winter 2016 - Provision Healthcare

WINTER 2016
E OF CARCULTURE OF CARE
R
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“Respecting the dignity and
value of every person”
OR
Provision Center for Proton
Therapy has embraced a Culture of
Care that extends beyond service
N
T
and
•A
EC establishes a new standard of
CCO
SP
U NTABILIT Y • RE excellence for patient care.
•E
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L E N C E • S E RVIC E
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Volume III, Issue I
QUOTE OF THE SEASON
“Winter is the time for comfort, for
good food and warmth, for the touch
of a friendly hand and for a talk
beside the fire; it is the time for
home.” –Edith Sitwell
WE LISTEN TO YOU
Please, let us know how we can make your visit
as pleasant as possible! Send your suggestions,
requests or opinions to:
[email protected]
PROVISION PROTON BLOG
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all the things happening at Provision.
www.provisionproton.com/blog
SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER
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our newsletter!
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PROTON STORE
Welcome to the official Proton Store,
where you can buy proton therapy
wearables and novelties. 10% of all
proceeds will benefit the Provision
CARES Foundation, a public charity
that supports cancer education,
wellness, research and survivorship.
Visit and start shopping now!
http://provisionproton.com/about-us/store
3RD SCOTT HAMILTON EVENT FEATURES MICHAEL W. SMITH
AND SKATING GREATS
In a unique event where live music and ice skating unite, “Scott Hamilton
and Friends on Ice” will visit Knoxville for a third year and help raise
money for the fight against cancer.
This year’s show is set for 5 p.m., Feb. 20, 2016, and will be held at the
Knoxville Civic Coliseum. Featured performers will be renowned skaters
of both long-time and more recent fame including Katia Gordeeva, 1988
and 1994 Olympic gold medalist with late husband Sergei Grinkov, Paul
Wylie 1992 Olympic Silver Medalist, 2014 Olympic medalist Jeremy
Abbott, world champion figure skaters Yuka Sato and Steven Cousins,
U.S. national figure skating champions Alissa Czisny, Ryan Bradley,
Michael Weiss and ice dancing champions Kimberly Navarro and Brent
Bommentre, 1990s British National Champion Steven Cousins and ice
dancers Sinead Kerr and John Kerr.
The show will be choreographed to the live music of Michael W. Smith,
an acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician who has sold more than
15 million albums, achieved 28 No. 1 songs, earned three GRAMMY®
Awards, one American Music Award, and more than 40 Dove Awards.
Most recently, in honor of ASCAP’s 100th Anniversary, Smith, along
with Amy Grant, was honored as “a cornerstone of Christian music,” for
his groundbreaking career and significant influence on the genre. Also
in 2014, Smith was named “Philanthropist of the Year” by the Nashville
Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and
honored by the Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) for his
impact on the Nashville entertainment industry.
“Scott Hamilton and Friends on Ice,” will kick off with an ice show at 5
p.m. at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. A celebration benefit dinner follows
at 7:30 p.m. at the Knoxville Convention Center, 701 Henley St. Tickets
for the ice show are on sale now and start at $23.00. Dinner tickets are
available to individuals or groups for $150. Tickets are available online
through the Knoxville Coliseum box office at KnoxvilleColiseum.com, or
by calling (865) 215-8999. For information on attending the celebration
dinner and becoming a sponsor, visit ProvisionCares.org.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL TOLL FREE 1-855-566-1600 OR VISIT WWW.PROVISIONPROTON.COM
PROTON THERAPY CENTER
WINTER 2016
Volume III, Issue I
Darrell Ragland
Pancreatic Cancer
AMBASSADOR ROUND-UP
Provision does not specialize in repeat customers, but Darrell Ragland’s
cancer diagnosis has brought him here more than once. And he couldn’t
be more thankful.
In 2002, Ragland was diagnosed with islet cell pancreatic cancer—the
disease made famous by Steve Jobs. Fourteen years later, he says he is
“living with cancer”—maintaining an active lifestyle and helping support
others on their cancer journey. Ragland was treated for tumors near his
spine, affecting the ability to use his arm, and in his liver. He came to
Provision for treatment in April and August of 2014.
