virginia oncology associates
TRANSCRIPT
HOPEH O P E F O R A C A N C E R - F R E E T O M O R R O W
Virginia Oncology Associates
This brochure wasdeveloped by thecollective efforts ofVOA staff andpatients. It isdedicated to thestrength, courage and hope of theVirginia cancercommunity. We honor the friends whose liveswe’ve touched.
VIRGINIA ONCOLOGY ASSOCIATES (VOA) IS ANONCOLOGY AND HEMATOLOGY PRACTICE OFPHYSICIANS, SPECIALIZING IN THE DIAGNOSIS ANDTREATMENT OF CANCER AND BLOOD DISORDERS.With locations spanning the southeast region of Virginia and
Northeastern North Carolina, VOA is able to extend services and
treatments to patients, including medical oncology, radiation oncology,
gynecologic oncology, hematology, diagnostics, clinical research,
genetic counseling, and behavioral health.
VOA has been in practice for more than 30 years. Through a
common need and desire to advance and improve cancer care
in our community, physicians from the Hamptons Roads area
came together to form what is now VOA, the largest practice of
Hematology/Oncology in Virginia. As we have increased in size,
we have been able to offer to the community important resources
that allow us to advance cancer. In addition, with our size and
reputation for quality, we continue to attract top physicians from
the best training programs throughout the country.
In a collaboration with Sentara Health System for Radiation Therapy
services, VOA brings a multiplicity of disciplines oriented towards
streamlining and simplifying cancer care for our patients. This
collaboration allows multimodality treatments under one roof,
which serve to improve the efficiency of complicated care protocols,
making it easier for patients and family members to navigate the
cancer care experience.
VOA has recognized and responded to its responsibility of a community
educator with its collaboration with the Eastern Virginia Medical School,
whose students and postdoctoral trainees avail themselves of our
physicians’ expertise in their instructional process. Additionally,
collaborative efforts with Duke University in research and continuing
education, further meets our goals of comprehensive services to the
community. Finally, our affiliation with US Oncology, a network of over
400 locations throughout the country, has also brought the best of
national and international developments in oncology to our area.
PHYSICIANS AND STAFF BELIEVE AWARENESS IS KEY. THROUGHOUT THIS BROCHUREARE VARIOUS CANCER TYPES AND THE COLORS WITH WHICH THEY ARE ASSOCIATED.
OV
ERV
IEW
MISSIONSTATEMENT:THE GUIDING
MISSION OF
VIRGINIA
ONCOLOGY
ASSOCIATES IS
TO PROVIDE
STATE-OF-THE-ART,
COMPREHENSIVE
CANCER CARE FOR
THE COMMUNITY
THROUGHOUT
HAMPTON ROADS,
VIRGINIA AND
NORTHEASTERN
NORTH CAROLINA,
AND TO BRING THE
MOST MODERN AND
COGENT NEW
DEVELOPMENTS TO
BEAR ON CANCER
THERAPY FOR OUR
PATIENTS. THIS IS
ACCOMPLISHED
THROUGH STRICT
ADHERENCE TO
QUALITY MEASURE
EVALUATIONS,
CUTTING EDGE
CLINICAL
RESEARCH, AND A
TIRELESS EFFORT
TO PROTECT THE
INTERESTS OF
OUR CANCER
PATIENTS, BOTH
LOCALLY AND
THROUGHOUT
OUR NATIONAL
NETWORK
OF PHYSICIANS.
Breast Cancer (Pink)
THOMAS A. ALBERICO, MDPresident
A N EW P E R S P ECT I V E
TODAY, WE’RE LOOKING AT CANCER IN A NEW WAY, BECAUSE WE’RE
EXPERIENCING A PARADIGM SHIFT REGARDING THE DISEASE.
An estimated 10.5 million Americans are now living with and beyond a
diagnosis of cancer.
One in every two American men and one in every three American women
can expect to hear a doctor say, “You have cancer.” Those numbers are
staggering. Thanks to the dedication of oncologists, researchers and
other medical professionals, we continue to make dramatic progress with
new treatments, therapies and approaches to fighting the many different
forms of cancer.
