumor comes back. This trial will explore whether giving radiation therapy with Ipilimumab and Nivolumab may lengthen the time without the patient’s brain tumor returning or growing and may extend the patients’ life compared to the usual treatment with radiation therapy and Temozolomide.
AMelanomaTRIALSMulticenter,Randomized,
This is a phase 3 study to compare the efficacy and safety of HBI-8000 or a placebo combined with Nivolumab on patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. HBI8000 is a histone-deacetylase inhibitor and epigenetic regulator, which has the ability to modulate gene expression without changing DNA sequencing. It leads to cell cycle arrest and tumor cell death. Nivolumab is a checkpoint inhibitor that improves the body’s immune response to tumor cells and leads to decreased tumor growth. This study investigates whether patients see an improved response to treatment or improved survival when this combination is used. PrincipaI investigator: Anterpreet Neki, MD
Open-Label Study Of Ipilimumab And Nivolumab Versus Temozolomide In Patients With Newly Diagnosed MGMT (Tumor O-6Methylguanine DNA Methyltransferase) Unmethylated Glioblastoma
ALymphomaPhase3Randomized Study of Loncastuximab Tesirine Combined with Rituximab Versus Immunochemotherapy in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) (LOTIS-5)
Phase III research studies focus on therapies in later stages of development. This clinical trial uses an antibody drug conjugate Loncastuximab Tesirine in combination with Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody treatment, in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a common type of nonHodgkin lymphoma. Antibody drug conjugates like Loncastuximab Tesirine target and kill cancer cells but spare healthy cells. Rituximab also attacks cancer cells and spares healthy tissue – it’s a standard, FDA-approved drug used in lymphoma management. Although Loncastuximab Tesirine is already approved for use on its own in the treatment of relapsed or refractory DLBCL, this study uses this promising drug at an earlier stage of the treatment process and combines it with Rituximab.
Phase I/II research studies focus on therapies in the earlier stages of development. Inhibitors, which block the formation of cancer cells, have revolutionized the treatment of many B-cell lymphomas and leukemias (types of nonHodgkin lymphoma). However, many patients still experience relapse or are unable to tolerate the therapies that are currently available. In this study, a novel BTK Inhibitor, Orelabrutinib, is used to treat patients with newly diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lyhphoma or replaced/refractory mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and marginal zone lymphoma. Orelabrutinib might be more effective, safe and tolerable for patients as compared to BTK inhibitors currently used for treatment.
Phase III research studies focus on therapies in later stages of development. This clinical trial uses immunotherapy with novel T-cellbispecific antibody Glofitamab, which directly targets lymphoma cells in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a common type of nonHodgkin lymphoma. In this study, Glofitamab is combined with conventional chemotherapy and its effectiveness is compared to Rituximab, a standard, FDA-approved drug used in lymphoma management, combined with conventional chemotherapy.
PrincipaI investigator: Maxim Norkin, MD, PhD Website
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PrincipaI investigator: Maxim Norkin, MD, PhD
PrincipaI investigator: Maxim Norkin, MD, PhD
A Phase I/II Multicenter, Open-Label, Study of a Novel Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, Orelabrutinib, in Patients with B-Cell Malignancies.
A Phase III, Open-Label Multicenter, Randomized Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Glofitamab in Combination with Gemcitabine Plus Oxaliplatin Versus Rituximab in Combination with Gemcitabine and Oxaliplatin in Patients with Relapsed/ Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
To learn more about our clinical trials, please visit our website or contact Poonam Neki at 904.202.7468 or poonam.neki@bmcjax.com
At Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, patients are not simply a diagnosis – they are unique individuals with a full life outside of cancer, and we want to help them get back to all their normal activities. Our support services include many outpatient resources to aid patients and their families during and after cancer treatment. We approach patient care as a team, truly surrounding our patients with care and concern, meeting their needs through close connections and a clear focus on the desired outcomes.
Support Services
Advanced Care Planning
Advanced care planning incorporates the patient’s goals, values and wishes regarding their current and future health care. As we guide patients through these planning conversations, we strive to make sure their voices are heard, and their preferences known and respected. We help each patient consider how they would like to be treated should a critical situation develop, and encourage them to designate a trusted family member or friend as an alternate for guidance and help in making critical decisions.
