Affiliation with M.D. Anderson Network affects cancer care

The impact of Saint Francis Medical Center's affiliation with the M.D. Anderson Physicians Network continues to be felt throughout the region, with more and more local physicians being credentialed by this worldwide leader in cancer care. Eleven physicians on Saint Francis' medical staff are now part of the Physicians Network, giving them instant access to the tremendous resources of The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, a leading institution for cancer care and research.

"Our affiliation with the M.D. Anderson Physicians Network means patients in Cape Girardeau and the five-state region have access to world-renown cancer care close to home," explained Steven C. Bjelich, FACHE, president and CEO of Saint Francis. "The resources afforded to our physicians in the Physicians Network is invaluable to patients in their fight against cancer."

Through the Physicians Network, highly qualified physicians provide evidence-based cancer treatments using the M.D. Anderson standard of care that includes an integrated approach to education, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care. Locally credentialed physicians can utilize M.D. Anderson's resources and research on all types of cancers and treatments, consult on patient cases in live videoconferences with M.D. Anderson experts and participate in ongoing continuing medical education.

The Physicians Network credentialing process involves the standard review of physician licensure, board certification and medical malpractice history, as well as an on-site review of the physician's documentation practices and the facility environment. The on-site visit also includes a review of staff credentials/maintenance, safety practices and best practices for cancer services.

For more information on the Physicians Network, call Saint Francis' Cancer Institute at 334-2230.

Saint Francis Medical Center is a 254-bed facility serving more than 450,000 people throughout Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas. Guided by its mission to provide a ministry of healing and wellness inspired by our Christian philosophy and values, the Medical Center has become a progressive, innovative regional tertiary care referral center doubling in size in the last five years to best accommodate the health-care needs of those it serves. Saint Francis' major service lines, which have received a variety of national recognitions, include the Neurosciences Institute; Thomas G. Otto, M.D., Orthopaedic Institute; Family BirthPlace featuring the region's first Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Heart Institute; Gene E. Huckstep Emergency Center/Level III Trauma Center with Convenient Care; Cancer Institute; Rehabilitation Services; and Fitness Plus.