Expertise
In the fight against cancer, expertise counts. Hall-Perrine Cancer Center has been treating cancer longer than anyone else in the area - for more than 50 years.
Our staff is totally dedicated to cancer. They understand the unique complexities of different types of cancer. And they have the skills and specialized expertise to recommend treatment plans that offer the greatest opportunity for success. Our team consists of physicians, nurses, therapists, physicists and many others, including you. Together, we can help to ease anxieties, offer hope and provide the best cancer treatment in the region.
Physicians...we work with the best cancer doctors in the region.
Radiation Oncologists specialize in the administration of radiation treatments and with other specialists, help manage your treatment plan. All of our physicians are board certified.
Dr. Jan Merfeld is our Medical Director. She has been in the field for many years, previously residing as faculty at both the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the Medical College of Wisconsin. She has specialized in treating breast, thyroid and gastrointestinal cancers for many years, but enjoys helping patients with all types of cancer. She was born and raised in Cedar Rapids. As your physician, she's also your resource for questions and occasionally, a shoulder to lean on.
Dr. Kevin Murray is a Milwaukee native and spent many years in the academic world at the Medical College of Wisconsin as a professor in the Radiation Oncology Department. He is one of the region's leading specialists in prostate, lung and head and neck cancers, and has particular interest in treating lymphomas and brain tumors. He finds working with patients a rewarding experience that academics just can't match.
Dr. Wook Lee is a native of Chicago and did his medical training at the University of Illinois and Medical College of Wisconsin. He enjoys treating a wide variety of cancers and specializes in gynecologic, lung and head and neck cancers.
Hall-Perrine Cancer Center works in close cooperation with the region's leading medical groups, including Radiology Consultants of Iowa, Physicians' Clinic of Iowa, Oncology Associates and Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa—Hematology & Oncology.
Staff...there's a team of people behind you.
Our nurses have seen it all - but know you haven't. More than half of Mercy's nurses involved in cancer care have successfully completed additional training and achieved specialized Oncology Nursing Certification (OCN). We have dedicated oncology nurse clinicians and highly experienced oncology nursing staff that ensure patient care meets the high standards that you deserve.
Oncology Certified Nurses like Janice, RN, OCN who has been at Mercy for 21 years. Her job is to help patients navigate the day-to-day side of treatment, closely monitoring their overall health and working with physicians and other staff to monitor progress of treatment. She makes sure you get a healthy dose of encouragement each day.
Radiation Therapists, like Tracy, carry out the administration of radiation during your treatment. She operates the linear accelerators, makes sure patients are positioned correctly and keeps detailed charts of each treatment. She enjoys being the grand marshal of the "last treatment" celebration. And, all of Mercy's Radiation Therapists are board certified and licensed by the State of Iowa.
Radiation Physicists, like Hui, PhD, who is also board certified, are behind-the-scenes experts in treatment planning and quality control of the radiation equipment. She never thought she'd find science so rewarding.
Registered Dietitians, like Nancy, who is a Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition helps patients determine good eating options to maintain strength and health during a cancer journey. And she understands the challenges. Hey, even Nancy sneaks a sweet every now and again.
Patient Resource Advocates, like Jacque, help you navigate through the insurance maze. She can offer many resources to help with your financial needs. Her goal is to give you peace of mind because worrying about financing your treatment is the last thing you need.
Dosimetrists, like Pam, work behind the scenes planning treatment. She makes sure we spare as much normal tissue as possible to give patients the best possible treatment and quality of life once treatment ends. Our gifted team is board certified and licensed by the State of Iowa - a testament that they will provide the best care for you. Hard to pronounce, but good people to have on your side.
Registration staff, like Janis, make sure that we have all of a patient's necessary information. Each day she'll greet you with a smile - one of the important parts of a treatment plan.
Genetics Nurse Practitioners, like Shana, help patients and their loved ones understand cancer risk factors based on genetics. She's an expert at turning knowledge into hope.
Social Workers, like Chris, provide assistance to patients and families throughout the treatment process and beyond. Her goal is to work with you and your family to provide an opportunity to tackle questions, make available counseling resources, help you solve any problems you may have, and to make sure that your needs and concerns are addressed.
Massage Therapists, like Jessica, help to take your worry away. Massage Therapy will help to relieve your stress and relax your muscles.
You
Cancer is a personal experience. We view the patient as an important member of our treatment team. We want to empower each patient to actively participate in the development of a treatment plan so you feel informed and ready. As a member of our team we ask, "What's your courageous story going to be?"
The plan is individual. The goal is the same.
Given the complexity of cancer, our staff works with the physician team to prepare a coordinated plan for each patient that may combine a variety of advanced medical disciplines such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and nutrition. We coordinate with the region's top cancer specialists-including surgeons, radiologists, oncologists and hematologists-to develop an integrated plan focused on your recovery.
At Hall-Perrine Cancer Center, you'll find unmatched experience that translates directly to better, more advanced care for our patients.
