Guest editorial
UTMB Cancer Center enhances patient services, access to novel therapies
By Avi B. Markowitz
Three of the scariest words in the English language are "you have cancer."
Although I have never had cancer, I have spent my medical career caring for patients who do and providing them high quality treatment as they battle the disease. I would not trade my career for any other.
Nearly three years ago, I joined UTMB as division chief of hematology/oncology and subsequently became associate clinical director of the UTMB Cancer Center where I direct the oncology clinical trials office. Having served on staff at some of the largest cancer hospitals in the country, I was attracted to the UTMB Cancer Center because of its size as well as its plan for strategic growth and enhanced patient services.
With enormous support from UTMB leadership and a clear vision for building expertise in the treatment of certain cancers, we are emerging as an important resource for cancer care. We already have expertise in certain cancers, specifically gastrointestinal (including colorectal), liver and pancreas, breast, prostate, head and neck, brain and lung.
At UTMB, we are able to provide personalized and prompt service to our patients. In most new cancer cases, for example, we can schedule new patient evaluations in the medical oncology clinic within one week of confirmation of the diagnosis.
From the patient's perspective, UTMB's cancer facilities have undergone dramatic changes. Patients receiving chemotherapy, for example, were introduced to new facilities early this year at the easily accessible Primary Care Pavilion. Patients arriving at this new location are dropped off at the treatment area door and go directly to the renovated treatment area, just a few feet away. Parking for caregivers is directly outside the door.