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referral coordinator to ensure timely authorizations for treatment. Each Cancer Center team member plays an integral role in facilitating journeys to health and well-being.
NEW TECHNOLOGY
Taking community cancer care to the next level in Whatcom and Skagit Counties THE FIRST CHAPTER OF INTEGRATED CANCER CARE The PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center opened its doors in December 2012. The design of the Cancer Center focused on tranquility and hope, surrounding patients and family members with artwork, a water feature and comfortable furnishings to provide a holistic healing environment. But the Cancer Center’s grand opening didn’t just celebrate a beautiful new space; it also marked the beginning of comprehensive cancer services together under one roof — right in our own backyard. Patients were able to see their cancer specialists and receive chemotherapy, radiation therapy and support in a single facility. It marked the beginning of integrated cancer care in northwest Washington.
A NEW CHAPTER OF CANCER CARE Since its inception over five years ago, the Cancer Center has continued to 40
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make great strides in improving the quality of patient cancer care in our community. Its original collaborative model remains its solid foundation today as staff caregivers, leadership and a Patient and Family Advisory Committee work together to continually strengthen a program of excellence.
A SKILLED AND GROWING TEAM OF PROVIDERS The Cancer Center recognizes that care providers are at the heart of compassionate cancer care and has grown to serve members of our community with no delay in service. The center has brought three accomplished medical oncologists to Bellingham who are available to care for patients: Dr. Robert Raish, Dr. Scott LeTellier and Dr. Brahma Konda. A fourth oncologist, Dr. Dong Xiang, arrives mid-September, and a new medical oncology physician assistant will come on board in November. Dr. Bill Hall, Dr. Michael Taylor, Dr. Alexei Polishchuk and Dr. Ian Thompson serve as the center’s radiation oncologists. In Sedro-Woolley, patients benefit from the expertise of Dr. Binay Shah, a medical oncologist treating patients who require comprehensive cancer care at the PeaceHealth United General Cancer Center. The team has recently grown with the addition of two new oncology registered nurse (RN) care coordinators to enhance follow-up processes, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to assist with chemotherapy and infusion scheduling and an additional
The Cancer Center is also committed to offering the most advanced technology available — most notably of which is a new six-degree radiation treatment couch. Funded by the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation, it improves patient care by offering improved precision, increased efficiency, reduced patient radiation dose and enhanced overall patient experience and safety.
A CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO INDIVIDUALIZED CARE The Cancer Center focuses on integrating all key services together with the patient at the epicenter of it all. “Patients have access to a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic oncology services. They can choose the care that’s best for their individual situation,” said Gurpreet Dhillon, Cancer Center director. “Our team works to guide patients and their families through the cancer experience every step of the way.” Patients’ treatment plans are uniquely tailored to meet their specific needs and use a holistic approach. They may include clinical trials, advanced diagnostic testing or genetic testing and support services, such as nutrition guidance, support groups and financial advocacy. Multidisciplinary case conferences of teams of specialists are also utilized to determine the best treatment approach for a specific patient.
MOVING FORWARD As the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center reflects on its first five years, it prepares for the future and continues evolving to meet the changing needs of our community. Many positive changes are taking place, building upon its sturdy roots.