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APRIL/MAY 2015 MACON MAGAZINE | 31 ADVERTISING | Women IN BUSINESS How did your career path lead you to your current position, and what do you do at the Cancer Center? Danielle Rogers: My previous background was in both radiation and medical oncology; however, the opportunity arose for me to pursue a different realm of oncology care. I currently serve as the genetics nurse navigator at the Coliseum Cancer Institute. My role allows me to do high risk screening for common hereditary cancer syndromes which offers more focus on prevention. Genetics is an exciting realm and is definitely changing how we screen for and treat many of these cancers. It will be exciting to see where genetics will lead us in the future. What is the most rewarding part of your job? Kimberly Lewis: The most rewarding part of my job is having the privilege of escorting the patients through one of the most fearful journeys in their life. As a nurse navigator, I can educate patients on their diagnosis, upcoming surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and/or side effect management, which provides them more time to absorb all the information. This gives patients a point source to contact throughout their entire treatment continuum which provides additional emotional and educational support to them and their families. What are your biggest challenges? Beverly Stanley: Early intervention. The optimal time to teach patients is at the time of initial diagnosis. The nurse navigator can make a significant difference in patient understanding and also can decrease the fear that inevitably comes with a cancer diagnosis. As navigators we are consistently updating our resource information to assist patients and their caregivers with practical day to day living. How do your services help the community in general? Jennifer Davidson: The most important part of our services is patient education regarding prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Our navigators participate in health fairs, cancer screening functions, education seminars on cancer prevention, as well as community outreach. We partner with various organizations to assist in fundraising and event planning. Our center also hosts monthly support groups for oncology patients and their families. Where do you envision yourself and the center in five years? Melanie Tolbert: The whole goal for the Coliseum Cancer Institute is to provide navigation services from cancer diagnosis through survivorship to patients and their families. Our navigation services are free of charge to all patients in this area. Our vision would be to see that every newly diagnosed patient would be referred for these services in the future. We can help with all aspects of their journey by providing education, emotional and spiritual support. We understand that hospitals don't cure cancer, people do. We work hand-in-hand with an incredible team of physicians to provide the best treatment possible for each patient. Coliseum Medical Centers 330 Hospital Drive, Building C, Suite 120 | Macon, GA 31217 coliseumhealthsystem.com | 877.274.3910 | 478.765.4805 Top row from left: Melanie Tolbert, RN,CTR; Jennifer Davidson, CTR; Danielle Rogers, NP-C, AOCNP. Bottom row from left: Beverly Stanley, RN, OCN, ONN; Kim Lewis, RN, OCN, ONN,CBCN.