Tag Archives: oncology

Best of Breast: Cancer experts to converge at 12th Annual Breast Cancer Conference

By North SA Chamber Editor
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methodist hcs logoSome of the best experts in the field of breast cancer research will take time out of their hectic schedules to present at the 12th Annual Alamo City Cancer Council’s Breast Cancer Update Conference presented by Methodist Healthcare. This year the community event will be held at a new location – the Oblate School of Theology’s Whitley Center at 285 Oblate Drive on Saturday, September 13th starting at 8 a.m. This ½ day free conference is open to the San Antonio community and brings experts in the field of breast cancer research and treatment together to update the public and healthcare providers on the latest advancements in breast cancer.

The day will begin with a keynote presentation entitled “Immunotherapy and Breast Cancer,” presented by Dr. Skip Burris of Tennessee Oncology. Dr. Burris is a board certified oncologist with more than 20 years of phase 1 clinical trial experience. He received his undergraduate degree from the United States Military Academy and medical degree from the University of South Alabama. After graduating, he completed his residency in hematology/oncology at the San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC).

Seven concurrent sessions will be held throughout the morning, with attendees choosing two to attend. The day will then conclude with a lunchtime presentation on “Surgical Approaches in Breast Reconstruction” presented by Dr. Jessica Belz of PRMA and Dr. Christy Chai of the Oncology Department at SAMMC.

Alamo City Cancer Council Director Sharon Wilks, M.D., F.A.C.P. started the conference in 2003 and states, “the breast cancer update conference serves as a forum to bring a diverse group of attendees together to learn more about the advancements in breast cancer. From the newly diagnosed patient to the seasoned medical professional, there are learning opportunities for everyone at the conference. We are also especially grateful to Methodist Healthcare for their tremendous support as the presenting sponsor of this years event.” The conference is free to the general public and continental breakfast, a box lunch and free parking are included for all attendees.

And with national Breast Cancer Awareness Month right around the corner Alamo City Cancer Council Executive Director Gretchen Garceau-Kragh, says, “the conference is a great way to kick off our participation in the national Breast Cancer Awareness Month. By collaborating with the other cancer related non-profit agencies in San Antonio to help raise awareness of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we hope to educate even more individuals as they move from cancer patient to cancer survivor.” Nurses in need of continuing education credit pay only $45 in advance and $55 at the door for their credentialing. Like last year, hundreds of attendees are expected for this educational day out and an opportunity to connect with breast cancer survivors, friends and experts.

For more information or to pre-register to attend, please visit alamocitycancercouncil.org or call 210-816-0683.

The Alamo City Cancer Council is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organized based in San Antonio. Its mission is to provide education, resources and services for any project that supports the cause of the eradication of cancer.

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Baptist Health System creates the South Texas Lung Institute – the region’s first dedicated lung disease treatment program

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Baptist HealthcareTo provide the South Texas region with a high-quality, well-coordinated lung cancer treatment program, Baptist Health System has created the South Texas Lung Institute. The institute is the premier center for the diagnosis and treatment of lung disease and lung cancer. Baptist Health System is the first to open this type of center in South Texas which provides a multi-disciplinary collaboration of area physicians and health care resources and a navigated program for lung disease and lung cancer patients.

At its core, the South Texas Lung Institute brings together pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, and primary care physicians to work collaboratively with St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital to provide highly coordinated lung cancer treatment for patients.

“The navigation aspect of this program is key in which the South Texas Lung Institute is the first to offer this type of service. With one phone call into the program, high-risk patients are referred to a host of treatment resources,” stated John Knox, St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital President.

With guidelines established by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the institute’s patient navigator guides patients, who are determined to be high-risk, through the screening process and their entire treatment working with the patient’s specialists and primary care physician to recommend next steps of care as needed.

High-risk individuals are those that meet the following criteria: are between the ages of 55-74 and have a history of smoking equal to or greater than 30 years (a pack a day) or if an ex-smoker, have quit within the last 15 years.

