NEWS RELEASE
SAULT AREA HOSPITAL
************************* New oncologist joins Algoma District Cancer Program
May 13, 2009 - Sault Area Hospital is pleased to announce that Dr. Malcolm Brigden has accepted a permanent full-time position with the Algoma District Cancer Program, joining Dr. Silvana Spadafora and Dr. Bruce Keith.
Dr. Brigden has been working at SAH as a locum since April 20, 2009.
“We are extremely excited that Dr. Bridgen has chosen to make Sault Ste. Marie and SAH his new home,” states Dr. Emmalee Marshall, SAH vp, medical affairs. “He certainly brings with him a wealth of experience having worked at a number of cancer centres in both Canada and the U.S.”
Born in Montreal, Dr. Brigden received his M.D. from McGill University, followed by an internship and residency at the University of Alberta Hospital and a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
His work experience is extensive, having practiced in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Kansas, Wisconsin and Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Prior to coming to SAH, Dr. Brigden was the provincial leader, medical oncology for the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and site leader for the Saskatoon Cancer Clinic.
This marks the first time in several years that the ADCP will have three full-time oncologists.
Dr. Spadafora, who recently returned from a brief sabbatical, had previously been working part-time. “Dr. Spadafora’s return on a full-time basis gives us a solid foundation of oncologists upon which to build the program,” says SAH Chief of Staff Dr. Alan McLean. “Her 15 years of experience in the community are a valuable asset which will greatly benefit the other oncologists, our staff and, most importantly, our patients.”
“I would be remiss if I didn’t also acknowledge the tremendous dedication and contributions of Dr. Keith,” adds McLean. “His commitment and devotion to his patients and the program have been clearly evident since joining us from the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre in 2005.”
The Algoma District Cancer Program handles approximately 20,000 patient visits annually, with approximately 600 new cases being seen each year.
In addition to physician appointments, patients receive chemotherapy and supportive care.
Radiation therapy will be added to the list of locally-available treatments when the new hospital opens in 2011. Recently, a comprehensive review of the oncology program was undertaken, led by Dr. Sheldon Fine, vp of Cancer Care Ontario and chief of oncology at Credit Valley Hospital.
The review will look at ways of streamlining and improving operations, reducing the workload of the oncologists, and ensuring the long-term viability of the ADCP.
The report is expected to be completed later this spring.
“I have stated repeatedly that SAH is committed to not only preserving, but enhancing the Algoma District Cancer Program,” says SAH President & CEO Ron Gagnon. “The successful augmentation of our oncologist capacity, Dr. Fine’s review of the ADCP and the addition of radiation therapy services at the new hospital are indicative of that commitment.”
To find out more about SAH, please visit here.
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