It’s common now to read news reports about breakthrough advances that
are making a difference. VOA, along with our affiliate network,
US Oncology, is involved in more than 70 clinical trials involving
Colon Cancer (Navy Blue)
chemotherapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplantation and gene
therapy. The network has contributed to the development of 23 of the
29 latest cancer-fighting drugs approved for use by the Food and Drug
Administration.
The importance of research cannot be overstated. Research and the
participation in clinical trials are vital parts of our mission at VOA.
Bringing the latest in investigational therapies directly to our patients is
an important component in our providing the best cancer treatment
possible. In doing so, we're extending lives, improving conditions and
learning more about defeating cancer.
These new therapies and protocols are bringing hope to thousands of
patients with cancers of the prostate, breast, colon, lung, pancreas and
ovaries. We’re learning more, too, about the prevention and early
diagnosis of cancer. Breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer are
three cancers that can be diagnosed at early stages and treated
successfully. More diagnostic tests are in development for a host of
other cancers.
VOA celebrates the hope and faith of our community’s cancer survivors –
men and women who have shown incredible strength and resolve. But
we also celebrate the hope of a future where cancer is a manageable
disease, where our knowledge and understanding enable us to prevent,
diagnose or treat any cancer.
Together, as medical professionals, as patients, as family members and
friends, we stand united. Let us celebrate the compassion, commitment
and dignity of our patients, who steadfastly choose life, hope and faith in
the face of significant challenges. And let us recognize and thank the
compassion and dedication of our medical professionals who choose to
join them in the fight for a cancer-free tomorrow.
A N
ew P
ersp
ectiv
e
"LET'S FACE
IT, CANCER
HAS BECOME,
IN NARRATIVE
TERMS,
LESS A FATAL
DISEASE
THAN A GIFT,
A LEARNING
EXPERIENCE,
A PERSONAL
TRIUMPH."
–Dale Peck,
American novelist
and critic
GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
MOST WOMEN ARE AT RISK FOR DEVELOPING A GYNECOLOGIC
CANCER. Because early detection is vital to the success of treatment and
the prevention of further development of the disease, annual PAP and
pelvic exams, in conjunction with sharing information about risk factors, is
the first line of defense.
Women diagnosed with cancer of the female reproductive tract want
advanced care from physicians who focus on gynecologic cancer. VOA’s
Gynecologic Oncologists specialize in cancers of the female organs. We
treat cancer in the breast, ovaries, endometrium, cervix, vulva and vagina.
We are dedicated to providing women battling
cancer with advanced and personalized care.
There are many treatment options for gynecologic
cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy and
chemotherapy. With a unique depth of experience,
expertise and access to progressive treatment
options, we can develop and implement the best
treatment plan for each patient. stre
ngth
RADIATION THERAPY
EVERY CANCER IS DIFFERENT, AND SO IS EVERY PATIENT.
That’s why we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and
personalized cancer care to patients in our community using a variety
of the latest, most effective therapies.
Today’s radiation therapy is quicker, safer and more precise than ever
before. Our Radiation Oncology team uses the most advanced
treatment planning systems. State-of-the-art radiation technology is
used to deliver internal and external
radiation to cancerous cells, which
prevents them from growing or
dividing. Whether treatment plans
include Intensity Modulated Radiation
Therapy (IMRT), 3-D Radiation
Therapy, or High Dose Rate (HDR)
brachytherapy, patients can receive
radiation therapy at our Lake Wright,
Princess Anne, Obici, Hampton and
Williamsburg locations.
Most importantly, VOA provides
world-class cancer care because our
team is staffed by highly-skilled and
caring professionals who understand
the special needs of cancer patients
and their families. Our Radiation
Oncologists are board-certified and
have many years of training and
experience caring for cancer patients.