For more information on the patient services available at the South Texas Lung Institute, call 210-297-LUNG or visit SouthTexasLungInstitute.com.

About Baptist Health System
Baptist Health System is a trusted provider of health care in San Antonio and South Texas. The System includes five acute-care hospitals (Baptist Medical Center, Mission Trail Baptist Hospital, North Central Baptist Hospital, Northeast Baptist Hospital, and St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital) which offer 1,674 licensed beds.  All five hospitals have earned Accredited Chest Pain Center designation, as well as Primary Stroke Center Certification.  Medicare has designated each as Texas’ only Medicare Value Based Care Centers.

The system also includes Baptist Regional Children’s Center, Baptist Breast Center, Baptist Cancer Center, HealthLink wellness and fitness center and physical rehabilitation centers.  Other entities include Baptist M&S Imaging Centers, community health and wellness programs, ambulatory services, medical office buildings and School of Health Professions.  Baptist Health System supports the work of Faith Family Clinics, Baptist Emergency Hospitals, San Antonio AirLIFE air medical transport and other health-related services and affiliations.  The system is part of Tenet Healthcare Corporation, based out of Dallas, Texas.

North Central Baptist Hospital opens dedicated oncology floor as part of ongoing $60 million expansion

By North SA Chamber Editor
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baptist hcs logoNorth Central Baptist Hospital has opened a new dedicated oncology floor as part of its ongoing $60 million, six-floor tower expansion. The oncology floor, with 28 private rooms, offers specialized medical and surgical care for cancer patients. It also includes the first unit in San Antonio and South Texas specifically designed to care for adolescent and young adult cancer patients between ages 17 and 25.

The oncology floor is designed not only to enhance the comfort of patients, it also will allow the medical staff to work at computers located closer to patients’ bedsides. And a new wireless phone system will facilitate more convenient communication for patients and staff.  In addition to the floor enhancements, all staff on the oncology floor are chemotherapy certified.

In designing the eight-room Adolescent and Young Adult unit, North Central Baptist Hospital sought input from patients in the 17 to 25 age group as well as feedback from physicians and nursing staff. The result is a dormitory-style setting, with private rooms that offer comfortable furniture including sleeper sofas, slider rockers, mini-fridges stocked with snacks, and a multi-media entertainment room with WiFi, theatre-style seating, game counsels and a movie library. The floor also includes a family retreat area, which is open to all floor visitors, offering a washer and dryer, comfortable seating and flat screen televisions.

North Central Baptist Hospital Oncology Floor
North Central Baptist Hospital’s six-floor tower expansion also includes the recent opening of the  new Labor and Delivery floors to provide comprehensive services including a private lactation area and pumping room, 43 nursery beds, room service for new parents and a complementary postpartum massage for new moms.

For more information on the services available at North Central Baptist Hospital and Baptist Health System, visit www.baptisthealthsystem.com.

About Baptist Health System
Baptist Health System is a trusted provider of health care in San Antonio and South Texas. The System includes five acute-care hospitals (Baptist Medical Center, Mission Trail Baptist Hospital, North Central Baptist Hospital, Northeast Baptist Hospital, and St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital) which offer 1,674 licensed beds.  All five hospitals have earned Accredited Chest Pain Center designation, as well as Primary Stroke Center Certification.  Medicare has designated each as Texas’ only Medicare Value Based Care Centers.

The system also includes Baptist Regional Children’s Center, Baptist Breast Center, Baptist Cancer Center, HealthLink wellness and fitness center and physical rehabilitation centers.  Other entities include Baptist M&S Imaging Centers, community health and wellness programs, ambulatory services, medical office buildings and School of Health Professions.  Baptist Health System supports the work of Faith Family Clinics, Baptist Emergency Hospitals, San Antonio AirLIFE air medical transport and other health-related services and affiliations.  The system is part of Tenet Healthcare Corporation, based out of Dallas, Texas.