Cancer Care Today - Leading Cancer Doctors talk about the Latest Treatments

A diagnosis of cancer can affect many areas of a person’s life, causing them to feel overwhelmed.Oncology social workers help patients access various non-medical services throughout their treatment journey. In this episode we explore the role of the oncology social worker and the ways in which they help patients and their families navigate the many emotional, social, and financial aspects of a cancer diagnosis. Guest Nicole Reitsma, LICSW, is an certified oncology social worker and part of the Minnesota Oncology social work team. With more than 100 cancer care providers, Minnesota Oncology offers access to the latest evidence-based treatment paths, 12 close-to-home locations in the Twin Cities Metro area, and comprehensive services to support the whole person. In each podcast, experts from Minnesota Oncology and their community of care discuss the latest topics in oncology treatments, research, support, caregiving, and more. Treating cancer takes a community. Welcome to ours. Visit: https://mnoncology.com

Cancer survivors can face many challenges including physical, psychological, and social issues related to their cancer treatment. The health needs of cancer survivors are different from those who have never faced a cancer diagnosis.  Survivor care focuses on monitoring for side effects of cancer treatments and improving your quality of life. In this episode, Kimberly Ness, APRN, CNS, discusses survivor care and the Survivorship Program at Minnesota Oncology. Kim helped pioneer survivorship at Minnesota Oncology over a decade ago and now leads the program for the practice. She shares what a Survivorship Program entails and how these visits help our patients thrive through treatment and beyond.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. In this episode, we chat with Minnesota Oncology [https://mnoncology.com] gynecologic oncologist and surgeon Dr. Amy McNally. Dr. McNally explains what cervical cancer is and how it could be prevented. She shares information about HPV (human papillomavirus) and the importance of the HPV vaccine in prevention of cervical cancer. She also discusses the importance of regular screening for detection of cervical cancer. Dr. McNally leads Minnesota Oncology’s [https://mnoncology.com/] Gynecologic Oncology Department. She was named Best Surgeon for The US Oncology Network in 2020, and she was recently named a 2021 Top Doctor for Women in Minnesota. With more than 100 cancer care providers, Minnesota Oncology offers access to the latest evidence-based treatment paths, 12 close-to-home locations in the Twin Cities Metro area, and comprehensive services to support the whole person. In each podcast, experts from Minnesota Oncology and their community of care discuss the latest topics in oncology treatments, research, support, caregiving, and more. Treating cancer takes a community. Welcome to ours. Visit: https://mnoncology.com

Oncology pharmacists serve an important role on the patient’s care team because much of cancer treatment is achieved with infused and oral medications. In this episode, Minnesota Oncology’s Director of Pharmacy and Admixture Services Paul Forsberg, PharmD, MHA, BCOP, and Pharmacy Manager Brian Meger, Pharm D, discuss the role of the oncology specialty pharmacy. Minnesota Cancer Care Pharmacy (MCCP) at Minnesota Oncology offers an in-depth knowledge of medications, pain management, and drug interactions, and the availability to review medications with each patient as well as assistance with insurance approval and obtaining financial assistance through nationally recognized programs. MCCP was recently recognized with Specialty Pharmacy Accreditation with Distinction in Oncology by Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). Paul and Brian share more about this recognition.

April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day. In this episode Dr. Emily Schafhauser from Minnesota Oncology and Dr. Bennett Clark from Livio Health share insights on advance care planning. Dr. Emily Schafhauser leads Minnesota Oncology’s Palliative Care program. Dr. Schafhauser is board certified in Hospice and Palliative Care and Internal Medicine, and has a special interest in caring for young adults with cancer. Dr. Bennett Clark is Livio Health’s Chief Medical Officer. He has a clinical background in internal medicine and hospital medicine. Prior to joining Livio, he served on faculty at Yale and Johns Hopkins, where his research focused on transitions of care and medical education. With more than 100 cancer care providers, Minnesota Oncology offers access to the latest evidence-based treatment paths, 12 close-to-home locations in the Twin Cities Metro area, and comprehensive services to support the whole person. In this podcast, experts from Minnesota Oncology and our community of care discuss the latest topics in oncology treatments, research, support, caregiving, and more. Treating cancer takes a community. Welcome to ours.