They are leaders in the development
of new approaches to cancer care,
and are supported by friendly and
knowledgeable nurses, radiation therapists, dosimetrists, physicists,
pharmacists, counselors and other specialists who work together to
coordinate complete and compassionate care.
Childhood Cancer (Gold)
VICTOR ARCHIE, MD
“I never for one
minute asked,
‘Why did this
happen to me?’
But rather, ‘
Why did this
happen for me?”
– Robin Roberts,
Good Morning America
stre
ngth
Multiple Myeloma (Maroon)
We provide patient
care for the following areas:
1. All types of anemia
2. Iron-related disorders and
diseases, iron metabolism,
iron overload and porphyrias
3. Myeloid disorders (white
blood cell disorders)
4. Myeloproliferative
disorders (such as P. vera)
5. Myelodysplasia
6. Plasma cell dyscrasias
(such as myeloma)
7. Acute leukemias (myeloid
and lymphoid)
8. Chronic leukemias
(myeloid and lymphoid)
9. Lymphoproliferative
disorders, such as lymphoma
10. Stem cell transplantation
11. Hemostasis and
thrombosis (bleeding and
clotting disorders)
12. Use of hematopoietic
growth factors
13. Transfusion and
Laboratory medicineexpe
rienc
eHEMATOLOGY PRACTICE
AT VOA, HEMATOLOGY IS A TOP PRIORITY. We aim to
deliver high quality patient care, research, and leading-edge
treatment for our hematology patients with either malignant
or benign diseases of the blood. 20 of our physicians are
board certified hematologists, caring for patients with blood
disorders. As such, we can offer patients care in two major
realms of medicine, which are closely related.
Many cancer patients develop reduced red blood cell counts,
or anemia. If patients are symptomatic with anemia, VOA
physicians are experienced and trained to treat it. We serve
Hampton Roads communities to improve the quality of life of
patients with immunologic disorders, hypercoagulable states
(blood clots), coagulative disorders, such as hemophilia or
Von Willebrand’s disease, as well as blood and bone marrow
problems.
On average, our physicians treat approximately 8,500 patients
with hematological disorders annually - 11% leukemia &
lymphoma, 64% anemia, 10% hypercoagulable states, 15%
bleeding disorders. Comparative to academic institutions, like
Duke University, these numbers are impressive!
Participation in annual hematology meetings and continuing
medical education (CME) activities, as well as ongoing training
and mentorship, helps VOA physicians maintain the cutting
edge and use of advanced tests and treatments. VOA
physicians partner with Eastern Virginia Medical School
(EVMS) to assist in the education of young doctors in the field
of Hematology via classroom lectures and on-the-job training
in the office/hospital. VOA also works closely with the
Children’s Hospital Kings Daughters (CHKD) hematology
program, allowing children the best continuity of care as they
move from a pediatric to an adult hematologist.
“WITH TIME, LOVE
AND PATIENCE, WE
WILL WIN THE WAR
AGAINST CANCER!”
–Burton Alexander, III, MD
TARGETED
THERAPIES
ARE THE
DIRECTION OF
MANY MAJOR
CLINICAL
TRIALS.
TODAY, THERE ARE MORE CANCER THERAPIES IN DEVELOPMENT
THAN EVER BEFORE. This dramatic increase means, that for many
patients, there is more hope for a favorable outcome in their battle
with cancer. Our progressive oncologists and research team are proud
to be a part of this effort, providing access to the latest therapies,
right here in our community.
Now we are on the threshold of a new paradigm for cancer research –
that of individualized treatment based on genomic and molecular
predictors of an individual patient’s response.
Through our collaboration with the National
Cancer Institute Cooperative Groups, US
Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, the
Duke Oncology Network, and other major
cancer centers, we are investigating ways to
use molecular profiling to tailor treatment
management.
Targeted therapies are the direction of many
major clinical trials. Such trials enable
physicians to customize drug treatment for a particular cancer by
focusing on a precise target at the molecular level of a patient’s tumor.
The tumor is analyzed to determine how it grows and differs from other
cancers in the same diagnosis.
