Annual Report
Change text size
John Leitch M.D.
Medical Oncologist/ Hematologist
Medical Director of the MeritCare Roger Maris Cancer Center
Kathy Hanish, RN, BSN, MS
Roger Maris Cancer Center Director
Our Year In Review
It takes a dedicated team of professionals to build an exceptional cancer program. This past year, MeritCare Roger Maris Cancer Center (RMCC) received multiple prestigious national awards and accreditations based, in part, on the integrated care model that we have been using for years. As we continue to meet our strategic priorities related to excellent clinical work, service to patients and our communities, development of our staff, and our financial strength and stewardship, we are grateful for the work of so many who come together to provide the best care to our patients.
National Awards
By combining the expertise of oncology, radiology, pathology, oncology surgeons, primary care physicians and nurse case managers in an integrated care model, MeritCare was in the top five percent of centers in the United States to be awarded the prestigious three-year, full accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), which is administered by the American College of Surgeons. MeritCare is the only hospital in North or South Dakota to have earned this accreditation. We have the dedication of many people to thank for this accreditation, including, Dr. Michael Bouton, who is the physician liaison for MeritCare's Health System Cancer Committee. His commitment to education and support of community programs relating to breast cancer has been invaluable.
Additional national recognition awarded to RMCC includes:
- The American College of Surgeons Accreditation "with Commendation," which means we not only met the standards but we exceeded them in nine different areas.
- Our continued relationship with the Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP), which has been awarding RMCC grant money every five years for the past 25 years. This has allowed the center to continue its rigorous research programs.
Looking Forward
- Identifying physicians who have special interest in specific tumors and dedication to conducting new research. Subspecialization combined with the integrated care model will continue to provide comprehensive care for patients.
- Developing a new program related to decision support will enable patients to understand the costs of their care and the options they have in relationship to that.
- Continuing recruitment of highly qualified providers and staff to provide even better access for patients. We're looking forward to the addition of two new medical oncologists in 2010.
- Advancing the technology in radiation oncology to one of the highest levels in the region. This includes the purchase of equipment that will enable us to do image guided radiation therapy and stereotactic radio surgery and therapy, in addition to the current technology that distinguishes us in the region – our high dose rate therapy program.
- Continuing work on providing cancer service access in our region. We recently established two new outreach sites in Carrington, N.D. and Perham, Minn.
Balancing the Rewards
This year has been about maintaining our excellence and at the same time keeping our core services at the forefront. Roger Maris Cancer Center belongs to our community and we want to make sure that we meet and exceed the expectations that our community has set.