We are pleased to announce the appointment of Kenneth Grossmann, M.D., Ph.D., as division director for Hematology and Medical Oncology at Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon. Stacy Lewis, M.D., held the position of division director of Hematology, Medical Oncology and medical specialties such as oncology palliative care, cancer genetics and integrative medicine since January 2020. Dr. Lewis stepped down to focus on her clinical practice in the Hematologic Malignancies Program at Providence.
Additionally, Kelly Perlewitz, M.D., will assume a new role as deputy division director for Hematology and Medical Oncology on September 24. Dr. Perlewitz is a medical oncologist with a clinical practice at Providence Cancer Institute Newberg Clinic, where she also has served as medical director.
Under Dr. Perlewitz's leadership, the Providence Cancer Institute Newberg campus has expanded and now includes two medical oncologists, a breast surgeon, advance practice practitioners, a 20-chair infusion room and other support services.
Dr. Grossmann brings a high level of research and clinical experience with a focus on melanoma, head and neck and kidney cancers. A Portland native, Dr. Grossmann returns to the Pacific Northwest from Utah where he held positions of leadership in cooperative group cancer research organizations, major academic cancer centers and pharma.
“I wanted to continue my personal work toward innovating in cancer medicine and delivering the highest quality care. Providence was an obvious choice,” says Dr. Grossmann.
“Dr. Perlewitz’s talent and long-term experience at Providence, along with Dr. Grossmann’s perspective and vision will help Providence Cancer Institute expand clinical and research services in Oregon,” says Walter J. Urba, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer, Providence Cancer Institute and director, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute.
Expanding clinical research and cancer care
Working in collaboration, Drs. Grossmann and Perlewitz aim to expand access to clinical and cancer research services to communities throughout Oregon.
Dr. Perlewitz says it’s important that providers and their patients know what research is available and how to access clinical trials.
“We want a Seaside patient with a cancer diagnosis, for example, to know they have access to everything that a patient in Portland would have and to make sure access to care feels seamless,” says Dr. Grossmann.
“That’s the beauty of Providence,” says Dr. Perlewitz. “We have a connection to the expertise of specialists or a clinical trial for our patients outside of Portland, and also the weekly multidisciplinary tumor boards.”
“We’re thrilled to have Drs. Grossmann and Perlewitz in leadership roles at Providence Cancer Institute. Their shared vision for expanding our research and clinical footprint in Oregon will have a positive impact for many cancer patients,” says Lyn Dobrunick, MN, FNP, AOCN, executive director, Providence Cancer Institute.
Dr. Grossmann has made staff recruitment one of his first priorities, which goes hand-in-hand with another priority – maintaining the quality of care Providence is known for in the region. “Making sure that we're bringing in the best possible providers and staff to our system at every level and building out our teams in the right way is key,” he says.
Another priority is ensuring Providence continues to have the resources and bandwidth to maintain the accelerated pace of cancer research.
Working together to achieve goals
Drs. Grossmann and Perlewitz look forward to working together on their complementary visions for leading Hematology and Medical Oncology at Providence. “I think we're going to make a really good team,” says Dr. Grossmann.
They’ll also work closely with R. Bryan Bell, M.D., D.D.S., FACS, FRCS(Ed), division director of Surgical Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Clinical Programs for Providence Cancer Institute. “I look forward to working with these two experienced and inspiring leaders to advance our mission of delivering the most advanced therapies and promising clinical trials to cancer patients, whom it is our privilege to serve,” says Dr. Bell.
In addition to his responsibilities as division director Dr. Grossmann will have a limited clinical practice at Providence Cancer Institute Franz Clinic and Providence Oncology & Hematology Care Clinic – Westside Portland. Dr. Perlewitz also will maintain her clinical practice at Providence Cancer Institute Newberg Clinic.
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