You'll be joining an oncology program at a pivotal moment of growth and transformation. The current team is in the midst of a strategic expansion, with two newly contracted oncologists arriving to bolster the program. Dr. Milani, who begins April 1st, 2025, will provide episodic on-site coverage a few days each month, while Dr. Abar, starting in May, will maintain a more consistent presence with an alternating schedule of one week on-site followed by one week of remote coverage. This thoughtful staffing approach ensures consistent physician oversight while creating the perfect niche for an experienced nurse practitioner to maintain continuity of care.
The broader medical community at Good Shepherd provides a collaborative environment where your oncology expertise will be highly valued and frequently consulted. The hospital-employed primary care physicians maintain a strong referral network, consistently directing hematology cases to the oncology service while seeking to expand local oncology treatment options.
Unlike larger institutions where specialists might rarely interact with referral sources, you'll work closely with primary care colleagues who are eager to keep appropriate cases local rather than referring patients to distant facilities. This physician community values the specialized knowledge you'll bring and looks forward to strengthening the hospital's oncology capabilities.
You'll practice in a well-resourced environment with appropriate clinical support. The current infusion center staffing accommodates the 7-chair operation, with plans already in motion to expand capacity and add Saturday clinic appointments. As part of the oncology program's growth, the support staff will likewise expand to ensure you can focus on clinical decision-making rather than administrative tasks.
The hospital's recent infrastructure investments, including the new PET-CT scanner and plans for a dedicated cancer center, demonstrate a commitment to providing the resources necessary for comprehensive cancer care. Unlike resource-constrained settings that might limit your clinical effectiveness, this environment is actively expanding to support oncology services.
The culture at Good Shepherd Medical Center emphasizes collaboration over hierarchy, creating an environment where your expertise and input will be genuinely valued. You'll find yourself among colleagues who understand that building a comprehensive cancer program requires teamwork across specialties and disciplines. The organization's leadership has demonstrated commitment to oncology services through substantial investments in facilities and recruitment.
As one of the first members of this expanding oncology team, you'll help shape the practice culture during this formative period. Your contribution to establishing workflows, clinical protocols, and patient education resources will have lasting impact on how cancer care is delivered in this community for years to come.