Clinical Component

Navigating the Clinical Component

Comprehensive Cancer Care Across Multiple Care Settings

Your clinical practice will span the full spectrum of hematology-oncology care, from routine follow-ups to complex newly diagnosed cases requiring multidisciplinary coordination. At St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, you'll experience the energy and intellectual stimulation of a high-volume tertiary care environment where you'll collaborate directly with an impressive array of subspecialty surgical oncologists including breast, thoracic, colorectal, biliary, neuro, ENT, and urologic cancer specialists. This isn't simply a referral relationship – these colleagues are integral parts of your daily practice, ensuring patients receive seamless, coordinated care from diagnosis through survivorship.

The clinical environment reflects modern cancer care at its best, with integrated services that eliminate the fragmentation patients often experience elsewhere. Your Gig Harbor component will provide a more intimate community hospital setting where you'll develop deeper relationships with both patients and the care team, offering the variety that keeps clinical practice engaging while maintaining the support systems that ensure excellent outcomes.

• Patient population represents the full spectrum of hematology-oncology cases, with approximately 600 monthly referrals currently seeking care outside the system providing immediate patient volume upon arrival
• Dual practice model allows you to experience both high-volume tertiary care (75% at St. Joseph's) and intimate community practice (25% at Gig Harbor), offering clinical variety while building strong patient relationships
• Subspecialty integration includes direct collaboration with breast cancer specialists, thoracic surgeons, colorectal surgeons, biliary specialists, neurosurgeons, ENT oncologists, and urologic oncologists all within the same system
• Clinical services encompass medical oncology, hematology, infusion therapy, radiation oncology coordination, and comprehensive supportive care services
• 36 patient contact hours weekly requirement structured to support a balanced four-day clinical schedule with dedicated administrative time

Advanced Clinical Infrastructure and Support

Your practice will be supported by state-of-the-art clinical infrastructure designed to optimize both patient outcomes and physician efficiency. The electronic medical record system provides seamless documentation and communication across all locations, while dedicated clinical support staff ensure you can focus on complex clinical decision-making rather than administrative tasks. Monthly tumor boards conducted through the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health cancer service line connect you with subspecialty expertise across the entire system, providing academic-level clinical discussions without the administrative burden of university-based practice.

• Call coverage will be established as part of a shared call pool across multiple hospitals within the service area, distributing responsibilities among the growing group of hematology-oncologists
• Clinical trials access through the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health cancer service line provides patients with cutting-edge treatment options typically available only at major academic centers
• Ramp-up period acknowledges the reality of building new practices, with expectations to achieve median RVU production as the practice matures and referral patterns establish
• Technology and EMR systems designed to enhance rather than burden clinical practice, with dedicated support staff managing prior authorizations, insurance communications, and care coordination
• Mentorship and collaboration available through experienced colleagues throughout the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health system, ensuring you never feel isolated despite being part of a new practice development

This clinical environment offers the intellectual stimulation and patient volume of a major academic medical center while maintaining the personal relationships and work-life balance that make community practice so rewarding. You'll practice comprehensive oncology care with the confidence that comes from robust subspecialty support and institutional backing, serving patients who genuinely need your expertise in their own community.