St. Francis Medical Center has embarked on a journey to revolutionize cancer care in Northeast Louisiana. With an investment of nearly $4 million in 2022, the medical center has renovated its Cancer Center building at 411 Calypso St., establishing a comprehensive cancer care center that promises to deliver exceptional care.
Expert Care, Close to Home
The St. Francis Oncology & Hematology Clinic is at the heart of this transformation, offering seamless care for patients and their families. The clinic specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer using various therapies. Patients receive tailored treatment plans and individualized care. Medical oncologists at the clinic provide supportive care and coordinated treatment.
Three esteemed Monroe medical oncologists, Dr. Scott Barron, Dr. Coy Gammage and Dr. Barry Weinberger, have joined the St. Francis Medical Group to provide medical oncology and hematology services through the St. Francis Oncology and Hematology Clinic. Together, these physicians bring nearly 84 years of combined experience in providing care for patients with cancer.
Benjamin Weinberger, DO, earned his medical degree from the Des Moines School of Osteopathic Medicine & Surgery and completed his internship in internal medicine at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. Dr. Weinberger completed his internal medicine residency at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and he concluded his educational training with two Fellowships at the National Institute of Health Clinical Center, one in oncology and the other in hematology. He is also board certified in medical oncology and hematology as well as coagulation disorders. Dr. Weinberger is faculty member for the St. Francis Internal Medicine Residency Program.
Scott Barron, MD, received his medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. He completed his internal medicine internship and residency at the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, followed by an oncology fellowship at the same institution.
Coy Gammage, MD, earned his medical degree from LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport. He completed his fellowship in hematology/medical oncology at the LSU Health Sciences Center, where he also completed his residency in internal medicine.
These physicians also have the support of three nurse practitioners: Rebecca Hood, APRN, FNP-C; Danielle Traweek, APRN, FNP-C; Ginger Williams, APRN, APRN, FNP-C, along with nearly 40 clinical and support team members.
Comprehensive Cancer Services Designed for Accessibility and Comfort
The first floor of the St. Francis Cancer Center building houses the Northeast Louisiana Cancer Institute, where providers offer comprehensive radiation oncology services. On the second floor, you will find both the St. Francis Oncology and Hematology Clinic and the St. Francis Outpatient Infusion Center, which provides chemotherapy treatments.
“Bringing these services and oncology physicians together in one convenient location has greatly enhanced the care experience of patients fighting cancer,” said St. Francis President Thomas Gullatt, MD. “Being able to stay close to home and receive high-quality cancer care that is coordinated and accessible helps reduce the worry and stress associated with a cancer diagnosis”.
The Cancer Center building is strategically located only a block away from the main campus of St. Francis Medical Center, easily accessible from I-20. This proximity ensures patients can receive comprehensive care without the added burden of long-distance travel.
In addition to its skilled physicians and state-of-the-art treatments, St. Francis places a strong emphasis on the emotional and psychological well-being of patients. The care team works collaboratively to support patients and their families, offering guidance and encouragement throughout the cancer journey. From education to financial navigation and spiritual support, the center ensures no one faces cancer alone. The team understands that a cancer diagnosis affects not only the patient but also their loved ones.
Ringing the Bell: A Symbol of Strength
The team at the St. Francis Oncology and Hematology Clinic love seeing their patients complete their treatment and “ring the bell,” which was donated to the clinic by the St. Francis Foundation.
The ringing of the bell ceremony marks the end of chemotherapy, symbolizing new beginnings and the completion of treatment. This tradition allows patients to ring the bell three times, celebrating this significant milestone.
St. Francis Medical Center was established by six Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Sisters nearly 112 years ago to care for the residents of Northeast Louisiana. Improving cancer care continues their mission of impacting the community for the betterment of all. The Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System’s ongoing investment in cancer services signals a steadfast commitment to providing outstanding and compassionate care to patients using leading-edge cancer treatment.
St. Francis Medical Center is poised to make a significant impact on cancer care in Northeast Louisiana. The center’s comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive the highest quality care, tailored to their individual needs and delivered with compassion and expertise.
