Providence is expanding its cancer services to provide oncology and hematology care for adult patients across the Inland Northwest needing chemotherapy and other primary oncology care. The program meets a growing community need for medical oncologists in the region. A shortage of providers has made it hard for cancer patients to get care they need quickly. This new practice is a significant commitment by Providence in the future of Spokane’s oncology care.
“Our region has desperately needed additional medical oncology services, and we are proud to offer this to our community,” says Peg Currie, Chief Operating Officer for Providence Health Care.
Providence Oncology & Hematology recently opened on the Providence Holy Family Hospital campus with two medical oncology providers, Medical Director Madhu Unnikrishnan, M.D. and Brent McGinty, M.D. This clinic is part of the region’s only accredited cancer program by the Commission on Cancer. Patients will have access to a variety of cancer care services onsite, including eight treatment rooms and a newly refurbished infusion treatment center.
“It’s an honor to walk alongside our patients on their cancer journey and provide this exceptional level of care for our community,” says Dr. Unnikrishnan. “We are already caring for patients who had waited a long time to see a physician, which can be scary for patients newly diagnosed with cancer.”
Dr. Unnikrishnan completed his fellowship and specialty training in medical oncology and hematology at the Case Western Reserve University and Seidman comprehensive cancer center in Cleveland, Ohio. He practiced community oncology in North Dakota before moving to Spokane.
Dr. McGinty graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine, completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Iowa, and his hematology and oncology training at the University of Missouri.
Both specialize in cancer and blood disorders; and believe in treatments that focus on the whole patient.
Providence Oncology & Hematology is accepting new patients through physician referrals. The program connects medical oncologists with a team of medical specialists who are there to ease the way for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Today, Providence has specialized teams of cancer experts who care for people who are seeking services for liver, pancreas, gynecologic, lung, bone, brain and other cancers. The Pediatric Hematology & Oncology program at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital is the region’s only cancer program for kids.
About Providence Medical Group (PMG) in Eastern Washington includes more than 850 physicians and advanced practitioners (physician assistants and nurse practitioners) in Spokane and Stevens counties. Its medical staff includes primary care providers, surgical subspecialists and medical specialists. PMG is part of the Providence Health Care network of services, including Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital and Providence Holy Family Hospital – both nationally recognized for quality care, as well as two critical access hospitals in Colville and Chewelah; a comprehensive outpatient medical facility - Providence Medical Park in Spokane Valley; and a full continuum of services including home health, assisted living, adult day health, and skilled nursing care. www.providence.washington.org.
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