The 11th floor of our Robert W. Franz Cancer Center at Providence Portland Medical Center is now open and blessed! This new space allows us to expand and consolidate our outpatient cancer services in the new Providence Cancer Institute Franz Clinic. This will enhance our care for the 5,000 oncology patients we see every year – and the hundreds more we will be able to see in this new space.
More than 150 caregivers and patients joined together to bless and dedicate the clinic – including sprinkling holy water in the treatment rooms, exam areas, pharmacy, physician offices, dental clinic and other patient care areas.
Attendees remembered those whose philanthropic support made the construction of the cancer tower a reality in 2008, and the completion of the 11th floor a reality in 2018. “Together we are creating hope,” said Krista Farnham, Providence Portland Medical Center chief executive.
The clinic was designed with input from patients, family members, caregivers and physicians. “We have been redefining health care as we developed a space that will meet the needs of our patients,” said Kevin Olsen, M.D., Providence Cancer Institute executive medical director.
Becky Roth, a cancer patient who will use the services on the 11th floor also spoke to the crowd. The self-described “stubborn” oral cancer patient thanked the assembled Providence caregivers and researchers “who never gave up on me.”
In a final prayer, Kelly Schmidt, Providence Portland Medical Center Mission Integration director prayed, “Keep us steadfast, keep us humble, keep us together.”
The range of services offered on the 11th floor include:
- Specialty clinics including thoracic surgery, head and neck surgery, dentistry clinic, and in 2019 a gynecologic oncology program
- A cancer genetics program and genetic risk clinic, led by a medical geneticist
- Expanded infusion spaces, making it more convenient to get care
- A specialty pharmacy, including retail products and research medications
- Increased access to clinical trials and promising new research, such as adoptive cellular therapy
This expansion builds on Providence Cancer Institute’s commitment to care and the internationally respected immunotherapy-based research conducted at our Earle A. Chiles Research Institute. We focus on bringing clinical trials and the latest treatments directly to our patients, collaborating with immunotherapy colleagues around the world.
Learn more and see a virtual tour ›
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