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The Division of Oncology focuses on the management of patients with solid tumors and malignacies. Activities of the division fall into one of three categories: patient care, clinical research, and teaching. With regard to patient care, most patient management takes place in the ambulatory setting. The inpatient service is reserved for complications of both disease and treatment. The opening of the Oncology Clinic in the new Cancer Institute in January 2004 has greatly enhanced the ability to care for patients with solid tumors using state-of-the-art resources available for the administration of systemic therapy. During 2004, the division will open a state-of-the-art radiation oncology facility and a new imaging facility, which will be dedicated to the care of the cancer patient. In addition, the surgical subspecialties will move to a new multidisciplinary clinic in late 2004. All of these resources will be adjacent to each other in the Cancer Institute and providec on venient and outstanding patient care. The Cancer Institute will allow the division to develop programs focusing on specific types of cancer and the care of those patients. Clinical research remains active. The division oversees activities of three National Cancer Institute-sponsored cancer research groups at the Medical Center: the Gynecologic Oncology Group, the Southwest Oncology Group, and the Cancer Treatment Support Unit. A wide range of clinical trials also are underway. In addition, the Cancer Institute contains dedicated basic research space for individuals involved in laboratory research to collaborate with clinical oncologists. Together with the Division of Hematology, the division supervises the training of nine hematology/oncology fellows to enhance the care of cancer patients throughout Mississippi. The division also teaches residents in internal medicine and medical students about the care of the cancer patient. Several individuals in the division hold leadership positions outside the Medical Center. Ralph Vance, MD, is the current president of the American Cancer Society and is the first Mississippian to serve in this capacity. Division Director Tate Thigpen, MD, continues to provide leadership to the national Gynecologic Oncology Group as its group vice chairman for science. In this capacity, Thigpen oversees the development of clinical trials in cancers of the ovary, cervix, and endometrium, which set the national standard of care for those malignancies. Louis Puneky, MD, joined the faculty in January 2004 and brings his six years of oncology experience in private practice to the division’s teaching and patient care programs. One additional faculty member is expected to join the division in April 2005 as the division begins the evolution of programs focusing on specific types of cancer. | ||||