“I’m grateful,” he says. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to further my days
and have a quality of life.”
He was 46, serving as technical advisor for Alcoa and raising four children
in Evansville, Ind. when originally diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Following surgery to remove his spleen, gallbladder and two-thirds of
his pancreas, he lived five years with no other complications. Then the
tumors returned in 2007, metastasizing to his liver. Using a combination
of clinical trial treatments and conventional radiation, only two of 13
tumors remain.
“With islet cell (cancer), tumors can pop up anywhere,” Ragland says.
After a suggestion from a local radiologist, the Raglands began exploring
proton therapy as a treatment option. The targeted form of radiation
therapy allowed the tumors found in these delicate parts of the body to
be treated without damaging surrounding tissue and severely impacting
normal function. After making calls, and encountering automated
responses, Ragland’s wife, Karen, contacted Provision.
“A voice answered, tears started flowing,” Ragland says. “When you’re
going through it, and you get a recording saying, ‘Your call is important
to us, please hold,” to hear an actual person on the other end of the line
is a big deal.”
When he arrived at Provision for the first set of treatments, Ragland could
not even squeeze his hand.
“It was come to Knoxville or lose total mobility in my right arm,” he says.
Today he has full mobility in his arm. And the follow-up treatment on his
liver and lymph nodes was also successful. These positive outcomes have
helped open the minds of Ragland’s physicians back home, and now they
solicit Provision doctors’ opinions on his follow-up scans.
Ragland credits his faith and family support system for challenging
medical opinions that offered little hope—at one point a nurse informed
him that they had done “everything we know to do for you,” he says.
“As a patient advocate, you have to be persistent in finding something
else,” says his daughter, Channelle Ragland. “They say, ‘Well, that’s it.’ We
don’t accept that. We’re just not those kind of people.”
continued on next page...
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL TOLL FREE 1-855-566-1600 OR VISIT WWW.PROVISIONPROTON.COM
PROTON THERAPY CENTER
WINTER 2016
Volume III, Issue I
…continued from previous page
The Raglands are channeling what they’ve learned through their education
and advocacy experience into a foundation aimed at helping cancer patients
navigate a complicated health care system and find the treatment that’s
best for them. Although initially targeting pancreatic patients, the Darrell
Ragland Foundation has come to work with all families facing a cancer
diagnosis.
Keep up with our patients at
ProtonStories.com
Ragland believes it’s important to demonstrate that cancer is not a death
sentence—and to provide others with the tools he’s found to live with the
disease.
Channelle tells the story of a recent encounter at the local drug store.
“The pharmacist said, ‘I didn’t know he had cancer,’” she says, “’He’s always
mowing the lawn.’”
Proton therapy has been a big part of keeping him on that lawn mower and
doing other things he enjoys most, Ragland says.
“
I try to be grateful for my cancer. If I can
learn to be thankful for today, hopefully
there’ll be a cure tomorrow.
”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL TOLL FREE 1-855-566-1600 OR VISIT WWW.PROVISIONPROTON.COM
PROTON THERAPY CENTER
WINTER 2016
Volume III, Issue I
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
This Issue
Rowdy Helton, Property Manager, and
Chris Hatcher, Building Maintenance
Superviser, shine light on what it takes to
keep Provision running smoothly.
Rowdy Helton and Chris Hatcher never know what the day will bring—
or the night for that matter. When you’re the building maintenance
supervisor and the property manager for a four-building complex that
includes a particle accelerator, complex medical equipment, physicians’
offices, labs, offices and lots of patients, you’re on everybody’s speed-dial
and court a serious to-do list.
“We are on call 24 hours, seven days a week,” Helton says. “I’ve left
Dollywood to come here to answer an alarm. You can’t do this job and
leave it here.”
Rowdy Helton
+
Chris Hatcher
What others say…
“Rowdy and Chris are the epitome of
customer service; on a daily basis they
support the spectrum of needs of patients,
visitors, tenants and staff. They cover a lot
of ground in a day’s time and always willing
to do more. It should give us great comfort
knowing that Rowdy and Chris will be there
when we need them; a true testament to
their character, attitude and customer
centered focus.”
