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The beauty of the Oncology program at Faulkner Hospital lies in its many patient advantages. Since joining efforts, the Brigham and Women’s/Faulkner Hospital Oncology Service brings together the best of both institutions and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) to provide a full spectrum of cancer care services to patients who are often experiencing a difficult new reality.
The Oncology program at Faulkner is a clear, cooperative effort marrying Faulkner’s high quality of general oncology diagnostic and treatment services with the specialized oncology service of BWH and DFCI.
“The BWH-Faulkner merger has fortified the relationship between Faulkner’s general oncologists and the specialized oncologists at BWH and Dana-Farber,” said Geoffrey Sherwood, MD, chief of Hematology/ Oncology at Faulkner.
Four general oncologists, including Sherwood, and three breast oncologists are stationed at Faulkner and comprise its core oncology team. Other oncology specialists at BWH/DFCI are easily accessible as well, should a patient case call for such a referral.
Breast chemotherapy, traditional chemotherapy for lung and GI cancer patients, lymphoma treatment and myeloma (cancer of antibody-producing cells) treatment, are the basic services provided at the Faulkner campus. More complex cases, or patients needing multi-stage care, are often cared for at BWH or DFCI. Radiation oncology and bone marrow transplantation are still done at the BWH campus, enlisting the care of BWH and DFCI oncology specialists.
As a way to ensure that the latest technology and treatment regimens remain consistent at BWH and Faulkner, DFCI oncology specialists make monthly visits. “Even though our oncology program exists on two separate campuses, it still is considered the same program—one with resources that are fully applied to bring about the best possible patient outcomes,” said Lawrence Shulman, MD, vice chairman for Clinical Services, Department of Adult Oncology, DFCI and BWH.
Oncologist Jeffrey Morgan, MD, BWH/DFCI, appointed by Shulman to provide cancer care as a representative of DFCI for patients at Faulkner, has been working side-by-side Sherwood to direct oncology patients to the most appropriate setting. In addition to patient care, Sherwood and Morgan are also collaborating to provide clinical trials at the Faulkner site for appropriate and eligible patients. They have played a critical role in teaching medical housestaff rotating at Faulkner. Morgan plays a central role for Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates (HVMA) in supporting oncology care for HVMA patients at Faulkner as well.
“The clear advantages experienced by our cancer patients is our more convenient location, a cozier and more intimate environment, shorter wait times and the comfort that, should the need arise, a quick and easy referral to DFCI and BWH can take place,” said Sherwood.