Department Spotlight: Medical Oncology
September 18, 2023
No person ever wants to hear the words, “You have cancer.” Those three short yet impactful words immediately change the course of someone’s life. As these patients Fight the Good Fight against cancer, there are a lot of intimidating unknowns that can take over their minds. What happens next? What will my treatment be like? What is my prognosis? How will I be able to handle this physically and emotionally? What will it take for me to beat this?
Who is better to be by their side than the devoted team members at the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Health? From helping patients manage the process of complex paperwork and referrals to delivering personalized oncology and hematology treatment options tailored to each individual diagnosis, those fighting virtually any type of cancer are never alone, thanks to this team. The William N. Pennington Cancer Institute always lives up to that promise, guiding patients through the daunting journey of cancer treatment ahead, one step at a time.
Courageous Against Cancer
Our exceptional Medical Oncology department inherently understands that each moment in life is precious, especially for patients battling cancer. This team is dedicated to orchestrating the most comprehensive plan for each patient, seamlessly weaving together diagnoses and treatments, oral chemotherapy, medication management, clinical trials, radiation oncology and more.With the many patients they impact, there’s no question that there is never a dull moment in the day of the life of a healing hero like those in this department.
“No day is the same in Medical Oncology,” said Hollyann Dehm, Registered Nurse. “As a nurse, we wear many hats in the clinic. Our role is to educate patients on their treatment plans and specific drugs they are receiving, triage symptom calls from patients, refill medications and implement our oral chemotherapy program. We help provide direct patient care by accessing ports, drawing labs and giving IV hydration when needed. We also help fill out family and medical leave (FMLA)/disability paperwork, help with physician orders, help obtain prior authorizations for prescribed medications and treatments.”
“We do our best to let our patients know that they will not be going through this alone,” added Danielle Say, Physician Scheduling Coordinator. "We will be here for them every step of the way, guiding them and making sure their treatment is as smooth as possible and making ourselves available to them as much as we can. We end up getting to know many of our patients on a very close, personal level, and this helps to build that trust.”
“Our day-to-day activities include seeing patients and helping to manage their therapies as well as their toxicities,” added Dr. Harry Menon, DO, Oncology Physician. “We work closely with our infusion room staff and have a robust team to help us deal with these complex patients. We also work very closely with our surgical and radiation oncology colleagues in a multidisciplinary fashion to provide comprehensive care for our patients.”
The Medical Oncology team excels not only in providing cutting-edge cancer care but also in their compassionate approach to helping patients reduce the anxieties they understandably feel. Recognizing that a cancer diagnosis can be an emotionally overwhelming experience, this dedicated team combines medical expertise with unwavering support to create a healing environment.
“When patients are referred to our department, a lot of them have many fears and questions,” said Heather Cortez, Medical Assistant. “A majority of what our team does is focused on the mental support that our patients require to help them have the most successful outcomes. One thing I have learned about cancer care is that positivity in the face of adversity is everything. Just being there to listen to our patient’s concerns can make all the difference. Helping them to navigate their many appointments and taking the time to explain things in a patient and compassionate way, is part of how our team serves this vulnerable population.”
“The uncertainty is one of my patients' biggest fears: How far has my cancer progressed? How long will I have left? Is treatment even an option?” added Mary Wilson, Senior Medical Assistant. “The best advice that I can give my patients is that they are not alone. While this battle is going to be one of the hardest parts of their lives, they are surrounded by constant support to try and help with any burdens they may be facing. I also tell my patients that we have to take the little wins no matter how small they may be, because while cancer treatment is a physical battle, it is also a large mental battle."
“While we don’t have answers to all the questions patients and their family members may have, we do our best to listen to their questions and concerns regarding their cancer diagnosis and treatment and guide them through their cancer journey," added Hollyann Dehm. “We provide emotional support and education on their type of cancer, managing their pain and side effects of their treatment. We also connect them to nurse navigators and our social worker who also help identify barriers to care and provide the patient with resources.”
Whether it's explaining treatment options in understandable terms or offering emotional support through difficult moments, this department is committed to empowering patients on their journey toward healing. Their holistic approach not only treats the disease but also nurtures the spirit, all while being a strong advocate on each patient’s behalf.
“Getting a cancer diagnosis can be the worst news that a person can hear; what we try to do is focus on improving quality life and focus on goals that help to promote quality of life,” said Dr. Harry Menon. “If the option for a cure is on the table, we try and focus on that goal in concert with promoting quality life. I try and have our patients focus on what they can control, with the understanding that even if some things are out of our control, the way we approach and manage those things, including our mindset, is still within our control.”
“In our clinic, we truly value our patients and how they are cared for,” added Mary Wilson. “The amount of compassion our team shows is incredible. Patients constantly commend our team on how much they feel like the provider's care. Our providers and staff are not afraid to advocate for patients and that truly is an accomplishment in and of itself.”
“We know patients are only hearing a small amount of the immense volume of information we provide them, so we encourage them to ask questions until it makes sense because the timeframe is different for every patient,” said Lillian Morton, APRN of Medical Oncology. “Cancer is an anxiety inducing lack of control whirlwind – if we can help by being responsive to patient calls and messages, we do so.”
With their harmonious and integrated approach, each patient’s treatment journey progresses uninterrupted, bringing them closer to a brighter and healthier future.
Cancer Care at Its Best
Cancer Care at Its Best
With clinical excellence and innovative treatments, Renown stands as a beacon of hope and personalized care in the journey to defeat cancer.
