As a dermatologist and dermatopathologist, Kenneth Tsai, M.D., Ph.D., has set his sights on preventing squamous cell carcinoma — the second most common form of skin cancer in the United States.
Annual Report 2013 : enhance patient experience, build networks
Acts of kindness are completely voluntary
They’re known as the heart of MD Anderson. The 1,200 volunteers in blue jackets are true warriors in the battle to eliminate cancer.
They provide support to patients and families, offering words of encouragement. They staff gift shops and welcome centers. They volunteer in clinics. And so much more.
Since the day MD Anderson opened its doors in 1941, the volunteer spirit has permeated the hospital’s culture. Volunteer Services formally was organized in 1954 when the hospital relocated to where it stands now. In the time since, the program has grown and diversified, always remaining focused on the patient.
“Last year, our volunteers provided more than 190,000 hours of service, which is equivalent to the work of 93 full-time employees,” says Susan French, executive director of Volunteer Services. “This support makes a substantial difference in the lives of our patients and caregivers.”
For those walking through the doors of MD Anderson, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, a volunteer will be waiting to help.
Patient services and support
给予的精神也是manifested in the broad range of programs supported through Volunteer Services, including:
Volunteer Endowment for Patient Support (VEPS):
Provides funding for patient-oriented programs and special amenities not covered by traditional sources, such as patient education materials, caregiver support programs, and patient conferences and special events.
- In 2013, VEPS had an endowment corpus of $2,838,112.
- $188,364 in VEPS funds were disbursed to 27 institutional programs.
Anderson Network:
This program offers hope and understanding to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers from those who have been there. Most programs are available to all cancer patients and caregivers, no matter where they receive treatment.
- 124,799 Hospitality Center visitors
- 1,309 patient/caregiver one-on-one support/ matches
- 865 attended PIKNIC (Partners in Knowledge, News in Cancer), an educational forum on the Texas Medical Center campus and at the regional care centers
- 2,028 active patient/caregiver members
The Beauty/Barber Shop:
Located on Floor 6 of the Main Building, the shop offers services such as shampoos, scalp treatments, haircuts, shaves, head coverings and wigs to patients at no charge.
- 6,624 patients served
- 8,069 complimentary hats, scarves and wigs distributed
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Strength in numbers: Send in the reinforcements
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Building a better T cell
Treatments relying on T cells, a key component of the body’s immune system, have had significant success, but a new experimental method customizes naturally produced cells to sharpen their attack on cancer.
When good genetic mutation goes bad
Generally speaking, hypermutation and DNA damage in a cell are bad things. That is, unless you’re talking about an immune system B cell.
The Nocturnal Program: Care, uninterrupted
夜间程序确保无缝transition from day to night for patients
Nights are a good fit for Day
When Lakeisha Day sees a patient in the wee hours, she knows she needs to make the most of their limited time together.
Getting a lot out of giving
Gloria Ayala walked into a hospital room and found a mother pacing while her daughter lay in bed. When Ayala was greeted with a big hug, she realized the experience was what being an MD Anderson volunteer was all about.
Nowhere to hide
By exposing cancer cells, fluorescence makes surgeons’ jobs easier.
Team is the heart of the Head and Neck Center
Treating cancer while preserving form and function.
Free of cancer and full of thanks
Gift of gratitude boosts head and neck cancer research
Areas of expertise
Growing network of hospitals expands opportunities to end a global crisis