New breast cancer team members and expanded services
A new comprehensive breast cancer clinic and new clinical team are caring for patients at Scott & White . Their goal is to make each patient ’ s experience easier , so patients can see multiple caregivers on the same day in the clinic , and enhance communication with patients . Courtney Yau , MD , a new medical oncologist and assistant professor of medicine at the Texas A & M Health Science Center College of Medicine , is enthusiastic about the team and their efforts to help patients . “ We ’ re really excited about caring for patients , and hope to give them more confidence knowing we have a complete team to help pull them through .” The team is extensive , too . It includes geneticists , surgeons , radiation oncologists , social workers , support staff , and database managers . Scott & White is pleased to have two fellowship-trained reconstructive breast surgeons on staff as well : Raman Mahabir , MD , associate professor of surgery at the Texas A & M Health Science Center College of Medicine and Kendall Roehl , MD . Dr . Roehl is also an assistant professor of surgery at the Texas A & M Health Science Center College of Medicine . cancer care in College Station .” The Scott & White Cancer Center - College Station will be located in the clinic on the hospital campus and will have a direct connection between facilities in order to promote an integrated medical model . “ We ’ d like to include radiation therapy services on-site , in order to offer complete comprehensive care for our patients ,” says Mrs . Fowler . The bottom line is that cancer care really needs to take place close to home , close to much-needed social support , and backed by a comprehensive team of specialists . ( See pages 6-7 for more information about cancer care services in College Station and Round Rock .)
“ I will beat this ” Earlier this year Mrs . Comiskey ’ s cancer returned . She went through rigorous rounds of chemotherapy from March through August that will be followed by further surgery and reconstruction . After completing the chemotherapy , she was able to celebrate her wedding anniversary with her husband , Ben , who has been his wife ’ s constant support . The couple traveled to New Orleans ,
Louisiana , eager to take a break from the emotional toll of Mrs . Comiskey ’ s treatment . She says ,“ It ’ s nice to know I have God and a lot of people looking out for me at Scott & White . I will beat this .” Mrs . Comiskey is under the watchful eye of hematologist and oncologist Christal Murray , MD , assistant professor of hematology and oncology at the Texas A & M Health Science Center College of Medicine . Her team of caregivers also includes Cassie Connerty , PA-C , and Staci Hix-Hernandez , MD , plastic and reconstructive surgeon , medical director of the Round Rock Wound Care Clinic , and assistant professor of surgery at the Texas A & M Health Science Center College of Medicine .
Because radiation therapy isn ’ t yet available at Scott & White Hospital - Round Rock , Mrs . Comiskey traveled to Austin for treatment . “ It would be phenomenal to have radiation treatment services at Round Rock ,” she says .
“ Janelle is an example of how brave all our patients are , and why it ’ s so important to bring even more advanced oncology care services to Round Rock ,” says Dr . Watson . “ Our goal is to provide comprehensive cancer care , and offer patients a seamless experience so they don ’ t have to drive a distance for radiation treatment .” This is especially significant , since patients undergoing radiation therapy often will need to have treatment several days a week , for several weeks .
“ I ’ ve taken care of breast cancer patients for 10 years , and they ’ re remarkable individuals ,” says Dr . Watson . “ We ’ re anxious to bring the Cancer Center to Round Rock so we can provide a level of care we feel our patients deserve . It ’ s vitally important to keep the integrated approach to care that ’ s been the hallmark of Scott & White for so long . It ’ s why we ’ re here ,” he says . n
Additional funding needed !
To help support vital services such as palliative care and the acquisition of radiation therapy equipment for our regional cancer centers , please call the Scott & White Healthcare Foundation at 800-293-4483 or visit foundation-sw @ sw . org .
sw . org | November 12 The Catalyst 13