It Takes Teamwork to Beat Breast Cancer
It takes a team to defeat breast cancer!
That’s one of the reasons Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge opened the Comprehensive Breast clinic in 2008. It provides patients with a dedicated team of specialists that offers state-of-the-art breast care, specifically tailored to each patient and their situation.
“The clinic is designed to streamline the process for breast health and treatment of breast diseases, and to provide a
comprehensive treatment plan for patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer,” said Debbie Bowles, clinic manager and patient coordinator. “Our collaborative, multidisciplinary approach maximizes medical expertise and assures that our patients’ needs are met through innovative, compassionate and personalized care.”
Bowles is the main contact person for each patient beginning when the Oak Ridge Breast Center detects possible breast cancer. She helps the patient understand what to expect as they undergo tests and receive treatment, and follows them throughout the continuum of care.
Having a team approach is an essential part of the program. Comprehensive care is provided by a team of professionals from
various specialty areas, including the Oak Ridge Breast Center, recognized as a Center of Excellence. Other integral members of the team include board-certified radiologists specializing in mammography, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and plastic surgeons.
“These doctors work with clinical trial specialists, genetics counselors, dieticians, therapists specializing in the
treatment of lymphedema, and other highly trained healthcare professionals that are devoted to providing a caring, cohesive process,” she said. “We also help patients connect with a network of support groups, such as the American Cancer Society’s ‘Reach to Recovery’ program.”
Early diagnosis is vital for the best chance of effective treatment. To learn more about the Comprehensive Breast Clinic at Methodist, call (865) 835-5224.
| Meet Our Physicians |
| Medical Oncology |
 John Foust, MD
Board certification: Internal medicine, oncology, hematology, hospice and palliative medicine |
 Mary Misischia, DO
Fellowship: Hematology/oncology
Board certification: Internal medicine, medical oncology |
 Michael Thompson, MD
Fellowship: Hematology/oncology
Board certification: Internal medicine, medical oncology, hematology, hospice and palliative medicine
Cumberland Oncology & Hematology
(865) 483-3377
|
| Radiation Oncology |
 Kenneth Strike, MD
Board certification: Radiation oncology
Thompson Cancer Survival Center at Methodist
(865) 835-4500
|
| Radiology |
 James Hilton, MD
Board certification: Diagnostic radiology with post-graduate training
in mammography, digital mammography, medical ultrasound, magnetic
resonance imaging (advanced studies) |
 Sandra Ridings-Hesser, MD
Board certification: Diagnostic radiology with post-graduate training
in mammography and research in CR digital mammography and 3D-4D
ultrasound
Oak Ridge Breast Center
(865) 835-3760
|
| Surgery |
 Frances Cross, MD
Fellow: American College of Surgeons
Board certification: Surgery |
 William Dallas, MD
Fellowship: Vascular surgery
Board certification: General surgery with additional qualifications in vascular surgery |
 Joseph Metcalf, IV, MD
Fellow: American College of Surgeons
Board certification: General surgery |
 Alan Tripp, DO
Board certification: General surgery
Oak Ridge Surgeons
(865) 483-7030
|