Dr. French Appointed Cancer Liaison Physician at BCHS (Battle Creek) 02/16/2009 Wendy French, D.O. has been appointed to serve as cancer liaison physician for the cancer programs at Battle Creek Health System (BCHS). The liaison program is an integral part of the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. French is among a national network of 1,600 volunteer cancer liaison physicians, who provide leadership and support to the approvals program and other Commission on Cancer activities at their local health systems. To be considered for this honor, physicians must be board certified and have a strong commitment to the success of the cancer program and quality of care provided to patients with cancer.
“The Cancer Care Center at Battle Creek Health System is committed to maintaining its position as the premiere cancer treatment facility in this part of the state,” says Dr. French. “Our medical and radiation oncology units provide state-of-the-art cancer care with a personal and compassionate touch.”
Dr. French, a medical oncologist at BCHS, is a member of the hospital’s cancer committee.
A graduate of Hope College, Dr. French earned her medical degree at Des Moines University. She completed her internship at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in San Bernardino, California and residency in internal medicine from the University of Kentucky in Lexington. She also received a hematology/oncology fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia through Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.
Dr. French has published her research under the titles of ‘Management of Dyspnea,’ Journal of Supportive Oncology, and a Placebo-controlled trial: ‘Nebulized Fentanyl vs. Placebo for Relief of Cancer-related Dyspnea.’ She is active in clinical research through the Grand Rapids Clinical Oncology Program for clinical trials.
The Commission on Cancer is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to reducing the morbidity and mortality of cancer through education, standard setting, and monitoring the quality of cancer care. Receiving treatment in a Commission on Cancer-approved program ensures that a patient has access to quality care close to home.
The Battle Creek Health System Cancer Care Center is recognized by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program.
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle Creek Health System is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award™. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective ‘report card’ ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.
About The Cancer Care Center
The Cancer Care Center at Battle Creek Health System offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art services based upon the latest cancer research, sophisticated diagnostic equipment, a multi-specialty team including board certified surgeons who discuss and coordinate treatment plans, and life-long patient follow-up through cancer registry.
The Cancer Care Center recently unveiled its newly renovated facilities adding 6,000 square feet of new area and 3,000 square feet of renovation giving critically needed treatment space for cancer patients, lifesaving new technology, a more healing environment, and room to grow complementary therapies.
The expansion project makes available an American Cancer Society (ACS) resource library for patients and community members who wish to learn more about this disease. The Cancer Center also offers an ACS program called ‘Road to Recovery’ that provides transportation for patients to their lifesaving and life-sustaining treatments at the hospital.
The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons recognizes Battle Creek Health System as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program. This approval is the highest awarded and held by fewer than 10% of hospitals nationwide.
Approval by the Commission on Cancer is awarded only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to provide the best in diagnosis and treatment of cancer and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performances. In order to maintain approval, facilities with approved cancer programs must also undergo an on-site review every three years.