Our Life Wellness Center is a convenient resource featuring products and services for patients undergoing or recovering from any form of cancer treatment. Located on the second floor of Baptist MD Anderson’s main campus, the center provides specially selected creams, hair replacement options, breast prosthetics, bras and private and customized fittings for lymphedema garments. Nutrition
We understand the complexity of the finances associated with cancer care. If our patients are unsure of their financial obligations, we will help them understand, and if they cannot afford the care needed, we will accommodate their financial responsibilities in a fair and considerate manner. Baptist MD Anderson financial advocates are here to help with financial counseling, flexible payment plans and pharmaceutical assistance. Life Wellness Center
SUPPORT PuttingSERVICESour
Our registered dietitians specialize in oncology nutrition and are here to help patients cope with nutritional side effects or concerns before, during and after cancer treatment. Our dietitians provide education, assessment and counseling while working with our oncology health care teams to identify opportunities for nutritional intervention or support.
Patient Financial Advocates
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patients and their needs first.
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Our Social Services team helps patients and their families cope with the social and emotional changes caused by cancer and assists in overcoming barriers to treatment. Our social workers and counselors help patients start the conversation surrounding practical needs, emotional support and treatment decisions.
Wound and Ostomy Support
Being diagnosed with cancer can evoke a range of emotions, including anxiety, depression, and grief. These feelings affect not only the patient but also their family and friends. Our licensed psychologists can help patients and their loved ones manage their emotions during cancer diagnosis and treatment.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Our nurse navigators connect with patients and their loved ones prior to or during their first visit to ensure they have a central point of contact throughout their cancer journey. They coordinate all components involved in patient care, including patient education and support services, and serve as patient advocates.
Support Groups
Patient Education Services
Spiritual Care
Patient Navigation
We offer wound and ostomy education and support in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Cancer and its treatment may cause physical challenges that make it harder to perform daily tasks or return to work – having a lasting effect on one’s health. Our rehabilitation program offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, lymphedema therapy, speech therapy, pelvic floor physical therapy and massage therapy to patients of all ages and with any cancer diagnosis.
Baptist MD Anderson offers multiple support groups for patients to help them reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety and concern that can come with cancer diagnosis and treatment. Our groups help patients learn new coping skills while connecting them with others who are going through similar experiences.
Psychological Services
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Our Patient Education Services team provides educational resources to help patients and families make informed decisions about their care and wellbeing. Genetics Genetic counselors help patients understand their risk for hereditary cancer and make informed decisions about managing their health. Genetic counselors order genetic testing when appropriate and discuss cancer screening and prevention options for each patient individually. They also review potential implications for the patient’s family members and children.
Social Services
Sexual Health Clinics
It is not uncommon for some patients to experience sexual health changes during and after cancer treatment. Our sexual health clinics support our patients as they adjust to these changes by providing education, strategies and treatment that support their sexual wellbeing.
Many patients and their families find spirituality to be a source of strength, hope, meaning and unity as they cope with the effects of cancer and its treatment on their lives. Our chaplains are here to support all patients in exploring and understanding their spiritual health, while guiding patients who have questions.
Rehabilitation Services
L.I.F.E. Survivorship Program
We recognize that the cancer journey does not always end when treatment ends. To address the ongoing physical, emotional, cognitive or financial issues that patients may experience, we created our L.I.F.E. (Living, Inspired, Fulfilled, Encouraged) Survivorship Program. This program provides the support of a multi-disciplinary team, ensuring our patients and families have resources to help them navigate challenges, enhance wellness and improve their quality of life after cancer treatment.
First Responders Program Our team is honored to provide care for firefighters and EMTs. We strive to meet their health needs professionally and personally by providing them with a care navigator who will serve as a direct link for any questions or concerns. We also offer a new patient guidebook tailored to first responders and have knowledgeable staff who have been trained on the specific needs, occupational risks and health concerns of the fire and rescue community. Website Learn more about our support services by visiting our website.
Cancer Screenings
Recognizing that early detection often improves survival rates for cancer patients, Baptist Health and Baptist MD Anderson offer a variety of cancer screenings, including mammograms, lung cancer screenings, colon cancer screenings, PSA screenings and skin checks for melanoma. We work with primary care physicians to ensure patients are getting screened at the appropriate time.
