From R. Bryan Bell, M.D., D.D.S., FACS, FRCS (Ed), Division Director, Surgical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and Clinical Programs, and Stacy K. Lewis, M.D., Division Director, Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Integrative Medicine
March 30 is National Doctors’ Day, a time to honor the contributions of physicians to society. Doctors’ Day was established on March 30, 1933, coinciding with the anniversary of the first administration of anesthesia to prevent pain during surgery.
The responsibility “to do good and to do no harm” dates to the time of Hippocrates and continues to guide our profession as we strive to improve the health of our patients and communities.
Leading with excellence and compassion
As physicians of Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon, our top priority is caring for patients through what may be one of the most challenging and frightening periods of their lives. We strive to cure patients from their disease and to provide supportive care and guidance through each step of their cancer journey. Every decision made by our oncologists and naturopathic physicians is influenced by specialized training, empathy and a determination to help our patients achieve the best possible outcome for themselves and their families.
How we approach treatment, explain our recommendations, include patients and families in clinical decision-making and collaborate with other caregivers make a tremendous difference in patient experience and treatment recovery.
Teamwork and steadfast commitment to patient care
While the COVID-19 pandemic challenged health care delivery, your commitment to providing the most advanced, highest quality care for our patients is unwavering. Despite resource constraints, we continue to advance cancer medicine and research to benefit patients in Oregon and beyond.
Most notably, Providence Cancer Institute garnered worldwide acclaim last year with the first instance of metastatic pancreatic cancer regression through a next-generation, gene-engineered adoptive T-cell therapy developed by our colleagues in the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute. This remarkable breakthrough is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire #FinishCancer team.
Moreover, we recruited new physicians, launched additional programs, achieved outstanding overall patient experience scores, earned national recognition and awards, and strengthened cancer services across our communities through the expansion of:
- Breast and thoracic surgery care with new clinics in Newberg
- Cancer care in Clackamas County with a new center in Oregon City
- Cardio-oncology care in collaboration with Providence Heart Institute
- Care for patients with foregut cancers and benign conditions in collaboration with Providence Digestive Health Institute
- Dental and oral oncology services to patients with heart conditions
- Fellowship programs to help train the next generation of oncologists
- Gynecological oncology care with a new westside clinic
- Investigator-initiated trials and early-phase studies
- Neuro-oncology care in collaboration with Providence Brain and Spine Institute
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery for patients with breast cancer and other conditions
- Treatments for patients with neuroendocrine tumors
- Tumors treated with MRI-guided radiation therapy
While these are just some of our shared accomplishments, they reflect your commitment to our Mission and values and give us reason to celebrate. Together we can leverage the strength of our expertise and the flexibility of our multidisciplinary care model to respond to the needs of our community, especially the poor and vulnerable.
To all our physicians, we wish you a Happy Doctors’ Day and thank you for being a vital part of Providence Cancer Institute.
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