A Personal Connection
Family ties ignite the passion of many members of the Medical Oncology team. These individuals share a profound and personal connection to their field, with many of them having close family members who battled cancer.“Two years ago, my stepfather died due to complications from myelofibrosis, a rare type of blood cancer characterized by the buildup of scar tissue in the bone marrow,” said Sheryl Lundgren, Patient Access Representative. “I spent his last eight weeks of life caring for him and my mother in their home. After that, I started looking for an admissions/intake-type position. When I saw the opening in Oncology/Hematology at Renown, I took it as a sign. It was meant to be. It's nice being able to brighten the day of patients who are living with a cancer diagnosis. It makes me feel good when patients ask where I am when I’m not sitting at the front desk.”
“Throughout my dad's fight with cancer, I was passionate about helping others in that same fight,” added Valerie Jaynes, Medical Assistant. “Renown is all around a great place to be. The patients are what keep me coming to work every day, and even when days are rough, the leaders and coworkers, who are a close-knit team, always jump in to help out where it's needed.”
The team’s firsthand understanding of the emotional and physical toll that cancer can impose drives them to provide exceptional care, not only from a medical perspective but also from a place of empathy and understanding. The work they do every day reinvigorates their commitment to helping their patients in Fighting the Good Fight.
“I always had a love for oncology due to a strong family history, but what keeps me in the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute is the incredible work I get to do,” said Mary Wilson. “Getting to be a main line of support during many people's hardest fights is an incredible honor, and the relationships that I have gained are irreplaceable.”
To make a positive impact on a patient is the ultimate goal, and the Medical Oncology team achieves that each day and beyond, with a special place in their hearts and souls for patients battling cancer.
“I started my nursing career as an oncology nurse and have a special place in my heart for cancer patients,” said Hollyann Dehm. “I continue to choose oncology because it is complex, challenging in many ways and rewarding.”
“I chose to work at the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute because I wanted the chance to be a part of making a positive difference during a difficult time in a person’s life,” added Danielle Say. “What keeps me here is the amazing team I work with and the appreciation we get from our patients.”
The unique blend of expertise and heartfelt empathy is what defines our Medical Oncology team and helps them inspire hope within their patients and families.
The Future Fight
With all the momentum our Medical Oncology team members have, they are not ready to stop any time soon – because cancer can’t wait, and neither do they. Naturally, the department has experienced great growth in recent years, including the William N. Pennington Foundation giving a $15.5 million grant to Renown devoted to oncology. That growth is only expected to continue as the team begins offering more providers and care options to their patients.“I chose to work at Renown and the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute because I wanted to be part of the development of an academic cancer center in Nevada,” said Dr. Harry Menon. “There was no such center in the entire state, and I wanted to help develop a comprehensive cancer center with high-level care and access to the newest therapeutics and trial opportunities. I enjoyed the vision that was set forth by Renown in regard to what we could build and how it could help the northern Nevada population. That vision is what keeps me here today.”
“I started working in the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute a few months shy of three years ago when we were supported by a single doctor and two nurse practitioners; over the last couple of years, I have seen this institute turn into an incredible practice that now has four providers and ample staff,” added Mary Wilson.
It’s no question that the demand for best-in-class cancer care is increasing, and that demand requires the supply of medical oncology physicians, nurses, clinical specialists and more. The William N. Pennington Cancer Institute is hiring professionals who want to join the good fight along with us.
“Our providers are great and are very devoted to their patients, and the referrals for newly-diagnosed patients will always keep coming in; so, we can definitely benefit from more oncology team members,” said Danielle Say.
“While our office and patient load is expanding rapidly with a new oncologist starting, our imaging and infusion centers also feel the burden as we all function together and rely on each other to ensure our patients are getting treated promptly,” added Mary Wilson.
"There are a lot of folks who need our help,” added Dr. Harry Menon. “We are trying to grow in the right way to serve the needs of our community, and any help that can be provided to help us toward that goal is greatly appreciated. We have a very diverse and complex community, and so we are always looking for new resources to help serve our community.”
Giving hope and healing deserves a strong reward, and Renown is proud to provide exactly that. With a wide array of benefits that help this team enjoy increased well-being and meet their everyday (and future) needs – an aspect that many of these team members report being a major draw in choosing a career at Renown and the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute.
“Before I moved to the area, I had done some research on what Renown had to offer their employees and their patients,” said Heather Cortez. “I was impressed with the benefits that Renown had to offer and the positive reviews that employees had given on Indeed.”
“I really love that Renown encourages and supports employees with their educational assistance programs,” added Valerie Jaynes. “This allows employees to grow to their fullest potential and achieve their dreams where in some instances they were unable to because of financial struggles.”
Thankful for their health system and tireless in their efforts toward impacting their patients’ lives for the better, the Medical Oncology team serves as a stellar example of never-ending hope in healthcare.
“I am most proud of how our team has come together and worked as a unit through challenging circumstances to try and provide the best care for our community,” said Dr. Harry Menon. “We have had a number of incredible success stories through adverse circumstances, and I am so thankful for our incredible nurses, medical assistants, patient access representatives, schedulers and other team members who have helped us to grow and keep things running smoothly. I am also proud of our growth in clinical trials. We have opened a number of exciting clinical trial opportunities and have been able to bring new therapeutic opportunities to Reno to help our patient population immensely.”
“I am so thankful to have found a job with Renown because my coworkers really reflect the level of care and compassion that I feel is so important in serving a community. I hope to stay with Renown for many years to come!” closes Heather Cortez.