Jacksonville — Jacksonville’s Morning News is on location at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary in NE Florida.
At Baptist MD Anderson, patients are surrounded by a team working with some of the most advanced therapies available.
Dr. Bill Putnam, Medical Director, explains how their mission of making cancer history comes to life.
Joel Laton, Lead Chaplain, joins shares the role of his team of chaplains in the holistic treatment process at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center. Spiritual and pastoral care extends to spouses and family members, offering support and guidance for the “person,” during clinical care processes.
Dr. Laila Samiian, Chief of Breast Surgical Oncology, discusses the importance of screening and prevention resources for breast health, as Breast Cancer Awareness month wraps up. She shares how care processes vary with the patient’s age, breast density, and individual needs, as each patient’s cancer is different.
Dr. Gordon Guo, Radiation Oncologist, discusses the facts and the myths regarding prostate cancer. Ex: Fact – 1 in 8 men will develop prostate cancer; Myth – If you have no symptoms, you don’t have the disease. Dr. Guo also speaks to what patients need to know about testing, diagnosis, and treatment protocols.
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Theresa Pola, Outpatient Dietitian, discusses the role of lifestyle and diet in cancer prevention, treatment, and recovery. She also speaks to how nutritional needs can change relative to treatment protocols, and the impacts that exercise, relaxation, and stress management can have on overall health.
Becky Ness, Oncology Social Worker, joins JMN to discuss ways cancer can impact family dynamics during and after treatment. She advocates support groups, communication, and social work teaching cooperation and prioritization to help families rally in care and support wihtout their o the patient’s individual identities being subsumed by cancer. Her approach is that whole-person healing is the goal, not just clinical resolution.
Dr. Kim LaBree, Assistant Adminstator of Patient Services, addresses a number of listener questions regarding local area health concerns, diagnostic processes, and Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center care resources. Se asserts that the most important part of preventative or clinical care is routine checkups with your primary care physician. If you need to establish a primary care physician, Baptist invites you to contact them at 904-202-4YOU (4968).
LeeAnn Mengel, Vice President Administrator, joins JMN to recap Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center’s evolution over the past ten years, and looks toward continued expansion, growing resources, and continuing innovative holistic care.
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