A key position for the new BC Cancer Agency Centre for the North has been hired. Dr. Suresh Katakkar will join the centre as a medical oncologist, and will be a member of the provincial Systemic Therapy Program team for the BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority.

“The ongoing recruitment efforts for the Northern Cancer Control Strategy are continuing to pay off,” said Prince George – Valemount MLA Shirley Bond. “Finding core cancer care specialists who will help to provide expanded services in Northern B.C. is a key part of the strategy. The successful recruitment of Dr. Katakkar, together with Dr. Olson as our first radiation oncologist, will provide a solid foundation on which to recruit other required positions. This is exceptionally good news and clearly demonstrates that our government made the right decision to proceed with a cancer centre that had been a request of Northern families for decades.”

“Providing exceptional cancer care in the North depends on having skilled health professionals in place,” said Prince George – Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell. “Dr. Katakkar is an excellent addition to our northern cancer team, bringing many years of experience to his new role with the Centre for the North.” 

Dr. Katakkar is a medical oncologist who has been practicing for over 35 years. He is also a certified hematologist. Dr. Katakkar began his career in Saskatchewan before moving to the United States. Since 1980, he has worked in Arizona in private practice, as well as holding various concurrent positions, including medical director, hospital chief of staff, clinical lecturer, and chair for various committees. He has also authored multiple publications and presentations in medical oncology and hematology. Dr. Katakkar is expected to arrive in Prince George in early 2011.

“We look forward to welcoming Dr. Katakkar to the North,” said Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad. “His arrival will help to provide increased regional cancer care support for residents in the Northern B.C. region.”

“We are delighted that Dr. Katakkar has decided to join our oncology team in Northern B.C.,” said Dr. Ronald Chapman, executive director of the Northern Cancer Control Strategy. ”We look forward to further building our regional care team and will continue to focus on various recruitment efforts as part of our cancer care strategy.”

A medical oncologist is a physician that diagnoses and treats cancer through systemic therapy (chemotherapy and hormone therapy). A medical oncologist will recommend treatment programs and also coordinates with other professionals in the delivery of care.

“This is a critical position for the new regional cancer centre, as well as for the Northern Cancer

Control Strategy as a whole,” said Dr. Charles Blanke, Systemic Therapy Provincial Program Leader at the BC Cancer Agency. “We would like to thank Northern Health, UNBC, the City of Prince George, and various local medical professionals for their ongoing help in showcasing the North as a dynamic place to work in health.” 

Other key positions that are being recruited for the BC Cancer Agency Centre for the North include additional medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, social workers and pharmacists.

The Northern Cancer Control Strategy is a joint partnership between Northern Health, BC Cancer Agency and the Provincial Health Services Authority. It is focused on enhancing the continuum of cancer services in the North, including prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, supportive and palliative care.

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Media contacts:
Northern Cancer Control Strategy – Lynn Bailey (on behalf of NCCS Communications),
250-565-5603