eOncology Report

A one-stop guide to Providence’s multidisciplinary cancer clinics

Lyn Glenn, M.N., F.N.P., A.O.C.N.

Director, Cancer Clinical Programs
Providence Cancer Center

Providence Cancer Center entered into the practice of multidisciplinary clinics in 2007 to provide a “one-stop” resource for patients with life-threatening cancer. The clinics involve a coordinated group of specialists and support professionals who meet to discuss, plan and initiate treatment.

This approach helps to improve convenience and continuity of care for patients, and the quick communication between specialists in specific cancers shortens the time to diagnosis and treatment. The greatly increased face time also gives providers time to evaluate treatment protocols, plan new research, and share quality and outcomes measures.

While the time commitment for physicians to participate in these clinics can be significant, the process also saves time by avoiding repeated phone calls, voice mail and appointments. And the satisfaction from collaborating with other specialists in their area of expertise can be great.

Providence Liver Cancer Clinic

The liver cancer clinic has been open since April 2007, offering multidisciplinary care for patients with primary liver cancer and other cancers that have spread to the liver, including breast cancer, colon cancer and melanoma. The clinic specializes in minimally invasive surgical procedures, liver-directed therapies and supportive care.

Lauri Winther, F.N.P., nurse practitioner
Paul Hansen, M.D., medical director

Providence Lung Cancer Clinic

The lung cancer clinic offers consultation and treatment planning for patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer. Multiple providers from several specialties team up to evaluate and plan treatment during a single visit.

Patients feel this is a significant benefit compared to the series of appointments often required after a serious cancer diagnosis. Professionals attending the clinic include medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, social workers and palliative care providers.

Rachel Sanborn, M.D., co-medical director, Providence Thoracic Oncology Program
John R. Handy Jr., M.D., co-medical director, Providence Thoracic Oncology Program
Michael Skokan, M.D., medical director

Providence Cancer Survivor Clinic

The survivor clinic initially opened to patients who had completed treatment for breast cancer, but it now serves patients with other diagnoses, such as lung cancer, lymphoma and colorectal cancer.

An advanced-practice nurse offers a thorough evaluation, including history of diagnosis and treatment. The treatment summary and care plans are given to the patient and all involved providers. The personalized care plan has recommendations for managing long-term side effects of treatment and a plan for surveillance. The clinic also offers cancer risk assessment and genetic counseling.

Jennifer Weprin, M.S.N., F.N.P.-B.C., nurse practitioner
Roxanne Payne, M.N., F.N.P.-B.C., A.O.C.N.P., nurse practitioner/manager
Nancy Ledbetter, C.N.S., A.P.N.G., cancer risk assessment and prevention coordinator
Anupama Kurup, M.D., medical director

Providence Dysplasia Clinic

The dysplasia clinic opened in April 2011. Anal dysplasia is a spectrum of disease from low-grade lesions to high-grade precancerous lesions that have the potential to progress to anal cancers. Most lesions are due to human papillomavirus.

The clinic offers techniques to screen and treat dysplasia effectively to prevent it from progressing to cancer. These include anal Pap smear screening, high-resolution anoscopy, targeted treatment of dysplastic lesions using infrared coagulation, topically based treatment options and patient education.

Michelle Chiu, M.S.N., N.P.-C., nurse practitioner and oncology nurse navigator
Mark Whiteford, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.R.S., medical director

Providence Oncology Palliative Care Program and Clinic

In April 2011, the palliative care clinic opened for patients with advanced lung and pancreatic cancers. It focuses on improving symptoms of disease and treatment as well as quality of life for those living with these serious cancers.

Laura Maher, A.N.P., nurse practitioner
Mark Weinmeister, L.C.S.W.
Angela Kalisiak, M.D., medical director

Providence Gynecologic Oncology Clinic

The Providence Gynecologic Oncology Clinic opened in April 2011 with a goal to serve women with cancers of the reproductive tract, including the ovaries, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, vagina, vulva and peritoneal cavity.

The clinic offers specialized procedures, including minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery; laparotomy (open) surgery, including radical debulking surgery that involves pelvic organs, colon, ureters or bladder; and extensive reconstructive surgery as needed. The clinic also provides chemotherapy, in-office colposcopy, endometrial biopsy, cancer risk assessment and access to clinical trials.

Jun Ma, C.N.M., Ph.D., A.O.C.N.P., nurse practitioner
Paul Tseng, M.D., medical director

Michelle Schaefer is the manager of the multidisciplinary cancer clinics at Providence Cancer Center.