Business notebook (Jan. 6)

Friday, January 4, 2019

Saint Francis now using Cyberknife

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Doctors at Saint Francis Healthcare System now treat cancer patients using the first and only robotic radiosurgery system designed to treat cancerous and non-cancerous tumors anywhere in the body, including the head, spine, lung, prostate, liver and pancreas. The CyberKnife System is a non-surgical, pain-free treatment option for many patients who have inoperable or surgically complex tumors, or who may be looking for an alternative to surgery.

The CyberKnife System offers unique capabilities that not only track tumor movement, but also automatically correct for motion throughout treatment. The ability to manage motion in real time helps ensure radiation is delivered only to the tumor while sparing healthy tissue. It is particularly helpful for treating tumors of the lung, liver and prostate, where movement is common. Research shows a reduction in radiation exposure to healthy tissue helps reduce side effects associated with treatment. In addition, the CyberKnife System’s robotic arm allows for the delivery of radiation from any angle without the need to reposition the patient on the treatment table. There are clinic research trials available.

Backed by numerous peer-reviewed studies supporting its safety and efficacy, the CyberKnife System provides a pain-free, non-invasive option for patients who are looking for an alternative to surgery and for patients who have inoperable or surgically complex tumors.

In addition, the CyberKnife System is increasingly being used as an alternative to conventional radiation therapy, allowing for a shorter course of treatment. In fact, CyberKnife treatment is typically completed in just one to five days, instead of a week of treatment sessions often required with conventional radiation therapy, and, unlike surgery, requires no anesthesia or recovery time.

Saint Francis Healthcare System’s Cancer Institute offers comprehensive cancer care for patients throughout the five-state region.

Board certified radiation, medical and gynecologic oncologists and a team of specialized nurses provide an integrated program of prevention, education, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care and support services.

State-of-the-art diagnostics, such asP.E.T./CT; advanced treatment options including frameless stereotactic radiosurgery and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Saint Francis’ cancer program has received the

American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer’s three-year reaccreditation with commendation.

Call Cape Radiation Oncology at 573-334-2230 to learn more.

Morgan joins Saint Francis as nurse practitioner

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Saint Francis Healthcare System has added nurse practitioner Colleen Morgan, MSN, AGACNP-BC, as a new team member with the Saint Francis Medical Center hospitalists. She joins 22 other providers that are dedicated to caring for hospitalized patients at the Medical Center.

Morgan earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Southeast Missouri State University and is board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Colleen Morgan

Nurse practitioners are nurses who have undergone advanced training and are able to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, order lab work and imaging tests, and write prescriptions. They can manage many health conditions, teach health promotion and help patients with disease prevention.

Hospitalists focus on the general medical care of hospitalized patients. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Saint Francis hospitalists are dedicated to coordinating and managing the healthcare needs of each patient from admission to discharge. Hospitalists help ensure a seamless continuum of care among primary care doctors, physician specialists and inpatient care providers.

Hahn-Brown joins SFHC as nurse practitioner

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Saint Francis Healthcare System is pleased to welcome Adult Nurse Practitioner Tammy R. Hahn-Brown to Cape Neurology Specialists.

She received her board certification from American Nurses Credentialing Center. Hahn-Brown earned her Bachelors of Nursing in 1998 from Webster University in Webster Groves, Mo. and Masters of Nursing in 2000 from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.

Tammy Brown-Hahn

Hahn-Brown joined Cape Neurology Specialists in November 2018. She was previously at Advanced Orthopedic Specialists.

Cape Neurology Specialists offer a full spectrum of neurological services, including inpatient and outpatient care.

The practice is located at 3004 Gordonville Road, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63703.

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