Message From the Service Line Leaders - Oncology
Intensifying Our Battle Against Cancer
As we finish yet another year of unprecedented change while fighting cancer and the impact of COVID-19, we are truly hopeful that new preventive screening programs, diagnostic tools, and innovative treatments will move us one step closer to winning the battle for a healthier future with our family and friends.
As a certified member of MD Anderson Cancer Network ®, a program of MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s top-ranked cancer centers, Premier Health brings world-renowned cancer care and expertise to our patients in Southwest Ohio. Through our strong physician collaboration, patients receive high quality, well-coordinated cancer care close to home, surrounded by family and friends.
All of our care sites undergo an annual quality and safety survey through MD Anderson as part of our certification process. We have more than 50 MD Anderson-certified physician members at Premier Health who have passed a rigorous peer review process. Premier Health is also accredited by the Commission on Cancer and consistently earns the prestigious Magnet®recognition for nursing excellence.
During 2021, we focused on getting patients caught up with their cancer prevention screenings for hereditary cancers by increasing access to genetic testing and counseling in our primary care practices.
Reducing the time from cancer detection to earlier cancer treatment and survivorship also is critical to our mission across all cancer types. We began recruiting additional hematology and oncology specialists to create a new Premier Blood and Cancer Center practice to expand access for patients at all Premier Health cancer centers. Our vision is to create a destination of care close to home that provides a compassionate experience for our patients by offering a healing environment, with a multidisciplinary care team, full continuum of cancer care, and supportive services, from diagnosis to survivorship.
By expanding new clinical trials for our patients through physician collaboration and leadership, our membership with MD Anderson, and the help of our foundations and donors, we have elevated our comprehensive cancer care to another level by keeping patients close to home for advanced cancer care.
As the Premier Health Cancer Institute looks forward to the new year ahead, we will continue to focus on improving and expanding cancer prevention, diagnostic tools, nurse navigators, new innovative treatment options, infusion care sites, and access to clinical trials — all with the goal of improving the survivorship of our patients. I am grateful for the collective efforts of our cancer care team: skilled physicians, nursing staff, navigators, leadership, and others who are committed to walking hand in hand with you and your family during your cancer journey — with much respect, compassion, and hope.
Sincerely,
James Ouellette, DO, FACS
Clinical Service Line Leader – Oncology
Certified Physician with MD Anderson Cancer Network®
Lori Scalise
System Director
Service Line Strategy - Oncology
