St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center opened its doors to provide radiation treatment to cancer patients in our community 10 years ago this month. The center boasts an experienced and tenured team, with approximately 220 years of working in radiation therapy combined. Four of these team members have been with the center since it opened – Mallory Kaemmer, supervisor; Mike Messer, radiation therapist; Kelli McAfee, nurse; and Joan Huggins, medical secretary – and they recently reflected on the past decade, their shared mission in caring for patients and look ahead to what the future may hold.
The Grand Opening
When the Nassif Radiation Center opened inside the Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa (PCI) Pavilion on October 5, 2015, it was the start of something new in cancer care for the community, and a final piece for patients in the cancer care continuum.
“Opening this facility allowed cancer patients to receive their radiation oncology in one location rather than having to receive this specialty care within another health system and location,” said McAfee. “Having all cancer services like medical oncology, support services, radiation all within the same building is a real patient satisfier. This is also a real benefit for the cancer care teams as it’s easier to communicate and coordinate patients’ schedules.”
Kaemmer, Messer and Huggins were all quick to point out how the team was able to come in and seamlessly fit in with the other cancer care teams already in place in the PCI pavilion.
“It was kind of a blank slate,” said Messer. “Team members came in with different backgrounds and different perspectives and formed an exceptional team, all centered around giving an exceptional patient experience during one of a patient’s most trying time.”
“I had previously worked in two large university radiation oncology departments and when I started at St. Luke’s, I instantly knew the atmosphere here is truly unique,” said Kaemmer. “The teamwork between departments is something I had never witnessed before. It’s a place I would send my own family or friends without hesitation.”
Huggins agreed, stating, “Providing care in the same building as other providers and team members who share the same UnityPoint Health values means we are all working together for better patient care and a great working environment.”
A Decade of Advancements
St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center has stayed at the forefront of technology advancements over the years, ensuring patients receive the highest quality and safest treatment possible.
“We’ve implemented tools like breathing camera systems and trigger imaging to ensure internal anatomy stays aligned during treatment,” said Kaemmer.
“And we’ve added new tech like HyperArc treatments, which can handle many brain lesions at once,” added Messer.
One benefit of staying on top of the latest trends is that it has resulted in shorter treatment times for patients, as McAfee pointed out.
“Cancers that used to need six or seven weeks of treatment, now can be done in one to two if the patient meets certain qualifications,” she said. “This is a great benefit for patients, especially those who live further away in rural areas, so they don’t have to travel so many days for treatment.”
The radiation center also added a lung cancer screening program.
“We added the Lung Check program for patients with a smoking history,” shared Huggins. “Helping them catch lung cancer in an earlier, more treatable stage.”
A Great Place to Be, for Team Members and Patients
The team has built a strong bond – both the group that has been there since the beginning, as well as the new faces they’ve welcomed along the way – and they’re all connected by a shared passion for caring for patients in our community.
“Over the past 10 years, we’ve built a supportive and fun team dynamic,” said Kaemmer. “When you have a great team working together, anything is possible. Our shared commitment to compassionate care is what truly makes a difference for our patients.”
Messer, McAfee and Huggins echoed that sentiment.
“We enjoy our jobs and I think that reflects in the care we provide,” said Messer.
“I love the connections we make with patients and families since we see them so frequently,” added McAfee.
Huggins agreed, adding, “The team and patients are like a family. We have patients who stop by to say ‘hello,’ even several years after completing treatment. It’s a great feeling knowing you’ve touched so many in a positive way.”
Looking Forward
While celebrating the past decade of success, the team is also looking ahead with optimism and excitement for what the future holds at the Nassif Radiation Center.
“We’re excited to continue serving the Cedar Rapids community as radiation therapy, and cancer care as a whole, evolves,” said Kaemmer. “As part of the Nassif Community Cancer Center, we have the state-of-the-art equipment, dedicated physicians and a patient-centered approach, and so many free support services available to help patients during a difficult time. In my 16 years of experience, I’ve never seen a cancer care facility that feels more like home for patients and team members than the Community Cancer Center.”
St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month. To learn more about the radiation center and cancer care at Community Cancer Center, visit communitycancercenter.org.
