Radiation Oncology
Radiation Oncology Services have been a part of Southern Ohio Medical Center’s cancer services for more than twenty five years. Today at the SOMC Cancer Center we offer comprehensive radiation therapy services including 3-D conformal external beam treatment, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) through an ultrasound unit for prostate cancer cases, low dose rate prostate seed brachytherapy, High Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR) for breast and skin cancer cases, Computed Tomography Simulation, image fusion capabilities, and an integrated electronic medical record.
All of this can sound very complicated and overwhelming for the cancer patient and family to understand. We are committed to education and informed decision making surrounding all aspects of recommended cancer treatments.
Our Radiation Oncologists
At the center of this process are our radiation oncologists, doctors with special training in radiation therapy. Radiation oncologists oversee the care of each patient. They develop and prescribe each patient's individual treatment plan and make sure each treatment is given accurately. They also identify and treat side-effects of the therapies. Radiation oncologists work closely with other physicians and members of the Radiation Oncology team to ensure the highest quality care.
Li-Fen Lien Chang, MD, PhD, FACRO, Senior Medical Director of Radiation Oncology, and Prakash B. Patel, MD, are board certified radiation oncologists on staff at the SOMC Cancer Center. Both of these physicians have extensive training in the safe use of radiation to treat cancer.
Our Staff
Our radiation oncologists have a comprehensive support staff. As a patient you will meet these individuals throughout your treatment course. Our highly qualified staff includes:
- Licensed radiation therapists
- Licensed registered nurses
- Medical physicists
- Board certified dosimetrists
- Licensed social worker
Financial Counseling
Financial counseling is also available if needed.
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is the careful use of high energy radiation for the treatment of cancer.
The goal of radiation therapy is to deliver a precisely measured dose to the cancerous tumor, while protecting normal tissue around the tumor.
The art of radiation therapy is one that has continued to change and diversify with technologies. An affidavit that SOMC has continued to change and maintain cutting edge radiation oncology services is accreditation through the American College of Radiology. We are proud to be the first cancer facility in the region to achieve the prestigious ACR accreditation specifically in the field of radiation oncology. And in fact we received our second three year accreditation in 2008.
In today’s world, patients have access to a wealth of information and are very knowledgeable about health care issues. They are continually seeking high-quality, appropriate care. ACR accreditation is widely recognized as a measure of quality care.
How is a referral to radiation oncology made?
Referrals to the radiation oncology can be made by family physicians, surgeons and other medical specialists such as dermatologists, gastroenterologists, gynecologists, pulmonologists and urologists. Referrals can also be made by radiation oncologists or medical oncologists from other cancer treatment facilities. Patients may self refer as long as they have an established diagnosis of cancer. Please call (740) 356-7490 or toll free at 1-888-722-8787. You may request a particular radiation oncologist if you so choose. Please see Our Doctors tab.
How are services paid for?
Most major health insurance companies cover radiation oncology services. Before having consultation or treatment planning, our financial counselor will verify coverage and/or seek assistance programs if required.
Who do you call if you have questions?
Call (740) 356-7490 or toll free 1-888-722-8787, or e-mail us if you have questions.
Your family physician can call and set up an appointment for you with either Dr. Chang or Dr. Patel at their convenience.
