As the first oncology program in the region to be accredited as a comprehensive community care center by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, CHRISTUS Schumpert Cancer Treatment Center has maintained that accreditation continuously for 24 years. At CHRISTUS, the team of board certified physicians, oncology certified nurses and support staff provide lifelong personalized patient care using the latest technology and evidence-based care plans.
The community can look forward to this excellent cancer care continuing in the new facility opening in 2015 at the Highland campus. Until then, the CHRISTUS cancer team offers a comprehensive continuum of cancer care at the Schumpert campus, including radiation oncology, medical oncology, hematology, infusion therapy, genetic counseling, and chemotherapy. Radiation oncology includes the Novalis TX, the region’s only technology that attacks cancer with real-time tracking, pinpointing a tumor’s exact size, shape and location. Because it’s the most advanced and accurate radiation treatment delivery system, it significantly reduces the number of treatments.
The CHRISTUS team utilizes not only a professional and medically trained approach, but a compassionate and attentive one as well. Fighting cancer is about caring for the whole person and CHRISTUS delivers on that with support groups, onsite pharmacy, complimentary valet parking, and extensive social services. At the heart of the cancer center are a group of volunteers, supporting patients in special ways such as warm blankets, milkshakes, flowers, pet therapy, or simply a hand to hold. CHRISTUS encourages second medical opinions. Self-referrals are available by calling 1-888-681-4138.
Meet The Providers:
Kate Young, AOCNP
Kate Young is an Advanced Practice Nurse in Genetics. An educator, counselor and self-described cheerleader, Young understands the sensitive nature a cancer diagnosis can have and the importance of quality care.
“I provide education to patients and family, and serve as a resource for the nursing staff,” said Young. “I think quality care is more than following standards –it’s listening to what people have to say, being there when they need to talk or ask questions, taking care of their physical needs, and resolving issues they may have. Cancer can take a toll on both an individual and their family physically, but also spiritually and financially. Having cancer doesn’t define who they are.”
Roscoe Chan, MD, FRCPC, ACU
Dr. Roscoe Chan, Radiation Oncologist, believes in empowering patients by being upfront and truthful with patients. “Knowledge is power,” he said. “Knowing exactly what is happening to their bodies will enable them to make the right decisions for themselves and anticipate side effects and tolerate treatment better.”
Robert Massingill, MD
Dr. Robert Massingill, Hematologist/Oncologist, is passionate about the CHRISTUS mission and the dedication the staff shows to patients. “I totally embrace the mission statement to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ,” he said. “The entire team involved in servicing and caring for our patients reflects this loving and compassionate spirit. Our main focus here is to always provide comfort and to always provide excellence in terms of cancer treatment.”
Neelima Chintapalli, MD
Dr. Neelima Chintapalli, Hematologist/Oncologist, is proud to be in the oncology field since it allows her to spend so much time with her patients and get to know them and treats each patient as if they were a member of her family. “When patients are diagnosed with cancer, I am amazed at the courage they show in this most difficult time,” she said. “I am humbled to be a part of this journey during such a vulnerable time.”
Scott Boniol, MD
Dr. Scott Boniol, Medical Director and Hematologist/Oncologist, shares the CHRISTUS vision and philosophy of patient-centered care. “I wanted to practice at CHRISTUS because of their emphasis on patient first, above all, treat the patient,” he said.
“Anyone who has been through this center feels like they are part of this family. It is a genuine, honest feeling that is unrivaled anywhere else.”
Christopher Snead, MD
Dr. Christopher Snead, Hematologist/Oncologist, enjoys working at a state-of-the-art cancer treatment center where research and technology go hand in hand with personalized patient care. “Although all patient care is individualized, the complex nature of cancer requires the physician to adhere to treatment options which have been rigorously tested and proven to be effective,” he said. “At CHRISTUS Schumpert Cancer Treatment Center, we follow nationally recognized treatment guideline pathways as well as participate in clinical trials to ensure all patients receive treatments which are most appropriate and most effective.”
