2008 Radiation Oncology Report

Radiation Oncology had another very busy year in 2007 with 10,283 treatments provided to patients from 17 counties in West Central and Southwestern Minnesota. The ability to receive state-of-the-art treatment in a setting close to home is of tremendous value to our patients. Our radiation oncologist, Dr. John Ling, completed his sixth year of caring for patients at Rice. The Radiation Oncology department has been fortunate to retain experienced staff at all levels who take great pride in the quality of care they provide.

2007 ended with very exciting news for Radiation Oncology! The boards of both Rice Memorial Hospital and Affiliated Community Medical Centers approved the formation of Willmar Medical Services (WMS), a joint venture which will result in all cancer treatment (radiation and chemotherapy) being delivered from a single site at Rice. It was the shared belief that a single location will provide the best possible experience for cancer patients which drove the decision to form WMS.

Plans are underway to create a comprehensive cancer center in a portion of the hospital's west wing. These plans will allow the current Radiation Oncology Department to remain in its current location with its current entrance and the rest of the cancer center will expand around it. Staff members from both radiation and chemotherapy have been very involved in the design of the new center and are excited to see it begin to take shape. Actual construction is slated to begin in 2009. Barb Hoeft has been selected to serve as the director of the cancer center. Her commitment to the patients of the cancer center is second to none and she frequently reminds the staff to, "keep the patient at the center of your decisions!"

We are looking forward to the opportunities and challenges the formation of a single cancer center will bring. Approximately 40% of cancer patients require both chemotherapy and radiation, so the ability to continue treatment in a familiar setting with familiar staff is very important to their well being.

Teri Beyer
Associate Administrator, Diagnostic & Chronic Disease Services
Rice Memorial Hospital