New radiation oncologists join PeaceHealth

PeaceHealth cancer centers in Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley add radiation oncology expertise

||| FROM ANNE WILLIAMS for PEACEHEALTH |||

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Building on its comprehensive portfolio of the latest technologies to diagnose and treat cancers and decades of experience providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients, PeaceHealth is pleased to announce the addition of three highly experienced radiation oncologists to its cancer center teams in Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley.

Doctors Victor Gonzalez, Lisa Hazard and Andrea Arnett are respected research scientists and highly skilled clinicians recruited as part of PeaceHealth’s ongoing commitment to offering comprehensive cancer care of the highest quality in one convenient location. They will serve on multidisciplinary teams of specialists and support professionals dedicated to delivering the most appropriate treatment for each cancer patient. The doctors will start seeing patients at PeaceHealth St. Joseph in Bellingham on April 18 and PeaceHealth United General in Sedro-Woolley on May 3.

“The addition of Drs. Gonzalez, Hazard and Arnett significantly enhances our vision to provide the best possible cancer treatment and support to the residents of northwest Washington,” said Chuck Prosper, chief executive, PeaceHealth Northwest network.
“Joining our stellar medical oncologists, these new radiation oncologists bring innovation, expertise and compassion to PeaceHealth and our patients. Our entire team of cancer center physicians, nurses and support caregivers expertly provide medical and emotional support to patients through the challenges associated with cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.”

Victor Gonzalez, MD, served as director of Radiation Oncology at the University of Arizona Cancer Center Orange Grove clinic, where he worked on multidisciplinary cancer teams specializing in treating patients with breast cancer, lymphoma and metastatic cancer. With experience in multiple radiation treatment modalities, he offers the optimal treatment technique that best suits individual patient’s needs. His research includes investigating novel techniques for breast radiotherapy as well as methods for reducing toxicity from treatments.

Lisa Hazard, MD, is a board-certified radiation oncologist experienced in treating all types of cancer using state-of-the-art technologies, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy and image-guided radiation therapy. She joins PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center from Arizona Oncology, a division of the US oncology network in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Hazard is interested in prostate, brain and gastrointestinal cancers and has been the primary investigator on clinical trials treating gastrointestinal cancers and melanoma. She believes in educating patients about the effectiveness and side effects of treatment options so that they can make informed decisions.

Andrea Arnett, MD, PhD, was most recently an assistant professor and the Physician Director of Global Outreach and Education for the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute at Ohio State University. She completed her residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., while also providing emergency medical services at rural hospitals. Her primary practice areas are gastrointestinal, gynecological and central nervous system malignancies, with a particular focus on brain metastases. She has experience working closely with other practitioners in complementary and integrative medicine. She strives to help patients feel empowered and connected to their healthcare team.
 
PeaceHealth St. Joseph is investing significant resources to grow its Cancer Center with a second, state-of-the-art linear accelerator; upgraded, same-day lab results; more staff to help patients navigate their diagnoses; and greater capacity for infusion services. These investments, supported by a dedicated team of Cancer Center clinicians, technicians and other caregivers, ensure patients get the best possible care close to home.

About PeaceHealth
PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a medical group practice with more than 900 providers and 10 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.