Smoking Cessation We offer smoking cessation services through individual patient counseling in clinic and also facilitate patients’ collaboration with Tobacco Free Florida.
Oncofertility Cancer treatment may impair a person’s ability to have children later in life. Through collaboration with reproductive endocrinologists within the community, we offer a program that maximizes the reproductive potential of cancer patients and survivors.
As part of our L.I.F.E. After Cancer Program, we offer survivorship clinics that provide ongoing surveillance and support to breast, gynecologic and other cancer survivors. Our survivorship clinics engage patients and families in developing a personalized treatment plan that addresses the unique issues and opportunities they face as cancer survivors, while helping them improve their overall health.
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Survivorship Wellness Clinic
High-Risk Breast Clinic
Our High-Risk Breast Clinic is designed for patients with an increased lifetime risk of breast cancer due to specific personal and family risk factors. Our services include risk evaluation, education, clinical breast exams, a personalized surveillance plan, and prevention strategies. The staff also facilitates referrals for genetic or psychological counseling, nutrition experts, and clinical research study participation.
42 BaptistMDAnderson.com PRECISION HEALTH Precision Health
Using genetic testing to prevent and treat cancer.
Genes, the DNA building blocks unique to each of us, play an important role in how cancer may affect patients and how patients respond to certain treatments. Certain genetic defects can increase the risk of developing cancer. By understanding a cancer’s genetics, doctors can select the most effective treatments.
The system-wide program is led by John Vu, MD, medical oncologist, and interim director of Precision Health, and Bill Putnam, MD, thoracic surgeon and medical director for Baptist MD Anderson. They work closely with the genetic counseling team, which includes Eric Chow, MS, and Katie Drum, MGC, CGC, to analyze patients and determine which genetic tests are most appropriate for them.
Precision Health has several important functions in oncology: prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Prevention If a patient is unsure of their cancer risk, the Precision Health team analyzes their risk of cancer or cancer recurrence. This involves working with our genetic counselors to discuss the patient’s family history and complete genetic testing to determine if the patient has a genetic mutation that makes them more likely to get a certain type of cancer. If a mutation is found, the team can work with the patient to determine a prevention and early detection plan. Diagnosis Genetic testing can be done on the cancerous tissue to determine if certain genetic changes – or mutations – are present. Some of the mutations are used to diagnose a particular type of tumor, or to determine if a tumor would respond to mutation-specific targeted therapies. Some genetic characteristics may be associated with increased response rates from immunotherapy, which allows the body’s own immune system to attack the cancer cells.
John Vu, MD Medical Oncologist, Interim Director of Precision Health Bill Putnam, MD, FACS Thoracic Surgeon, Medical Director, Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center
Baptist Health’s Precision Health program is designed to do just that – tailor health care to each individual patient’s unique biology and life circumstances. Baptist Health started its Precision Health initiative at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center and will expand it to include primary care and pediatric service lines as well.
Patient population Treatment Treatment A Treatment A Effective in 20% of 80%population;targetiswaste Treatment B Treatment C Treatment D
Standard approach Tailored approach
Treatment If a patient is battling cancer, the Precision Health team helps the patient’s care team understand the genetic makeup of their tumor and determine the best way to treat it. The type of treatment and the timing and dosage of it are tailored to the patient’s needs. Specific gene mutations can be “targeted.” Targeted therapy, when it can be given, can have fewer side effects than standard chemotherapy. Patients are welcome to consult with the Precision Health team for a second opinion, as an existing Baptist MD Anderson patient or as a new patient.
“We want to emphasize that we are also very careful to protect the patient’s privacy since we are dealing with sensitive genetic data,” Dr. Vu said. “We know patients are entrusting us with their care, and we take that responsibility very seriously.”
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When looking at the standard approach of treating a typical patient population, as can be seen in this graph, some people will get the treatment they need, some will get more treatment than they need and some will not get enough treatment, or their condition will get worse. Baptist MD Anderson currently uses a tailored approach that customizes treatment to meet the needs of a specific patient. Precision Health takes this philosophy one step further by analyzing a patient’s condition and tumor characteristics to develop a precise treatment plan. This minimizes the risk of over- or under-treating the patient.
Video Learn more about the Precision Health program by watching a video featuring Dr. Putnam.
