Our Commitment to Excellence…
All of our professional staff at Great Lakes Cancer Management Specialists are committed to the highest standard of care. Our practice has a reputation of being one of the finest in all of the Great Lakes area. We pride ourselves in providing both personalized care close to home as well as state-of-the-art medical care that one usually associates with a major university medical center.
Our office participates in several national organizations…
Including the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast Project (NSABP). These organizations are supported by the National Cancer Institute. These programs are vital for developing more effective cancer treatments. Our office is an affiliate of the University of Michigan, and is located in the St. John Hospital Van Elslander Cancer Center, which opened in the fall of 2001. Many patients may be eligible for participation in these programs. Please ask your doctor for more information if you are interested.
Information Technology is key to providing the best care…
We are dedicated to having the most current information concerning cancer research and new treatments that are available. We have computer and internet services which access the most current medical information, specifically regarding cancer. The Physician Data Query (PDQ) is an information service provided by the National Cancer Institute. This provides up-to-date information specifically oriented to patients and their questions/concerns about their particular diagnosis. It can also provide the names of other well-qualified specialists out-of-town should that need arise. This service also has a complete listing of the new investigational treatments for a particular cancer at medical centers around the country.
Second opinions and relationships with other institutions…
In particularly difficult or unusual situations, we have recommended or accommodated the patient's request for a second opinion. If your situation requires a treatment which is beyond the scope of our office and hospitals (i.e., bone marrow transplants or experimental drugs), our office can assist in making the appropriate arrangements. Our office has good working relationships and has referred patients to the major academic institutions locally (Harper and University of Michigan) as well as nationally (Mayo Clinic and National Cancer Institute).
A special note about our nursing staff…
Most of our nursing staff are members of the Oncology Nursing Society and have passed a certification examination given by this organization. They are specially trained in the administration of chemotherapy and its attendant effects. You will find them to be a valuable resource and partner in your care. They are qualified to answer most of your questions regarding your disease, treatment and side effects.
We encourage family consultations…
At Great Lakes Cancer Management Specialists, we encourage an open dialog with you and your family regarding your diagnosis and treatment. We want to establish good communication between doctor and family. Often, the questions and concerns of family members can be addressed over the telephone. To achieve this, a family spokesperson should be appointed to keep in touch with the physician and give information to family members. For more serious situations requiring a face-to-face meeting, a family conference can be arranged in our office.