SCI Cancer Care Teams

Breast Center - The Breast Center team provides to women care that is patient centered, comprehensive, interdisciplinary and research based.  For each patient visit, the breast cancer care team includes an oncologist, surgeon, plastic surgeon, radiologist, pathologist and social worker who provide diagnosis, treatment and observation guided by evidence-based medicine.  They also provide cancer genetic testing.  Dr. Gary L. Dunnington, professor and chair of surgery, is the director.

Colorectal Cancer Clinic - The Colorectal Clinic team provides comprehensive care for patients with colorectal cancer.  The clinic uses a multidisciplinary care approach and gives patients access to research-based and state-of-the-art treatment.  Dr. Jan Rakinic, associate professor of surgery, is the director.

Gynecologic Oncology Clinic - The Gynecologic Oncology team uses a team approach that ensures multidisciplinary care and access to fresh perspectives on gynecologic cancers.  Patients receive integrated surgical and medical care.  Dr. Gary Johnson, chief of the gynecology/oncology division and professor of obstetrics and gynecology, is the new director.

Head and Neck - HANOT Clinic - The Head and Neck team provides coordinated health care aimed at optimizing the prevention, early diagnosis and management of head and neck cancers.  During a patient’s visit, a head and neck surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist work together to determine the most current and appropriate treatment.  The team also includes a speech therapist, dietician, nurse and social worker.  Dr. K. Thomas Robbins, professor of surgery, is the director.

Hematology and Oncology Clinic - The Hematology/Oncology team provides diagnosis and treatment for various forms of cancer and blood disorders guided by evidence-based medicine.  It provides care to patients through a multidisciplinary approach and offers more than 100 national, regional and locally-originated clinical trials.  Dr. John E. Godwin, chief of the hematology/oncology division and professor of surgery, is the director.

Melanoma Center - The Melanoma team provides patient care using expertise in melanoma diagnosis and treatment.  The team’s mission is to provide comprehensive melanoma care and assistance to patients and their families.  Dr. Lucinda S. Buescher, associate professor of internal medicine, is the director.

Pediatric Oncology Clinic - The Pediatric Oncology team is home to the only pediatric oncology specialists in central and southern Illinois and is dedicated to treating patients with various pediatric cancers and blood disorders.  It also provides cancer genetic testing.  The team includes pediatric oncologists, oncology nurses, pediatric surgeons and a pediatric urologist and collaborates with St. John’s Children’s Hospital to provide support services.  Dr. Gregory P. Brandt, chief of the pediatric hematology/oncology division and associate professor of pediatrics, is the director.

Prostate Center - The Prostate Center team provides care for men with prostate cancer and other urologic malignancies as well as those who are at risk of developing prostate cancer.  The center offers screening and diagnosis as well as contemporary options for treatment.  The team provides individualized education and support through all phases of care.  Dr. Thomas H. Tarter, Ph.D., associate professor of surgery, is the director.

Lung - Thoracic Oncology Program Clinic - The Thoracic Oncology clinic provides multidisciplinary care for patients and families needing treatment of thoracic cancers.  For each patient visit, the team includes a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a surgeon, a pulmonologist, nurse practitioner and social worker who determine the best treatment plan guided by evidence-based medicine.  Numerous specialized clinical trials are available.  Dr. Stephen R. Hazelrigg, chair of the cardiothoracic surgery division and professor of surgery, is the director.