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10/02: BC Cancer Agency to recruit third oncologist for regional community cancer centre in Kamloops
The BC Cancer Agency is launching a search this fall for a third medical oncologist to join the cancer care team at the regional community cancer centre in Kamloops, located within Royal Inland Hospital. More than 400 new cancer patients were cared for at the centre last year. That number is projected to increase to more than 450 next year.
“We’re looking for someone who wants to make Kamloops their home and who will enjoy a general oncology practice, rather than specializing in the treatment of one particular cancer site,” say Dr. Marianne Taylor, the medical director for the BC Cancer Agency’s Centre for the Southern Interior, which provides support for regional community cancer centres in the southern interior, including Kamloops.
While there is a shortage of medical oncologists in North America, and for generalists in particular, Taylor is confident that the Kamloops community cancer centre will be able to attract the right person. And, that oncologist may come from anywhere in the world.
“We’ve got a lot to offer in Kamloops,” says Taylor. “We’ve built a great cancer care team with two medical oncologists, a general physician who specializes in oncology care, seven oncology nurses, a part time social worker and five support staff.” It’s a critical mass of expertise that should appeal to a medical oncologist looking to practice outside a major metropolitan area.
“The BC Cancer Agency has an excellent reputation for delivering world-class care, within a provincial, coordinated program, so that name recognition will help, too.”
The community cancer centre in Kamloops is linked to the BC Cancer Agency’s provincial cancer care program. It is one of 20 regional community cancer centres operated in partnership with the BC Cancer Agency and community hospitals. At community cancer centres, cancer patients throughout the province receive care based on guidelines and protocols established by the BC Cancer Agency.
Another incentive for the potential hire is the new space within Royal Inland Hospital to house a unit specifically designed to treat cancer patients, and to conduct clinical trials. “It’ll definitely be a much more functional environment for our staff to deliver care, and a more physically pleasant environment for staff and patients.”
BC Cancer Agency to recruit third oncologist for regional community cancer centre in Kamloops /2
“With the addition of the new oncologist, we’re hoping that will free up time for staff to start a clinical trials program in Kamloops.”
Clinical trials enable patients to receive new therapies that are still under investigation, and may offer some benefit, when traditional therapies fail. Traditionally, smaller centres have been unable to participate in trials because they don’t have the staff or physical space.
The BC Cancer Agency’s Centre for the Southern Interior serves a population of about 720,000.
The BC Cancer Agency, a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to care at the BC Cancer Agency.
For more information, please contact:
Papinder Rehncy
Public Relations
BC Cancer Agency
604.877.6261
prehncy@bccancer.bc.ca
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