We can quickly bring the latest advances in cancer care to our patients,
and are able to provide them with access to the latest clinical trials
involving new investigational cancer agents. Not only does this
advance cancer treatment, but it gives many of our patients the
opportunity to receive promising new therapies or investigational
drugs not yet available to patients outside the studies.
C L I N I CA L R ES E A R C H
HO
PE
Prostate Cancer (Light Blue)
WITH ALL THAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED, THERE ARE STILL SOME CANCERS WITH
ONLY A FEW EFFECTIVE TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES. FOR THESE PATIENTS,
WE ARE CONDUCTING PHASE I TRIALS TO ACCELERATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF
TOTALLY NEW AGENTS FOR CANCER CARE. TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH HAS
TRADITIONALLY BEEN FOUND ONLY AT LARGER ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS, BUT
VOA BRINGS IT TO HAMPTON ROADS
COMMUNITIES. VOA IS ONE OF TEN
TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY PROGRAM (TOP)
SITES WITHIN THE US ONCOLOGY RESEARCH
NETWORK PARTICIPATING IN LEADING-EDGE
PHASE I AND PHASE II CLINICAL TRIALS. VOA’S
TOP HAS DRAMATICALLY EXPANDED DURING
THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, ACCRUING THE
MOST NEW PATIENTS IN THE NETWORK FOR
INVESTIGATIONAL STUDIES. AT ANY GIVEN
TIME, APPROXIMATELY 10 PHASE I TRIALS ARE
AVAILABLE TO PATIENTS.
P H AS E I T R I A L S
“Unfortunately
many cancers
are not
preventable
and only by
clinical research
will we be able
to cure cancer
and blood
diseases.”
—John Q. Mattern, II, DO
Lung Cancer (Pearl)
HO
PE
Bladder & Liver Cancer (Yellow)
TO ME, LIFE MEANS GIVINGVIRGINIA DAIGLE, VOA PATIENT
I was a vivacious 52 year old when I was diagnosed with colon cancer in
2002. I underwent surgery and my tumor was removed. At the time,
the good news was no sign of residual disease. About 2 years ago, I
started coughing and experienced some slight pain. My doctor would
soon tell me that the cancer had metastasized from my colon to my lung.
I was devastated.
When I was referred to VOA by my family physician, I knew nothing about
oncology. I had not received any treatment the first time around. When
they told me that I had 2-5 years, it was like giving me a death sentence.
I couldn’t think any further than the things that I hadn’t already seen.
And I want to see them!
I HAVE A
NEW SENSE
OF HOPE,
AND I OWE
THIS IN
PART TO THE
STAFF AT
VOA.
Kidney Cancer (Green)
insp
irat
ionDr. George was instrumental in coordinating my treatments. My
husband and I have no insurance, but we still had options to explore.
I am currently enrolled in a progressive Phase III study, offering a
high-dose regimen. I agree that it is one of the best out there. PET
and bone scans after the first 2 months of treatment showed
marked shrinkage in tumor size comparative to the original. The
results have been incredible.
Happily, I’m currently living through my second year of treatment.
At this juncture, I no longer believe in 2-5 years. I decided that
those numbers do not matter. It has been over 2 years! I attribute
that, not only to my Christian beliefs, but also to the treatment
options available at VOA.
I have a new sense of hope, and I owe this in part to the staff at
VOA. They are always upbeat! Even when I am feeling down, they
are very comforting. They are more like family than doctors and
nurses. It is hard to describe the difference they have made in my
life: I went from total devastation to looking to the future.
Today, it feels good to say that I feel like I am a normal person, like
when I first started. I feel a sense of renewal. I’m living with a
chronic illness, but I still consider myself a survivor. I talk to a lot of
people with other cancers, and they have been living with their
diseases for many years. Some of them are even working.
I appreciate life a lot more than I did before. I understand that it’s
short, and I know I have to live it – each day, to the fullest. If I have
good results from this trial, or even if I do not have good results, I
will feel better about helping someone else in the future. Right now,
my focus is on my 3 granddaughters – ages 12, 11, & 7. Watching
them grow up means more to me than anything. Fortunately, we
live right next door to each other. I get to see them whenever I
please, and I love it.