Robert Cavaliere, MD AlsoNeuro-OncologistatBaptistSouth Aakash Modi, MD Interventional Pulmonologist
PULMONOLOGYINTERVENTIONAL
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Anterpreet Neki, MD Medical Oncologist Maxim Norkin, MD, PhD Hematologist/Oncologist
Edward Gorak, DO, MBA, MS, FACP
NEURO-ONCOLOGY
John Vu, MD Medical Oncologist
Dat Pham, MD Medical Oncologist at Baptist South Sridhar Srinivasan, MD atHematologist/OncologistBaptistSouth Zheng Topp, MD Medical Oncologist
DIVISION HEAD Edward Gorak, DO, MBA, MS, FACP, is the founding Head of the Division of Cancer Medicine and Physician-in-Chief at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center. He is also the clinical director for the center’s research program. At Baptist Health, Dr. Gorak serves as chair of the Clinical Transformation Council for Baptist Physician Partners and physician lead for the subspecialty service area of Baptist Physician Enterprise. Prior to joining Baptist Health, he held key leadership roles at Geisinger Health System in Danville, Pennsylvania. Dr. Gorak began his career in the military with duty stations at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, The National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tripler Army Medical Center. Edward Gorak, DO, MBA, MS, FACP MedicineHead,Hematologist/Oncologist,DivisionofCancer
OUR DivisionPHYSICIANSofCancer Medicine Website To explore our full listing of physicians, please visit our website.
MedicineHead,Hematologist/Oncologist,DivisionofCancer
William Hammond,“Adam”MD Hematologist/Oncologist Geetika Bhatt, MD Medical Oncologist Jennifer Crozier, MD Medical Oncologist
Robert Zaiden, MD Medical Oncologist Lara Zuberi, MD Medical Oncologist
UROLOGIC ONCOLOGY SURGERY
FACS,RonSURGERYGASTROINTESTINALLandmann,MD,FASCRS
South Jenny Whitworth, MD Gynecologic Oncology AlsoSurgeonatBaptist Beaches
Paul Nowicki, MD Gynecologic Oncology SurgeonAlsoatBaptist
RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Chief for Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center. Prior to coming to Jacksonville, Dr. Pezzi was a professor of surgery at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He completed his surgical oncology fellowship at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He was a member of the Commission on Cancer at the national level for nine years, serving on its Executive Committee and as Chair of the Quality Integration Committee. He was named to the Board of Governors of the American College of Surgeons.
SURGICAL ONCOLOGY BREAST SURGERY
Karen Ching-Tismal, MD Breast Surgeon Cathryn Johnson, MD Breast Surgeon Laila Samiian, MD, FACS Breast Surgical Oncologist Breast Program Director Faisal Ahmad, MD Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist
Niraj Gusani, MD, FACS Chief, Section of Surgical Oncology
Subrato Deb, MD, FACS, FCCP Thoracic Surgeon, Chief, Section of Thoracic Surgery
Bill Putnam, MD, FACS Thoracic Surgeon, Medical Director, Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center
GYNECOLOGIC SURGERY
Erica Mayland, MD Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist
RobertONCOLOGYWilson, MD Orthopedic Surgeon
Colon and Rectal Surgeon Chief, Section of Colon & Rectal Surgery
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ORTHOPEDIC SURGICAL
Michael DeFazio, MD Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Ankit Desai, MD, FACS Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon THORACIC SURGERY
Lael Stieglitz, MD General Urologist UROLOGY
Stephen Buckley, MD Gynecologic Oncology Surgeon Lauren Hand, MD Gynecologic Oncologist
Konstantinos Chouliaras, MD Surgical Oncologist Christopher Pezzi, MD, FACS Head, Division of Surgery
Russell Smith, MD, FACS Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist
HEAD & SURGICALNECKONCOLOGY
Barrett McCormick, MD Urologic Oncologist Jonathan Melquist, MD Urologic Oncologist
DIVISION HEAD Christopher Pezzi, MD, FACS, is the founding Head, Division of Surgery, and Surgeon-in-
OUR DivisionPHYSICIANSofSurgery
Christopher Pezzi, MD, FACS Surgical Oncologist, Head, Division of Surgery
DIVISION HEAD Michael Olson, MD, PhD, started his career at Baptist Health as the leader of the Radiosurgery Program in 2009 and began serving as Chief of Radiation Oncology at Baptist Health in 2013. As Division Head of Baptist MD Anderson’s Radiation Oncology Department, he focuses on treating central nervous system and lung cancers and believes in the multi-disciplinary management of cancer, epitomized by Baptist MD Anderson’s collaborative approach to care.
