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6 | Health Matters: Providence St. Joseph Hospital THE POWER OF AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH Johnson's treatment plan was developed by Dr. Dang in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of specialists including radiologists and oncologists. The team of experts assessed Johnson's case and worked with her to come to a collective decision on the most suitable course of action based on her unique needs. "Knowing that there's a whole group of people looking at [my information] and deciding what's best is extremely comforting," she says. The integrative approach is central to the cancer center's philosophy of improving and sustaining patient health and well-being before, during and after treatment, providing whole-person care for body, mind and spirit. As a result, patients feel seen and heard in the process of developing their treatment plan and are ready to take on the fight. For Johnson, it helped her see the parallels between her cancer treatment and hiking. Each chemotherapy session has become a milestone marked by a different mountain and a different Bible verse on cards that she made for herself. When Johnson needs motivation, she thinks of her tough trek to Everest Base Camp for her 50th birthday, and the incredible view and experience of visiting the Rongbuk Monastery. "You're surrounded by all the mountains—it's amazing," she says. "It wasn't an easy climb, but I kept going, and that's where I'm at now. I'm so comfortable with being in the hands of the Lord." Throughout her treatment, the support of Johnson's friends and family has been instrumental in her success. "You must have an advocate," Johnson emphasizes, reflecting on the importance of having people by her side supporting her care. "I have an excellent support system and couldn't ask for more." LOOKING TO THE NEXT PEAK Johnson is planning her next big hike to celebrate when she finishes treatment and has recovered. While treatment has delayed a planned trip to Italy with her husband, they plan to go later this year and to hike the Camino de Santiago trail from Portugal to Spain. As she continues to be treated and supported by caregivers at the Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Johnson's attitude and outlook are only looking up, to the next summit on the horizon. To learn more, visit www.sjocancer.org or call 714-734-6200. NEW DIRECTOR EAGER TO BUILD ON STELLAR BREAST PROGRAM During her residency training, Hang Dang, DO, was on track to become a trauma surgeon. Then she met the patient who changed her life. That patient had a breast tumor so advanced it was bleeding through her skin. "I just could not understand how she could have waited so long before seeking care," Dr. Dang says. "Her daughter told me that her mother did not have health insurance and was afraid to seek care." Dr. Dang switched her focus and completed fellowships in breast surgical oncology and surgical breast aesthetics. In fall 2023, Dr. Dang became director of the breast program at the Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment. Having served on the Providence St. Joseph Hospital Orange tumor board since 2015, she's already quite familiar with the program. Dr. Dang considers herself first and foremost a patient advocate. "I look at everything from my patients' perspectives," Dr. Dang says. "If I were in their shoes, I would want someone to have my back and make me feel as comfortable as possible while going through such hard a time as a cancer diagnosis." Serving on the tumor board gave her the opportunity to not only observe the quality of care provided, but the way physicians and staff work with patients. "The focus here is making sure patients are treated like family," she says. Dr. Dang also appreciates the hospital's emphasis on healing the body, mind and spirit. "You can't just treat the cancer; you must look at the patient's mindset, because every patient is different," she says. "Even though we have guidelines, we also must make sure it is in the patient's best interests and beliefs." Dr. Dang's interests also include robotic mastectomy and abbreviated MRI, which may detect breast tumors earlier than conventional MRI imaging. "Providence St. Joseph Hospital Orange is a great program," she says. "I look forward to helping it continue to evolve."

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