I appreciate life
a lot more than
I did before. I
understand that
it’s short, and I
know I have to
live it – each
day, to the
fullest. If I have
good results
from this trial,
or even if I do
not have good
results, I will
feel better about
helping someone
else in the
future.
Melanoma (Black)
STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION
VOA’S AUTOLOGOUS STEM CELL TRANSPLANT
PROGRAM IS ONE OF THREE IN THE STATE OF
VIRGINIA AND 135 NATIONALLY. Sanctioned through
the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy
(FACT), the program adheres to the most stringent
clinical standards. FACT accreditation is the gold
standard insurance companies often demand. It is the
benchmark for quality care.
Autologous transplants, like those performed at VOA, involve
the harvesting of patients’ stem cells, cryopreserving (freezing)
them, and then returning the cells to the patient after high-
dose chemotherapy. Transplants are typically used to treat
Hodgkin’s disease, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and some
types of leukemia.
I’M STILL AIMING TO BE THE BESTPATIENT MY DOCTOR HAS EVER HADRICK BONELLI, VOA PATIENT
My experience living with multiple myeloma began six years ago.
I was 49 and worked for the Naval Facility Engineering Command.
I was a fitness nut - running 10K’s and practicing marshal arts. In
January of 02, I noticed a little tenderness in my lower back after
running. It was after moving a large bush; however, that I began
to investigate my health. I thought I hurt a disk in my back, but
X-rays proved no evidence of a slipped disk. My spine, according
to technicians, looked like Swiss cheese. I had a lot of lesions.
Doctors checked a variety of things. Before too long, my doctor
said, “The only thing left is multiple myeloma.” Additional tests
were conclusive. My wife knew it was a form of cancer, but no
one in my family had ever heard of it. I wasn’t really scared after
I learned about my disease. I knew all the symptoms would pass.
My biggest question was, “Where do we go?” The little lesions
were everywhere, but I was always optimistic. I told everyone
that I would die from something else.
Through research, I learned about stem cell transplantation.
I was interested in that option and explored different opinions.
I’m still aiming
to be the best
patient
Dr. McGaughey
has ever had.
But I’m
resigning myself
to the will of the
Lord. I cannot
spend time
worrying about
things. Am I
going to jump
in the grave?
Not at all.
DEAN MCGAUGHEY, MD
Leukemia (Orange)
Dr. McGaughey was the third of 3 doctors to confirm that stem cell
transplants were a viable option for me. At the time, I pursued a clinical
trial for stem cell transplants using donor stem cells. It was potentially
curative, hence attractive. One of my siblings was even a ten out of ten
match! Dr. McGaughey, however, suggested trying my own stem cells
first, which is far less risky. My first stem cell transplant was during the
holiday of 2002.
Our primary objective from that point was to try and maintain my
disease – keep it at a low burn, if you will. Once my cancer was under
control, I had serious back surgery.
Titanium rods were inserted on either side
of the spine. I have a lot of fun at airports!
Incidentally, I came out of remission. In the
Fall of 07, I retired from my job and agreed
to another stem cell transplant. It was
performed at VOA as an outpatient. That is
when I met Cindy Cutter. From the moment
I met her, I knew she would take care of me.
She could anticipate what I was feeling or
experiencing. I felt like I met a friend.
In the Spring of 08, I got time off for “good
behavior” [err, good counts!]. Shortly
thereafter, my old employer contacted me.
I didn’t realize I missed working so much. It
is better this time around, since I am not
the boss.
When I was first diagnosed, I would visualize friends in my dojo doing
battle with cancer. My approach is now more faith-based. I’m still aiming
to be the best patient Dr. McGaughey has ever had. But I’m resigning
myself to the will of the Lord. I cannot spend time worrying about
things. Am I going to jump in the grave? Not at all.
