WILMINGTON — Wednesday was the launch of a new affiliation between The Ohio State University’s James Cancer Network and The Foster J. Boyd, M.D., Regional Cancer Center in Wilmington.
As announced in May, under the terms of the agreement, medical oncology and radiation oncology services at the cancer center now will be provided by cancer experts from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center–James.
In addition, those medical oncology and radiation oncology services at the Boyd center will be under the OSUCCC–James’ clinical direction and leadership, according to the news release in May.
Prior to a Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting Wednesday morning, the director of medical oncology at the cancer center here, Mark S. Collins, M.D., told the crowd, “We’re here. We’re ready.”
CMH Regional Health System CEO Greg Nielsen called it “a historic event.”
“This is going to have a profound impact on the lives of many folks for years to come,” added Nielsen.
Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce Director Mark Rembert described the change a “wonderful affiliation,” while U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers (R-Columbus, 15th District) sent a commendation wishing the cancer center staff “all the best.”
As a member of The James Cancer Network, there will be enhancements at the local cancer care center, stated a media release.
One enhancement will be on-site “identification of opportunities to expand care delivered to hematology/oncology patients by enhancing and growing services offered in the Wilmington community to keep patients close to home for their cancer care.”
A second enhancement will be implementing “a full-service medical oncology clinic utilizing the OSUCCC–James’ existing treatment plans, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network-derived guidelines for the delivery of chemotherapy,” the release stated.
A third benefit will be academic collaboration.
“As a James Cancer Network member, CMH Regional Health System will be eligible to participate in Total Cancer Care, the OSUCCC–James’ clinical trial matching service.”
And a fourth development will be access to OSUCCC–James’ Tumor Board activities for CMH physicians and staff assigned to the oncology program.
The cancer center now offers medical oncology and radiation oncology five days a week.
According to the media release, the OSUCCC–James is one of the top hospitals in the nation for cancer care, with more than 300 researchers and sub-specialized oncologists.
The new name for the local center is “The Foster J. Boyd, M.D., Regional Cancer Center — A Member of The James Cancer Network.”
The cancer center is named for Dr. Foster “Jack” Boyd, a surgeon and an original medical staff member of the Clinton Memorial Hospital when it opened in 1951. Boyd founded CMH’s accredited cancer program.
To make an appointment, call 937-283-2273.
Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768 or on Twitter @GHuffenberger.