Ricardo Hanel, MD, PhD Neurosurgeon
NEUROSURGERY
Blanche Williams, PhD Psychologist
Jesse Davila, MD Radiologist Benjamin Ludwig, MD Radiologist
RADIOLOGY OUR DivisionPHYSICIANSofRadiation Oncology
Clinical Services
Dr. Olson began his career as a scientist, but during his graduate work at California Institute of Technology, he felt called to a career as a physician. Dr. Olson was formerly an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida, (through 2015) and is now an Adjunct Associate Professor of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
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Psychology George Royal, PhD ChiefPsychologist,ofPsychology
David Holloman, MD Pathologist PATHOLOGY
Cynthia Anderson, MD Radiation Oncologist Mark Augspurger, MD Radiation Oncologist at Baptist South Julie Greenwalt, MD Radiation Oncologist Omar Mahmoud, MD, MSc, PhD Radiation Oncologist Lillie O’Steen, MD Radiation Oncologist Michael Olson, MD, PhD Radiation Oncologist Head, Division of Radiation Oncology
Eric Sauvageau, MD Neurosurgeon Andrew Shaw, MD Neurosurgeon
Michael Olson, MD, PhD Interim Head, Division of Radiation Oncology
Lillie E. O’steen, MD Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology
Ron G. Landmann, MD, FACS, FASCRS Adjunct Professor, Department of Colon & Rectal Surgery, Division of Surgery
Subrato J. Deb, MD, FACS, FCCP Adjunct Professor, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Division of Surgery
John H. Vu, MD Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine
Barrett Z. McCormick, MD, MS Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, Division of Surgery
Russell B. Smith, MD, FACS Adjunct Professor, Department of Head & Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery Sidhar Srinivasan, MD Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine, Lael Stieglitz, MD, MPH Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, Division of Surgery
Julie C. Greenwalt, MD Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology
Robert Cavaliere, MD Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Neuro-Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine
Joe B. Putnam, Jr., MD, FACS Adjunct Professor, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Division of Surgery
Edward J. Gorak, DO, MBA, MS, FACP Adjunct Professor, Department of Leukemia, Division of Cancer Medicine
Jenny M. Whitworth, MD Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Surgery
Robert J. Wilson, MD Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Oncology, Division of Surgery Robert A. Zaiden, MD Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine
positions at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX
Omar Mahmoud, MD, M.Sc., PhD Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology
Jonathan J. Melquist, MD, FACS Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, Division of Surgery Aakash M. Modi, MD Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine
Maxim Norkin, MD, PhD Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Division of Cancer Medicine
Anterpreet S. Neki, MD Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine
ADJUNCT PhysiciansPROFESSORSwithfaculty
Jennifer A. Crozier, MD Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine
Geetika Bhatt, MD Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine
Laila Samiian, MD, FACS Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, Division of Surgery
Lauren C. Hand, MD Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Surgery
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Cynthia Anderson, MD Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology
Michael R. Olson, MD, PhD Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology
William A. Hammond, MD, FACP Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine
Mark E. Augspurger, MD Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology
Faisal I. Ahmad, MD Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Head & Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery
Christopher M. Pezzi, MD, FACS Adjunct Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology, Division of Surgery Dat Pham, MD Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Hematology/ Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine
BaptistwhichMalignancyPaquetteJr.Robertusedgifttransplant.marrowThesecondof$200,000wastoestablishtheL.PaquetteandPatriciaA.HematologicFund,willsupportMDAnderson’s
New Donations
Pat and Bob Paquette gifted Baptist MD Anderson with two generous gifts this past year. The first was for $100,000, establishing the Hematological Cancer Medicine Fund focused on supporting the malignant hematology team with an emphasis on bone
Division of Cancer Medicine’s research, training and patient education activities in blood and lymphatic cancers.
