Archbold Medical Center| Archives Magazine | Summer 2018

ARCHBOLD.ORG • SUMMER 2018 15 21,214 free screenings to 9,070 partici- pants at 31 locations that year. In the fall of 2015, the center acquired the latest generation of the Gamma Knife to hit the market, the Gamma Perfexion. Archbold remains the only hospital in the region with the Gamma Knife Perfexion technology. In 2016, the cancer program recorded over 37,500 visits, including approxi- mately 3,200 at outreach facilities in Camilla and Bainbridge alone. Looking to the future Now in 2018, the LHSOC celebrates 30 years of service. The oncology center continues to grow and evolve every year. Dr. Johnson was one of the original oncologists on staff when the center opened. He now serves as the medical director of radiation oncology. “Whenever I think of the 30-year process, I think of the people,” said Dr. Johnson. “The employees and the patients are so special to me. When it all began, there were only about 10 staff members and two oncologists—the late Dr. Walter Morley, a medical oncologist, and myself. And now we have close to 80. But throughout the years, our oncol- ogy team has always been here to fight a hard fight and exhaust themselves for each and every patient. Throughout the years, we’ve provided a unique team approach to cancer care, to ensure our patients have access to the best oncology services and cancer-fighting technology possible.” As the oncology center celebrates thirty years, the Gamma Knife will play a role as well, celebrating 15 years in Thomasville. The Gamma Knife team has grown to include a third neurosurgeon, Brian Russell, MD, and nurse Jennifer Mathis, RN. Becky Troyer, administrator of the LHSOC, said the advanced treatments available locally at the center match what is available in major metropolitan areas. “We are very current with new devel- opments in oncology,” said Troyer. “Our physicians have a good mix of experi- ence, and they are all well-connected to people and resources that keep us knowledgeable and up-to-date with the latest treatment advances and options that are available for our patients.” When asked what the future holds for the LHSOC, Troyer responded: “Rest assured we will not be stagnant. We’re looking to expand our clinical trials research program even further, making advancements in chemotherapy and immunotherapy. And we’re looking to bring more technologically advanced equipment within the upcoming years. Our incredible staff of medical and radia- tion oncologists will continue to carry on a tradition of excellence and will also add an additional medical oncologist within the next year.” The center now boasts six oncologists—four specializing in med- ical oncology and two specializing in radiation oncology. Medical oncologists include Brian Gaupp, MD; Amanda May, MD; Josh Simmons, MD; and Esther Tan, MD. Radiation oncologists include Steven Johnson, MD, and David Saunders, MD. “We’re so proud of what Archbold has accomplished over the 30 years since we introduced comprehensive cancer care locally to our community,” said Perry Mustian, Archbold President and CEO. “We will continue to provide the same compas- sionate care to all of our patients, offer the most advanced treatment options possible and the best overall support to each patient during their journey. We’re grateful for the support of our patients who have trusted us to care for them over the years. The Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center truly has become a regional destination for cancer treatment.” Archbold radiation oncologist Steve Johnson, MD, and Archbold general surgeon Ed Hall, MD, were the first in the state and the second worldwide to use Cesium-131 mesh brachytherapy and the da Vinci Surgical Robot to treat early stage lung cancer. In 2015, the center acquired the latest generation of the Gamma Knife—the Gamma Perfexion. Archbold remains the only hospital in the region today with the Gamma Knife Perfexion technology.