Between the two, Helton and Hatcher are responsible for complete
building and property maintenance, and Provision workers and patients
alike are accustomed to their presence—climbing ladders to peer above
ceiling tiles, moving people to and from offices, fixing broken thermostats,
re-keying doors and, well, just fill in the blank, they say.
“We come in rain, shine, sleet or snow,” Helton says. “We’ve changed flat
tires and jumped cars.”
Andy Lorenz
Vice President of Administration
“We try to be the ‘Hey you!’ guys,” Hatcher says. “No matter what it is, if
it’s something we can do we do it.”
“Chris and Rowdy have been a pleasure
to work with. From the day I set foot in
Knoxville 2 ½ years ago I knew that these
were two individuals that I could rely on as
part of the team working to get the proton
center open. They were always available,
always willing to go the extra mile, and
thoughtful and thorough in their work. We’d
be hard pressed to find two better facilities
guys.”
David Raubauch,
Vice President U.S. Sales and development
Both were among the early employees of Provision—back when the proton
therapy center was still a gleam in Terry Douglass’s eye and the site on an
empty hillside. Helton came in 2009 and Hatcher two years later as the
residential construction business where they had made their livelihoods
suffered from the recession.
“I went from mud and dirt to healthcare,” Helton says.
At first, working at Provision involved a lot of mud and dirt too, and both
men saw their jobs evolve as the Provision Center for Proton Therapy rose
up out of the ground and began serving patients.
continued on next page...
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL TOLL FREE 1-855-566-1600 OR VISIT WWW.PROVISIONPROTON.COM
PROTON THERAPY CENTER
WINTER 2016
Volume III, Issue I
What others say…
“They are the most compassionate, caring
and helpful guys portraying our ‘Culture
of Care’ all the way to the patients. They
are the behind-the-scenes guys who
make everything come together without
a glitch. From how hot or cold you are in
the building to a patient needing jumper
cables for their car, they are always there!
They have a “get it done” attitude and
never complain about requests at the last
minute as we are a fast paced moving
company, but they are always flexible.”
“When I interviewed Rowdy and all the
variety of things that needed to be done –
that wasn’t just facilities, he said “sounds
like you are a busy lady” and you need
some help - I want to help!!”
Mary Lou DuBois
CEO & President
…continued from previous page
“When I first started I mowed grass,” Hatcher says. These days he
monitors the building’s systems, keeping tabs on security, fire prevention
and heating and cooling equipment; responding to alarms and making
adjustments, either remotely or in-person.
The two have responded to countless fire alarms, most of them false—
except for the one that wasn’t. Last spring, an emergency project kept
them on campus more than 40 hours straight.
In spite of the demands, you could hardly find two employees more
enthusiastic about their jobs.
“To be involved with it is a blessing,” Helton adds. “I love the people, I love
the employees.”
RE OF CA
U
LT
RE
CU
“I never dread getting up and going to work,” Hatcher says.
“I’m just glad every morning…” Hatcher says, “to be a part of this,” Helton
finishes his sentence.
CE
•A
CC
OU
LLE
IO N
NCE
CO LL ABO R AT
• S ERVIC E
“Respecting the
dignity and value
of every person”
NTA
B ILIT Y • R E
T
S P EC
•E
X
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL TOLL FREE 1-855-566-1600 OR VISIT WWW.PROVISIONPROTON.COM
PROTON THERAPY CENTER
WINTER 2016
Volume III, Issue I
PHYSICIAN PROFILE
Dr. Marcio Fagundes
Radiation Oncologist
Marcio Fagundes first encountered proton therapy when serving as
a guest intern at Harvard University’s cyclotron facility in Cambridge,
working with the “father of proton therapy” Herman Suit and writing
a paper on the treatment of base of skull chordomas. It was 1994, just
four years after the first proton therapy treatment center opened in the
U.S.
“I have always been motivated by innovative treatment modalities and
their potential to improve cancer cure rates while preserving normal
organ function and quality of life,” Fagundes says.