Pat and Bob Paquette
Additionally, the Paquettes donated two beautiful pieces of artwork that are on display on the 9th floor at Baptist MD Anderson where the outpatient transplants will take place. “As we plan to launch our bone marrow transplant program, generous gifts like the Paquette’s have helped make the growth and development of our clinic possible,” said Maxim Norkin, MD, PhD, a hematologist oncologist at Baptist MD Anderson. “I am so grateful for their generous contributions and support of our cancer center.” Dr. Norkin with the Paquettes.
49BaptistMDAnderson.com FOUNDATION A foundation for leading care Donations offer hope and healing to our patients. In 2021, Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center received more than $1 million in philanthropic support from more than 600 donors and grateful patients with gifts ranging from $10 to $250,000. Businesses and civic leaders of Jacksonville, community volunteer organizations, foundations, business partners and our administration, physicians, nurses, and staff were all generous contributors. Baptist MD Anderson appreciates every donation, as they ensure our growth. Our supporters gave in a variety of ways including: • Appreciated stock • Qualified charitable distributions • Gifts from donor-advised funds • Gifts made over multi-year pledge commitments • Estate gifts • “PhilanthropyCash is a vital asset to our mission of Making Cancer History®, and we would not be able to do it without all our generous contributors who’ve supported Baptist MD Anderson since our doors opened in 2015,” said LeeAnn Mengel, vice president of Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center. “Philanthropy builds the foundation that is a critical part of our development and aids in our growth as a cancer program over time.”
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The Jacksonville Association of Firefighters donated $10,000 to the Buddy Bus, a mobile mammography unit sponsored by Baptist MD Anderson and First Coast News. Jacksonville Association of Firefighters President Randy Wyse, as well as Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department Fire Chief Keith Powers and local firefighters, presented the check to Baptist MD Anderson leadership. Baptist MD Anderson is privileged to support firefighters and all first responders with a navigation and care team that shepherds them through their cancer journeys.
Pictured left to right: Subrato Deb, MD, physician leader; Angela Silva, First Responder Program manager; Captain Mike Lynch; LeeAnn Mengel, RN, MBA, VP and administrator of Baptist MD Anderson; Engineer Theodis Harris; Engineer Trip Dantzler; Firefighter Bryan Edwards; Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department Fire Chief Keith Powers; Aubrie Miller, First Responder Program coordinator, and Randy Wyse, president of the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters. The Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department and Jacksonville Association of Firefighters gathered at Baptist MD Anderson to present a donation from the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters to the Buddy Bus.
JFRD Firefighters Donation
Buddy Bus with First Coast News
Website To make a donation to Baptist MD Anderson, please visit our website.
The Hope to Help Foundation provided $41,000 to create the Gynecologic Oncology Care Endowment in honor of Dr. Jenny Whitworth for Baptist MD Anderson. The Hope to Help Foundation was created by Karen Toppi, MD, a board-certified OBGYN who has been practicing in Palm Coast since 2004. Dr. Toppi, a three-time cancer survivor, is well-known in the community for her compassionate care for her patients. Her gift will provide patient support, as well as educational programs and funding for research and emerging priorities.
Michael and Jean Fowler In honor of her late husband, Michael Fowler, Jean Fowler made a gift of $25,000 to go toward hematological medicine and enrolling patients in clinical trials. In addition, the money will be used to help with patient lodging and travel expenses while they receive treatment at Baptist MD Anderson.
We want to send a special note of appreciation to John and Mary Neff, who gifted $32,500 this past year in support of the Buddy Bus.
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Ongoing and Current Donations
Pictured left to right: LeeAnn Mengel, RN, MBA, VP and administrator of Baptist MD Anderson; Sarah Lantier, executive director of the Hope to Help Foundation; Karen Toppi, MD, founder; and Jenny Whitworth, MD, gynecologic oncology surgeon.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer we treat at Baptist MD Anderson. Approximately 40% of women have limited access to life-saving annual mammograms. To improve access, we have worked together with First Coast News to create a mobile mammography unit known as the Buddy Bus. The Baptist MD Anderson team and Jeannie Blaylock, award-winning broadcaster for First Coast News, have championed this project as an extension of the “Buddy Check 12” segment to encourage selfexams and annual mammograms for women on the First Coast. In total, the Buddy Bus project has had $1.1 million pledged to fund the bus, which will hit the road in 2022. Our mobile mammography unit will provide 3D screening mammograms throughout the community and will be staffed with experienced, registered mammography technologists.
