Milwaukee, WI (May 20, 2008) — Three years after breaking ground, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin’s new Clinical Cancer Center opened May 19, bringing a new level of highly specialized, patient-focused cancer care to the region. With 173,000 square feet dedicated to cancer services, the gleaming, five-story structure is home to approximately 500 physicians, scientists, nurses and other experts dedicated to fighting, preventing and someday curing cancer.

“The new Froedtert & the Medical College Clinical Cancer Center is more than a building — it’s the framework for new philosophy of cancer care that we believe will become the standard,” said William D. Petasnick, president and chief executive officer of Froedtert & Community Health. “In a single clinical location, our new Clinical Cancer Center offers extraordinary expertise from specialists who focus on every type of cancer; a highly coordinated, patient-centered, team approach that greatly simplifies access to care; and advanced treatment options for the best-possible outcomes and prognosis,” he said.

“Our decision to build this facility was based on strong growth in demand for our cancer services,” Petasnick said. “Over the past five years, our programs in medical oncology and radiation oncology have grown by more than 56 percent and 42 percent, respectively. At the same time, our charges for inpatient cancer care have held at 25 to 30 percent below the metropolitan Milwaukee average.”

Designed to accommodate projected growth in cancer services through 2012, the building layout clusters patient care on the second and third floors, according to Petasnick. The fourth and fifth floors provide room for future expansion and temporary office space now.

The Clinical Cancer Center has 13 disease-specific programs devoted to every kind of cancer and is staffed by specialists uniquely trained in each particular type of cancer. Physicians at the Clinical Cancer Center are not just oncologists, but oncology sub-specialists — experts in specific types of cancer. Patients at the Clinical Cancer Center also will benefit from a uniquely personalized level of care, provided through a “hub” concept developed by Froedtert & the Medical College using input from patients, physicians and staff, as well as onsite visits to major cancer centers nationwide. Unique in the region and possibly in the nation, the hub approach brings all facets of care to the patient rather than requiring the patient to navigate a complex treatment system.

The hub concept coordinates all aspects of care in a way that is understandable to patients and families. Most cancer patients need the involvement of several specialists and support services, and the hub concept brings together all of these experts to work side-by-side, collaborating on treatment plans to ensure patients get the right care for their particular disease.

Facilitating the hub concept are experienced nurse coordinators who guide the patient’s entire treatment process, from initial contact through follow-up, and serve as a key point of contact throughout care. The nurse coordinator works with a “journey coordinator” who schedules appointments, gathers records, makes phone calls and performs other services to streamline the patient experience.

Inside the Clinical Cancer Center are the Interdisciplinary Cancer Clinics, with 52 exam rooms divided into four sections housing specific cancer programs; a radiation oncology section equipped with four linear accelerators and the TomoTherapy™ image-guided radiation treatment system; a Day Hospital with 20 semi-private areas and 18 private rooms for chemotherapy and related services; the Breast Care Center for routine screenings and cancer services; a surgical procedure suite; MRI and CT imaging bays; a small gym for cancer physical therapy; and a pharmacy, laboratory and café.

Support services for cancer patients and their families also are gathered together in the new facility. Nutrition counseling, cancer genetic services, survivorship programs, psychological, social, spiritual and financial counselors are available in the Jeffrey C. Siegel Quality of Life Center. At the Small Stones Wellness Center, patients undergoing cancer treatment will find products and services including skin and nail care, garments, head coverings and concealers that are safe and appropriate, as well as trained consultants.

Tumor board conferences, public education sessions, lectures and support group meets are held in the Ron and Laura Strain Education Center.

Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin will host a public grand opening of the Clinical Cancer Center June 7, 2008, from 10 am to 1 pm.

Clinical Cancer Center Cancer Programs