Now that things are stabilizing, I feel more optimistic than ever. Whether
or not I’ll ever be cured of multiple myeloma is really not the point. It’s
can I keep it at a level where it does no more damage to me, and I can do
like I’m doing right now. I can go play and do what I want to do. I can
enjoy friends and the family around me.
THAT IS WHEN
I MET CINDY
CUTTER.
FROM THE
MOMENT I MET
HER, I KNEW
SHE WOULD
TAKE CARE
OF ME. PE
RS
EV
ER
AN
CE
Ovarian & Cervical Cancer (Teal)
GENETIC
TESTING MAY
BE CONSIDERED
IF FAMILY
HISTORY IS
CONSISTENT
WITH A
FAMILIAL OR
HEREDITARY
PATTERN OF
CANCER.
Brain Cancer (Gray)
FIVE TO TEN PERCENT OF ALL CANCERS HAVE A
GENETIC COMPONENT. Genetic counseling and testing can
provide the information necessary to help patients understand and
adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications
of any genetic contributions to disease.
At VOA, our counselors provide patients
with an interpretation of family and medical
histories to assess the chance of disease
occurrence or recurrence. Also provided is
education about inheritance, management,
prevention, resources, research, as well
as testing.
Genetic testing may be considered if family
history is consistent with a familial or
hereditary pattern of cancer. If a mutation
in a patient is identified, cancer risks are
increased for the family. There are several
strategies available that reduce the risk of cancer and increase the
chances for early detection when such a pattern is detected.
The following characteristics are possible reasons
to pursue genetic testing:
• Breast cancer in you or a family member (mother’s
or father’s side) before age 50
• Male breast cancer at any age
• A family history of breast cancer in two or more first
or second degree relatives
• Ovarian cancer in you or a family member (mother’s
or father’s side) at any age
• Colorectal cancer in you or a family member (mother’s
or father’s side) before age 50
• Endometrial cancer in you or a family member (mother’s
or father’s side) before age 50
• Melanoma in you or a family member (mother’s
or father’s side) at any age
• Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and a family history
of cancer
GENETIC COUNSELING & GENETIC TESTING
"There's this
need and this
desire to make
every single day
count. I used to
say... 'Don't
sweat the small
stuff—not even
the big stuff.'
At the end of
the day, none
of it matters but
your own joy,
your own
spiritual journey
that you go on,
God, your loved
ones, your
friends, your
animals. These
are the things
you've got to
cherish and love
and embrace."
– Christina Applegate,
Actress
OUR PATIENTS ARE NOT ALONE. Battling cancer is a big enough
challenge. We are with them every step of the way offering a range of
psychosocial and specialty support services.
VOA’s behavioral health and social services programs focus on
the patient, before, during and after treatment. These services
are offered by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), who specializes
in Oncology Social Work. They are an extension of our compassionate
treatment protocols, and are intended to provide coping skills,
strengthen stress-management skills, and ultimately, provide links to
community resources to support treatment, survivorship and
bereavement needs. They are available to patients, families and
caregivers throughout all phases of treatment, and are offered in
individual, family and group settings.
Behavioral health and social services can provide you with:
• Synergy with VOA’s interdisciplinary team of Physicians and other
health Professionals
• Coping, Stress Management & Decision Making Skills
• Anxiety & Depression
• Relationship & Caregiver Concerns
• Family & Grief Counseling
• Advance Directives & Power of Attorney
• Community Resource Identification and Management
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
“ANYTHING IS
POSSIBLE. YOU CAN
BE TOLD THAT
YOU HAVE A 90-
PERCENT CHANCE
OR A 50-PERCENT
CHANCE OR A 1-
PERCENT CHANCE,
BUT YOU HAVE TO
BELIEVE, AND YOU
HAVE TO FIGHT.”
–Lance Armstrong,
Cyclist
ONCOLOGY CLINICAL NURSES (OCNs) POSSESS IN-
DEPTH EXPERTISE IN ONCOLOGY NURSING AND ON THE
HUMAN NEEDS OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING CANCER. The
practice of oncology clinical nursing extends to all settings
where patients receive
health care, education, and
counseling for cancer
prevention, screening and
detection.