Dr. Karen Toppi Donation
Waves of Gray Waves of Gray continues to build upon its $150,000 endowment to provide emotional and physical support to brain cancer patients.
A Glimpse Forward Local CSX Retiree Golf Association
Each year the CSX Retiree Charity Golf Association selects a nonprofit as the beneficiary of their golf tournament. In 2021, they selected Baptist MD Anderson’s Waves of Gray Neuro-Oncology Endowment and donated $34,410. More than 100 golfers played in the tournament held in October at Queen’s Harbour Yacht and Country Club to raise awareness and funds in honor of brain cancer and tumor research. The golf association plans to host another tournament supporting Waves of Gray in October 2022 at Queen’s Harbour Yacht and Country Club. The tournament is open to everyone, and the association hopes to exceed last year’s donation of $34,000. To play in the annual event and support the Neurooncology/Waves of Gray Endowment, please contact Lorie Rogan at lorierogan@hotmail.com or Jason.Simpson2@bmcjax.com. More information can be found by visiting retiredcsx.weebly.com
. FOUNDATION
Pictured left: Fred’s sister Andrea Bonacci and his wife Dianne Fenton at the Waves of Gray Fountain, named in honor of Waves of Gray to recognize the generosity the organization has shown Baptist MD Anderson. The fountain is located in the Del and Peggy Dallas Courtyard at Baptist MD Anderson.
Each year, Waves of Gray hosts the Waves of Gray 5K, which is a brain cancer/tumor awareness walk created in memory of Fred K. Fenton II., who lost his hard-fought battle with brain cancer in 2016. The walk brings together the Jacksonville community to heighten awareness and raise funds for brain cancer and tumor research. Fred lost his battle to cancer, but our fight continues. The gift also provides support for the emotional and physical effects of cancer on patients and their loved ones while being treated at Baptist MD Anderson. This can include patient therapies, nonreimbursement expenses associated with care, art therapy, L.I.F.E. products and patient research.
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53BaptistMDAnderson.com Conclusion Baptist MD Anderson is grateful to the many individuals and organizations that support our mission to treat not just the disease but the whole person. Thank you for your extraordinary commitment and generosity, which enable Baptist MD Anderson to provide leading-edge technology and compassionate care to individuals in Northeast Florida and “Philanthropybeyond.makes such a big impact on patients’ lives during their most vulnerable times,” said Dr. Bill Putnam, medical director of Baptist MD Anderson. “The support received allows us to provide reassurance and comfort to those in need, while establishing a foundation of trust in expert care.” If you would like additional information about current programming needs, or if you are interested in supporting Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, please contact 904.202.2919 or foundation@bmcjax.com. You can also learn more at endcancerjax.com.
The Buddy Bus Debut in 2022 Did you know that 35% of women don’t get a regular mammogram? Yet, one in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. That’s why Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center and First Coast News have partnered to bring our new mobile mammography unit to the First Coast, with the support of generous donors. The Buddy Bus is designed to make state-ofthe-art 3D screening mammography more accessible throughout the greater Jacksonville area. The name of the bus is a reference to the longstanding Buddy Check program, which for decades has encouraged local women and their friends to do monthly breast self-checks. To schedule the Buddy Bus at your work site or community location in Northeast Florida, please contact Aubrie.Miller@bmcjax.com.
Art’s ability to heal At Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, we believe the arts are integral to healing and wellness. Thanks to the generosity of donors, our carefully curated collection of more than 800 original works of art enriches the patient and caregiver experience and supports a spectrum of needs, whether conveying a sense of comfort and calm, or providing a source of vitality, energy and hope. This collection of local and regional art, and the story behind it, is highlighted in “The Art of Healing: Transforming the Cancer Journey through Art and Design”. This 11.5” x 10” x 1” hardback coffee table book spans 200+ pages, with a floorby-floor look at the artwork that helps to create a healing environment for all. The cost is $50 plus tax and shipping. All proceeds fund support services for our cancer patients. To learn more or make a purchase, visit artofhealinggiving.baptistjax.com/ or use the QR code.
1301 Palm Avenue • Jacksonville, FL 32207 1.844.632.2278 • BaptistMDAnderson.com NEW AND NOTEWORTHY
