Dear Colleagues:

Growth in specific disease centers will be our basis of differentiation. A total of 12 disease centers will serve as the centerpiece of the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center. In order to build strategically each of the 12, a careful analysis will take place to give us prioritized initiatives.

Before launching such initiatives, all centers will display and operate by a distinct “look and feel.” The “look and feel” will be developed by performance standards, behaviors, physical environment and patient information materials, as well as other distinguishing elements.

Disease centers will include breast (pilot), cutaneous, endocrine, GI, GU, gynecological, head and neck, hematology, malignant hematology, neuro and sarcoma (pilot). To further structure the centers, clinicians will aim to achieve seamlessness; the “look and feel” across all sites of care; and optimize existing capacity and other resources.

In addition to BWH's main campus, activity will make use of the full Brigham and Women's/Faulkner Hospitals distributed campus. Growth beyond BWH will include select services at Faulkner and a push for far reaching network development. Service line elements related to breast, GI and GU oncology will be targeted to transition to Faulkner's campus. The idea is to create a long-term approach to a community oncology program there. Also, network development will relate to a handful of strategic locations that lie outside the Boston area as a way of attracting more referring physicians and convenience for patients in those areas who need tertiary care consultations and other specialized oncology services.

As we work to crystallize the plan for the center, your input is encouraged. Ideas and feedback can be shared with your division chief or department chair.

Sincerely yours,

Steven Seltzer, MD
BWPO Chairman