Undergoing cancer treatment? Patients can save time at the newly expanded Inova Fair Oaks all-in-one cancer center
All Under One Roof
In an exciting move to expand cancer services to the local community, Inova Schar Cancer Institute (ISCI) on the Inova Fair Oaks Medical Campus has recently added two new physician groups to its top-notch team of practitioners. The team of eight highly trained specialists vastly increases the cancer and blood disorder expertise available to patients at the new cancer center.
“Two community medical oncology practices recently joined Inova Schar Cancer Institute, and are now seeing patients in our newly opened cancer center. This significantly expands the comprehensive cancer services offered at Inova Fair Oaks Medical Campus,” says Ann Miner, Director of Inova Schar Cancer Institute – Fair Oaks. “These eight medical oncologists will work in a highly integrated fashion with our surgeons, radiation oncologists and support teams to offer disease-site specific cancer care.”
Coinciding with the addition of these eight medical oncologists and their clinical support team, ISCI has opened a brand-new infusion clinic, outpatient pharmacy and lab, and an outpatient research facility. “This collaboration has been something that we’ve worked on for a long time and it’s a great opportunity for our patients,” says Mary Wilkinson, MD, medical oncologist, who specializes in breast cancer and Director of Breast Cancer Research at ISCI. “Patients are not going to have to travel from one location to another.”
New infusion center for the Fair Oaks area
Adding a new infusion center is an exciting move for patients and cancer center personnel alike.
“The facility is brand-new and lovely,” comments Jane Zipoli, 54, speaking during her last chemotherapy session for stage 1 breast cancer in late March. She pointed out the various amenities in the center, including TV, Wi-Fi and large, comfortable bathrooms.
Jane, a sales representative for Cisco Systems, adds that one of the most pleasing aspects of the center is the nurses. They help with scheduling appointments, offering recommendations, and providing valuable information, such as how to treat mouth sores, which she suffered from during chemo. “The nursing staff here is absolutely terrific,” she says.
Jane also has enjoyed the close proximity of services. Her various breast cancer doctors and nurse practitioner are located steps away from the infusion center. And the valet service is incredibly convenient when she is under pressure to make an appointment. “Little details make the difference,” she notes.
The infusion center, a service of Inova Fairfax Hospital, overlooks a view of the Shenandoah Mountain foothills. The spacious center features 12 private rooms and chairs in a multipurpose community room. It will be decorated with artwork from local artists. “The setting is modern, yet comfortable,” says Miner. “Patients have a choice to have their infusion in a private room or a communal area.”
Integrated cancer care
The addition of the new infusion center is one of many recent steps taken by the cancer center to offer the latest, most technologically advanced services, all in one location.
“The main advantage is we now have an integrated cancer center with most services under one roof,” comments David Heyer, MD, Jane’s oncologist and Medical Director of the Fairfax West Infusion Clinic. “We are now offering chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies for a wide array of cancers and blood disorders.”
In addition to their expertise in fighting cancer, ISCI clinicians use integrated electronic medical records to house patients’ clinical notes and documentation. This allows the care team to more easily share information about treatment plans with each other, improving safety and coordination. The physical proximity of services, combined with the integrated working relationship of the care team, reduces the fragmentation cancer patients can sometimes feel as they navigate this complex disease.
“We’re really excited because there is really not another cancer center like this in the community,” says Dr. Heyer.
Cancer specialists in Fairfax, VA
To schedule an appointment with a specialist at Inova Schar Cancer Institute, call 703.391.4395 or 703.391.2840.
Oncology Navigators: help with managing the cancer treatment process
A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for both a patient and their family. That’s why Inova Schar Cancer Institute at Inova Fair Oaks Medical Campus offers oncology navigators to make each patient’s journey as smooth as possible.
In addition to coordinating doctor’s office visits and diagnostic tests, oncology navigators are available to maintain communication among the patient’s medical providers.
They are also available to provide information about the latest clinical trials and cancer education.
For patients seeking assistance with transportation or financial concerns, oncology navigators provide numerous resources that are offered by Inova or are available in the community.
Inova’s “Life with Cancer” program provides support and education to patients, friends and family
Cancer patients at Inova have a rich resource to help them every step of the way: the “Life with Cancer” program. This free service is available to help patients coping with cancer, and their loved ones, by offering guidance, education, information and support. Life with Cancer provides seminars, support groups, individual and family counseling, and nursing consultations to help people get the information and support they need every step of the way along their cancer journey and beyond into survivorship. The program also offers a variety of mind-body/wellness programs and alternative medicine classes to supplement medical treatments, reduce symptoms and boost well-being.
To speak to someone at Life with Cancer or to find out more, call 703.206.LIFE (5433) or email lifewithcancer@inova.org.