UPMC is committed to life-changing medicine. That’s why the integrated health-care provider has invested heavily in expanding its cancer care services and research efforts in northwest Pennsylvania.
Since affiliating with UPMC Hamot in 2011, UPMC continues to enhance and grow radiation oncology and medical oncology services in Erie through UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, one of the largest integrated community cancer centers in the United States. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is western Pennsylvania’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Through its partnership with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC Hamot is recognized as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Program by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
At UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (formerly the Regional Cancer Center or RCC) located at 2500 West 12th Street in Millcreek Township, UPMC has invested more than $14 million in the facility improvements — including a new larger infusion area with 24 treatment areas (up from 14 previously at UPMC Hamot), added staffing (up to four medical oncologists and two radiation oncologists), and research and innovative treatments which will not only enhance the care and treatment of patients, but ultimately help save lives.
“For cancer care to advance, we must make sure that we’re providing our local patients the most cutting-edge care that’s available,” explains Carrie Ennis, senior director of Strategy and Partnership, who oversees cancer services for UPMC Hamot.
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center builds on care provided locally by offering access to high-quality, comprehensive cancer care and research right here in northwest Pennsylvania. The Erie location opened its doors in November 2019.
“For patients facing a cancer diagnosis, the ability to remain at home and close to their loved ones and support systems is so valuable,” says David Gibbons, president of UPMC Hamot and senior vice president of the Health Services Division and the market president for northwest Pennsylvania and North Central Pennsylvania regions. “Since Hamot’s affiliation with UPMC in 2011, we have continued our commitment to bring advanced care to Erie and strengthen access to world-class health-care services in our community.”
Robert Ferris, M.D., Ph.D., director of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and an expert in immunotherapy and a specialist in head and neck cancer, says that UPMC Hillman has been and is completely committed to investing in the Erie region. “We see it as a partnership with the Erie community, the business community, the health-care community, the philanthropic community, where the patient and the population’s wellness and health are really the key priority.”
Read more in the February 2023 Business Magazine.