OCNs are adept with
patient assessments,
anticipating complications,
monitoring progress,
interpreting clinical signs
and observations, and
minimizing side effects.
OCNs have well-developed
technical skills in the
delivery of chemotherapies, the care of radiotherapy patients,
and in the management of central venous access devices.
At VOA, OCNs know the purpose of all treatments: curative,
palliative, and adjuvant. They know the principles of staging,
as well as common sites for metastatic disease. Moreover,
they believe in being there, caring holistically for all parts
of the patient.
THE COMPLEX
CARE NEEDS
OF CANCER
PATIENTS
REQUIRE OCNS
TO POSSESS A
HIGH ACUITY
LEVEL AND
TECHNOLOGICAL
SAVVY.
ONCOLOGY CLINICAL NURSING: ANGELS MASQUERADING AS NURSES
A cancer-
specific
knowledge-
base and
demonstrated
clinical
aptitude in
cancer care
define the
OCN.
QU
AL
ITY
Esophageal & Stomach Cancer (Periwinkle)
PHARMACY
OUR PRIMARY MISSION IS TO PROVIDE OUR PATIENTS WITH
ACCESS TO ADVANCED, HIGH QUALITY CANCER CARE. To that
end, we have taken extraordinary steps to assure that our pharmacy
meets, and exceeds, the highest quality standards in the country.
Electronic Medical Records
We have an electronic medical record (EMR)
system, in which all patient orders are
written and retained. In the EMR, we
maintain a fully referenced, up-to-date
library of the latest regimens for the
treatment of cancer. From that library,
physician orders are selected and printed
so that no opportunity exists for mistakes
or misinterpretations of handwriting.
Environmental Controls
In the facilities where chemotherapy is
prepared, environmental controls provide
for a pressure gradient designed to
assure sterility of intravenous doses.
Chemotherapy preparation adheres to
the standards set by the US compendia.
Clinical staff who prepare chemotherapy
are certified annually in the safe handling
and aseptic preparation of chemotherapy.
Every step in preparing a dose is double-checked by a
second clinician.
Drug Authenticity
We have taken significant steps to assure the authenticity of the drugs
we provide. Today, drug counterfeiting is a growing concern, and it has
affected some of the largest drug suppliers in the country. Oncology
pharmaceuticals are a prime target due to their high prices and, in fact,
have been the subject of several counterfeiting incidents.
We take this issue very seriously. As a member of the US Oncology
network, we were able to contribute to the development of a state-of-
WE HAVE
TAKEN
SIGNIFICANT
STEPS TO
ASSURE THE
AUTHENTICITY
OF THE
DRUGS WE
PROVIDE.
QU
AL
ITY
Lymphoma (Lime Green)
the-art distribution center that utilizes sophisticated e-pedigree technology to
efficiently and securely scan and track, from the doors of the manufacturer to
the patient, every drug that comes into our practice.
We are able to view, in real-time, the pedigree information for each drug we
order, throughout the supply chain, and verify the drug has not been altered.
The innovation and sophistication of this distribution system has also been
recognized by the National Association of the Board of Pharmacy. Our
distribution system was one of the first two to earn the coveted Verified-
Accredited Wholesale Distributors (VAWD) accreditation.
ALL VOA LOCATIONS HAVE A PATIENT FINANCIAL
COUNSELOR (PFC) WHO IS DEDICATED TO SERVING THE
INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF EVERY PATIENT. PFCs are an
extension of our Business Office and provide guidance through
financial issues, including claims and reimbursement issues
with insurers. They are available to address
patients’ questions and concerns.
As a courtesy to patients, our business office bills
all primary and secondary insurances. VOA
participates with over 20 insurance companies,
including all major payers. The VOA Website
maintains a list of these participating insurances.
“We can’t
change the
cards we
are dealt,
just how
we play the
hand. If
I’m not as
depressed
as you
think I
should be,
I’m sorry to
disappoint
you.”
