The Cancer Center is Expanding Services
The Florence R. Wheeler Cancer Center has been a well-respected radiation oncology center since its opening in 1992 and continues to be known for its quality care and service to the community.
It has been the goal of Mercy Hospitals to significantly increase the services delivered for cancer treatment in Kern County and with the affiliation of community physicians, the vision of Mercy Hospitals and Dr. Dean Davis, Medical Director of the Florence R. Wheeler Cancer Center is being realized.
In September 2007, Mercy Hospitals announced the affiliation with the following community physicians: Vinh Nguyen, MD - Hematology/Medical Oncologist; Francesca Hoehne, MD - the only female breast oncology surgeon in Kern County; Amir Berjis, MD - Thoracic Oncology Surgeon; John Schlaerth, MD - Gynecologic Oncologist. With the affiliation of these physician Mercy is working with them to provide comprehensive cancer treatment to Kern County and outlying areas.
The new site for the Florence R. Wheeler Cancer Center will be on the Mercy Southwest campus. Ground will be broken in 2008 and a three story building will be built to house the comprehensive cancer program and a breast center with the latest technology. Oncology based physician practices will include medical oncology, breast, gynecology/oncology and thoracic oncology. Over 20% of patients needing cancer services obtain these services outside of Kern County.
The goal of the program is to increase the treatment options available to patient for cancer services within Kern County and to provide patient-centered focus that will develop treatment plans based on a coordinated effort between medical professionals within the same program. The building is slated to open in 2009.
If you want additional information about the Florence R. Wheeler Cancer Center, please call Sandy Doucette, manager of Marketing and Communications at 661-632-5279
