New Memorial Breast Cancer Center Opens for Patient Care

As you enter the newly constructed Memorial Breast Cancer Center, your senses will be captivated with soothing music and photos of beautiful landscapes. But the ambiance – modeled with the patient in mind – is only part of the experience. Behind the soothing comfort are breast oncologists and a cadre of medical professionals ready to design a highly individualized approach to treating breast cancer.

Celebrating the dedication of Memorial Breast Cancer Center on March 30, 2005, are (l -r): Jonathan Weiser, MD; Phyllis Neimark, MD; Laura Raybin Miller, SBHD Commissioner; Atif Hussein, MD, medical director of Memorial Cancer Institute; Alejandra Perez, MD, co-director of the Memorial Breast Cancer Center; Frank V. Sacco, chief executive officer of Memorial Healthcare System; Sandra Franco, MD, co-director of the Memorial Breast Cancer Center; Jay E. Piriz, administrator of Memorial Regional Hospital; Jan R. Cummings, honored donor and breast cancer survivor; Albert C. Jones, SBHD Chairman; Kathleen A. Durham, SBHD Commissioner; Sara E. Wolfer, SBHD Commissioner; Shirlee LaFleur, aide to Congressman Kendrick Meek; and Vivian Piereschi, aide to Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz.

As of April 1st, the Memorial Breast Cancer Center began seeing patients in its new facility. True to its multidisciplinary approach, Memorial Breast Cancer Center physicians now gather as a team to prepare specific treatment plans that includes input from pathologists, surgeons and oncologists. A nurse practitioner explains every step of the treatment plan to each patient. A Wellness Institutional Navigator then guides each patient through the various services needed to begin treatment.

The 6,000-square-foot Center encompasses 6 exam rooms, 12 chemotherapy suites, a refreshment area, and a computerized pharmacy system. To keep spirits high and energies focused on the positive, all exam rooms are named to inspire hopefulness and tranquility. A large conference room is used for support groups, meditation and music therapy.