Adele Lipari, DO; Charles Shapiro, MD; and William Farrar, MD, lead the team of professionals at the new JamesCare Comprehensive Breast Center. The new Center, located at 1145 Olentangy River Road, offers the full spectrum of breast care — from screening mammograms to cancer treatment to genetic counseling.
Join us for our grand opening on April 16 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at 1145 Olentangy River Road for guided tours, refreshments and family-friendly entertainment. There will be a ribbon-cutting and remarks by Dr. Michael Caligiuri, Dr. Steven G. Gabbe and OSU President
E. Gordon Gee.
"We are dedicated to one thing: the study and treatment of breast cancer. Everybody here is a breast cancer specialist. We do one thing and we do it in outstanding fashion. That's our philosophy," says Charles Shapiro, MD, director of Breast Medical Oncology.
That fight against breast cancer takes a major leap forward mid-January when the JamesCare Comprehensive Breast Center opens its doors at 1145 Olentangy River Road and welcomes patients seeking the most inclusive approach to diagnosing and treating breast cancer. Women can come to the new facility for everything from an annual mammogram to physician appointments and comprehensive breast cancer treatment to reconstructive breast surgery and survivorship support. The four-story, multidisciplinary center with free parking combines all facets of care in one convenient location.
"We provide comprehensive team evaluation and treatment for all forms of breast cancer, from stage I breast cancer to the most complex cases," explains William Farrar, MD, division director for Surgical Oncology. "JamesCare Comprehensive Breast Center really is the only place in the country to house all aspects of breast cancer care under one roof."
Putting Research into Action
"Another thing that separates us from other centers is that we have invested in innovative clinical trials. We are the authors of trials that push the envelope in how to treat all types of breast cancer," shares Dr. Shapiro.
One example of this innovation is found in Ohio State's research of triple negative breast cancer, which according to Dr. Shapiro doesn't react to commonly used drugs. About 15 percent of diagnosed breast cancer is triple negative, but it disproportionately affects young women and African-American women.
"We have five research projects working on different aspects of treating this type of cancer," says Dr. Shapiro. "Our scientists make discoveries in the lab, bring those advances to the clinic and then return clinical observations to the lab to further stimulate research. This building will make it much easier for researchers and physicians to work together, side by side."
Focused on Answers
"The Center was designed to meet the needs of our patients and their families," reports Dr. Farrar. "Patients will be able to move through their diagnosis and treatment process easily and get their questions answered in a much more timely fashion, without having to schedule multiple appointments at different locations."
"Everyone on the JamesCare team realizes what a profound experience it is when you are told you have cancer," says Penny Moore, BSN, OCN, clinical nurse manager for Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy. "Our approach to care, and ultimately this facility, has been years in the making, with everyone working together to find the best way to care for patients with breast cancer. Now they have one place for state-of-the-art care with lots of resources. We're excited about that!"
"Whether simply conducting a screening mammogram or treating a woman with metastatic disease, we intend to make this the best possible experience for patients and their families," explains Adele Lipari, DO, director of breast imaging.
A NEW HOPE
Spotlight on Hope's Boutique
Hope's Boutique offers women a full range of products and services designed to restore self-confidence and help them look and feel their best during and after cancer treatment. With the opening of the JamesCare Comprehensive Breast Center, the shop has moved from its Stoneridge location and tripled in size.
"Hope's is one of a kind," says Manager Vera Garofalo. "We care for more than 5,000 women a year and help them recapture the way they thought of themselves before cancer.
"We have the luxury of providing personalized care here and, with the expanded space, can reach out to offer hope to even more women facing the challenge of breast cancer," explains Garofalo. "The front of the new boutique is an area for everyone to shop. The back is a sanctuary, where we can assist one woman at a time with bra and prosthesis fittings."