A note from our Executive Director

Tom at our annual "Let's Make Pink Just Another Color" event.

As I reflect back over the last seven and a half years that I have been fortunate enough to have been the Executive Director of the Tri-Cities Cancer Center, I find great satisfaction in knowing that I have been a part of such a wonderful organization.  The Cancer Center is truly a special place and a jewel in our community. We are capable of providing services equal to those found in major cities throughout the region. Our radiation therapy equipment is state-of-the-art and our services are beyond those found elsewhere. Those aspects, however, are only a small part of what makes the Tri-Cities Cancer Center a special place to work or to be cared for when one is diagnosed with cancer.

Our amazing staff works as a team to make the patient experience at the Cancer Center second to none. Our patients visit the Radiation Therapy Department for daily treatment Monday through Friday for many weeks. We get to know them and they us very well during this time.  Our staff treats each patient and their family members with compassion, respect and in a friendly manner. Our patient satisfaction surveys clearly indicate that the patients enjoy the interaction with the staff in addition to the exceptional care they receive. Our goal is to treat everyone like we would want our loved ones to be treated. It obviously works because our satisfaction scores are 98%.

This is accomplished by treating everyone with a personalized touch to make them feel special.  Our staff works as a team to accomplish this. Every patient meets the Nurse Navigation staff, the Chaplains, and the Financial Counselor as well as the treatment team. This team assesses their concerns and provides resources to address their needs. They are provided with a contact in the Navigation team to ask questions regarding their care. They are monitored by the treatment team on a regular basis to ensure they are tolerating their treatments.

One of the other ways patients are made to feel special is through monthly patient favors.  These are small gifts provided by the Cancer Center Guild. These range from hand knitted water bottle holders, to watermelons and even Christmas stockings. Additionally, our volunteers are present in the clinic area to interact with the patients on a daily basis helping to further create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

The Cancer Center is truly a special place where technology, skill and hope intertwine to provide exceptional care for our patients. I am proud to have been a part of this great organization.

Tom Cothran, FACHE
Executive Director
Tri-Cities Cancer Center