– Randy Pausch,
Professor/Author,
Last Lecture
FINANCIAL COUNSELING ANDBUSINESS OFFICE SERVICES
VOAPARTICIPATES
WITH OVER 20 INSURANCE
COMPANIES,INCLUDING
ALL MAJORPAYERS. THE VOAWEBSITE
MAINTAINS A LIST OF
THESEPARTICIPATING
INSURANCES.
P H Y S I C I A N S
Hematology & OncologyThomas A. Alberico, MDBurton F. Alexander, III, MDDaniel M. Atienza, MDBruce W. Booth, MD Celeste T. Bremer, MDRobert L. Burger, MD, FACPDavid Z. Chang, MDPaul R. Conkling, MDScott J. Cross, MDMichael A. Danso, MDMark T. Fleming, MDEdward R. George, MD, FACPElizabeth A. Harden, MD, FACPJohn R. Howard, Jr., DOJohn F. Kessler, MD, FACPBoon C. Kok, MDScott Kruger, MD, FACPMichael E. Lee, MDJohn Q. A. Mattern, II, DODean S. McGaughey, III, MDJohn C. Paschold, MD, FACPDavid M. Powell, MD Christina W. Prillaman, MD, FACPJohn J. Regan, MDRonald J. Ruszkowski, MDS. George Saman, MDMichael S. Steinberg, MD, FACPAlexander K. Su, MDValiant D. Tan, MD
Gynecological OncologyDaynelle Dedmond, MDJohnny Hyde, MDMunir F. Nasr, MD, FACOGStacey J. Rogers, MDRobert C. Squatrito, MD, FACOG
Radiation OncologyVictor Archie, MDSong K. Kang, MDMichael L. Miller, DONadim M. Nasr, MD
SOUTHSIDE LOCATIONS5900 Lake Wright Dr.Norfolk, VA 23502(757) 466.8683FAX (757) 466.8892
1950 Glenn Mitchell Dr., Ste. 102Virginia Beach, VA 23456(757) 368.0437FAX (757) 368.0492
5818 Harbour View Blvd, Ste. 230Suffolk, VA 23435(757) 686.1042FAX (757) 686.1055
102 Fairview Dr., Ste. EFranklin, VA 23851(757) 569.9709FAX (757) 569.6102
300 Medical Pkwy., Ste. 314Chesapeake, VA 23320(757) 549.4403FAX (757) 549.4332
150 Burnett’s Way, Ste. 310Suffolk, VA 23434(757) 539.0670FAX (757) 539.1062
PENINSULA LOCATIONSPort Warwick III1051 Loftis Blvd., Ste. 100Newport News, VA 23606 (757)873.9400FAX (757) 873.9420
3000 Coliseum Dr., Ste. 104Hampton, VA 23666(757) 827.9400FAX (757) 827.9320
500 Sentara Cir., Ste. 203Williamsburg, VA 23188(757) 229.2236FAX (757) 221.0409
6876 Main St.Gloucester, VA 23061(804) 693.3232FAX (804) 693.3342
NORTH CAROLINA LOCATIONS1503 B North Road St.Elizabeth City, NC 27909(252) 331.2044FAX (252) 331.1909
5565 Croatan Hwy.Kitty Hawk, NC 27949(252) 261.5800FAX (252) 261.5301
CENTRAL BUSINESS OFFICE5900 Lake Wright Dr., Ste. 300Norfolk, VA 23502(757) 213.5700FAX (757) 213.5701TOLL FREE (800) 998.3450
Web Addresswww.virginiacancer.com
Phase I Research/Clinical Trials(757) 466-8683
Billing/Managed Care(757) 213-5700
Genetic Counseling(757) 213-5674
Behavioral Health(757) 213-5818
Community Outreach/Marketing/Liaison(757) 213-5680
FOR MAPS AND DIRECTIONS TO ANY OF OUR LOCATIONS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEB SITE.
All Cancers (Lavendar)