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APRIL/MAY 2015 MACON MAGAZINE | 37 ADVERTISING | Women IN BUSINESS HEALTHYINNOVATIONS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 308 Coliseum Drive Ste 120 | Macon, GA 31217 gacancer.com | (478) 745-6130 Why are clinical trials important and what, specifically, have your patients gained from these? Clinical trials are opportunities to improve the treatment and outcome of cancer patients. Not only do clinical trials investigate new therapies, but modern trials also focus on quality of life associated with a particular therapy. Advances in the understanding of cancer biology through the human genome project and translational research has fueled cancer research. Patients gain the latest advances in care, in a closely monitored setting through their participation. Local access to trials allows patients to receive cutting edge technologies close to home and family. What are some of the more innovative procedures or types of care that you offer? GCS has always believed in a patient-focused approach. This has driven our commitment to targeted therapies for cancer research. GCS offers clinical trials that provide access to life altering advances prior to the availability for general oncology practices. GCS has the only Phase I community based clinical trial program in the state and only 1 of 5 in the country. This access affords patients the latest treatment opportunities. For years, support services of nutrition, wellness coordination, and palliative care expertise have been available in our offices. What is most challenging in the type of work you do? What is most rewarding? The most rewarding aspect of the job is the confidence and trust that the patients and their families place on the oncologist in conjunction with other medical specialists to develop the best treatment plan and provide the best quality outcome. This is also the most challenging aspect. What does the future hold for GCS? GCS has affiliated with the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute in Atlanta. Currently the NHCI treats more breast, gynecologic and prostate cancers than anyone else in Georgia and anticipates more than 9000 new cancer patients will be treated this year. Also the bone marrow transplant program at Northside has the highest quality and survival rates in the region. While, this affiliation offers local patients increasing opportunities and access to quality programs of care and research and most importantly HOPE, it does not require that patients leave the middle Georgia community. GCS is the Cancer Answer and offers physician answers to AskADoc questions through the website. GCS's 47 physicians provide care in 27 Northside Hospital Cancer Institute locations across Metro Atlanta, North and Central Georgia. Left to right, Dr. Vundyala V. Reddy, Dr. Ursula Reusch, Dr. Cheryl Jones, Dr. Premila Malhotra, Dr. Franc Wallace, Dr. Raj Gupta.