Bartlett Regional | HouseCalls | Late Fall 2016

www.bartletthospital.org 9 A home away from home for cancer patients For many patients traveling from out of town for cancer treatments, finding affordable housing during their stay in Juneau can be a challenge. Luckily, a private residence is now available to these patients. Located near Southeast Radiation Oncology Center, the home is fully furnished and features two separate patient suites, each with a mini-kitchen and private living area. The home also features a full kitchen in a large common space. The suites are available on a first-come, first-served basis to patients of the cancer center. The patient and up to three guests are able to stay for each week of the patient’s treatment. The lobby of the cancer center features work from local Alaskan artists, a fireplace and a soothing soundscape to help patients relax and feel more at ease while waiting for their treatments. To learn more SROC accepts Medicare, Medicaid and other forms of insurance. For more information, contact the center at 907-586-4673 or visit www.southeastradiation.com . FOR MORE INFORMATION, please call Southeast Radiation Oncology Center at 907-586-4673 . of Clinical Oncology, the American Society for Radiation Oncology, and the American Radium Society. A lovely environment “Moving to Juneau was obviously a big change for me and for my family,” says Dr. Huang, “but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity. There is something really special about practicing medicine in a small community. I enjoy getting to know my patients and their families and really seeing the impact that we have on their lives.” One of those patients is Justine Muench, who completed her treatment at SROC last year. Muench recalls that she felt “so blessed” to have cancer care available in her hometown. “It would have been devastating for me to leave my home and uproot my husband from his job [to travel for cancer care],” she says. “Everything is here that you need. The staff here is well-qualified, the state- of-the-art equipment, the building is gorgeous—it’s just a lovely environment.” Faster, more accurate treatment Radiation therapy is the use of various forms of radiation to safely and effectively treat cancer and other diseases. SROC utilizes Elekta Synergy, an all- digital radiation treatment system. This advanced technology enables Dr. Huang and his staff to deliver faster, more accurate treatments, with the least amount of radiation affecting healthy tissue. This technology is equal to, or in many cases more advanced than, that used in larger cities. Now that Bartlett Regional Hospital and Virginia Mason have partnered to bring medical oncology services to Juneau, regional patients have an even more comprehensive cancer solution under one roof. Paul Weiden, MD, and Virginia Mason physician Thomas Malpass, MD, see patients at the Bartlett Medical Oncology Center along with Dr. Huang within the Southeast Radiation Oncology Center building. “It has definitely made things easier for our patients,” says Kelly Smelser, Lead Therapist and Manager of SROC. “Patients can see their medical oncologist and their radiation oncologist in one visit. It’s very convenient, especially for those traveling from some of the outlying areas.” Dr. Huang and his staff are on-site at the cancer center every weekday so that patients never need to wait for an appointment. SOUTHEAST CANCER CENTER