It was several years before he began working directly with protons
again, first returning to his home country of Brazil, where he served as
medical director of the Centro do Oncologia Radioterápica do RGS in
Porto Alegre, and then returning to the U.S. in 2007 to work at Missouri
Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis.
That move gave him the opportunity to pursue his interest in proton
therapy, and he joined the ProCure Oklahoma City Proton Therapy
Center’s medical staff in 2011.
When Scott Warwick, Provision vice president for program development
and strategic initiatives, met Fagundes at a conference that year, the
two connected over proton therapy and auto racing. It was only later,
as Warwick was seeking a medical director for the new proton therapy
center at Provision, that Fagundes’s name came up again.
“I was talking to many of the leaders in the industry, looking for potential
candidates,” Warwick says. The medical director of ProCure named
Fagundes as a bright star in the industry.
Today, Fagundes manages a large roster of patients, heads up clinical
trials and practices leading edge medicine as medical director of the
Provision Center for Proton therapy.
Education:
Universidade Federal do RGS
Porto Alegre, Brazil
Residency:
Radiation Oncology,
University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital
Fellowship:
Harvard Medical School
Specialty:
Radiation Oncology
“I am continuing the advancement of the proton therapy field by
collaborating in the development of multiple trials, such as imageguided hypofractionated proton therapy for prostate cancer and other
upcoming studies looking at the incorporation of the novel intensity
modulated proton therapy delivery method into the daily treatment of
most cancer disease sites,” he says.
Fagundes embraces new approaches to practice. For example, his
willingness to do in-house placement of fiducial markers for prostate
cancer treatment instead of requiring patients to see an additional
specialist, opened the door for Provision to become the first proton
therapy center to offer SpaceOAR hydrogel, a product that helps
protect prostate cancer patients from radiation damage to the rectum.
Because Fagundes undertakes the procedure using local instead of
general anesthetic, the manufacturer has been training at Provision to
learn the technique.
In spite of his work load, Fagundes takes a hands-on approach with
patients, setting aside time to answer their questions and providing his
cell phone number.
“He’s a patient’s physician,” Warwick says.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL TOLL FREE 1-855-566-1600 OR VISIT WWW.PROVISIONPROTON.COM
PROTON THERAPY CENTER
WINTER 2016
Volume III, Issue I
HEALTH AND FITNESS ON COLD WINTER DAYS
Fall may have lulled us, but January came on strong with chilly temps
and the threat of wintry weather. All this can make you feel more like
hibernating than keeping up with exercise or even good eating habits,
especially if illness or weather interrupts the regular routine. But, don’t
make excuses—try these tips for keeping this new year healthy during the
winter doldrums.
Keep drinking water: You may not feel as thirsty as on a 90˚ July day, but
water helps the body’s processes maintain good function, particularly the
vulnerable immune system, as well as keeping your appetite in check.
Manage stress: Winter confinement and drudgery can make us more
vulnerable to everyday stress, which battles our immune system and
affects our ability to make other healthy choices. Be conscious of the
things that stress your life and take deliberate steps to reduce them such
as getting plenty of sleep (let short days be good for something!) and
taking breaks for prayer, meditation and exercise.
Add Vitamin D: Most people suffer from inadequate vitamin D, especially
during the winter months where its source—sunshine—is in short supply.
Taking a supplement helps support long-term health by improving bone
strength and preventing things like heart disease and even cancer. It also
helps curb depression and improves immune system health.
Embrace winter activities: Invest in cold-weather wear and don’t be
afraid to embrace the elements. Add exercise to the middle of your day,
when its warmer, or mix it up by pairing shorter outdoor with indoor
workouts. Getting out in the fresh air will help improve your mood as well
as your health. Or try a new indoor sport like ice skating, hot yoga or a
soccer league.
Don’t skimp on fruits and veggies: It takes 5-6 servings a day to keep
adequately fueled. If salads and smoothies seem too summery, try a
hearty vegetable soup. Its an easy, delicious way to ensure daily intake of
vitamins and minerals.
Check out the BLOG at ProvisionProton.com
for great Winter recipes!
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL TOLL FREE 1-855-566-1600 OR VISIT WWW.PROVISIONPROTON.COM
PROTON THERAPY CENTER