The new regional directors of Breast Radiology and Oncology at RWJBarnabas Health explain how collaboration among three hospitals will benefit patients in Southern New Jersey.
Breast Imaging
Alexander King, MD, a board-certified radiologist, was named to the newly created position of Regional Director of Breast Radiology for the Southern Region, which encompasses Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center, and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus.
We’re expanding our hours and plan to add new imaging locations to make mammography more accessible. We’re also assessing each patient’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer based on factors such as family history. Using this information, we’ll create a personalized screening plan for each patient. For women who have a 20 percent or higher lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, annual breast MRI screening is recommended in addition to annual mammograms. All of our recommendations are in line with the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging.
What is your vision for the breast radiology service?
Our vision is to enhance our team approach to providing comprehensive breast cancer care for all patients—close to home. For example, if a patient who comes in for a mammogram needs a biopsy and is diagnosed with cancer, we can connect him or her with a surgeon and a medical oncologist in our vast network of cancer specialists. We provide integrated cancer care, from diagnosis to treatment to survivorship.
What differentiates your breast imaging services from those at other hospitals?
We see breast health as a unique medical specialty and give it the attention it deserves. Our radiologists are dedicated breast imagers, meaning they are trained in identifying and diagnosing breast cancer. Also, we can refer patients to health care providers and oncology support specialists within the RWJBarnabas Health system. We’re streamlining the process of follow-up care by using nurse navigators, who offer guidance to patients.
Medical Oncology
Medical oncologist Seth D. Cohen, MD, was named to the newly created position of Regional Director of Oncology Services for the Southern Region.
What do you hope to achieve in your new role?
All three hospitals have the same goal: to provide the most advanced comprehensive and compassionate care for patients, including cutting-edge therapeutics and clinical trials. A team of medical oncologists works closely with our surgical oncologists and radiation oncologists in the Southern Region. We harness their individual expertise in various cancers, such as breast, lung, colorectal, and lymphoma, to deliver top-notch care to patients.
How do patients benefit from clinical trials?
Clinical trials are research studies used to find better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. In the Southern region, we have more than 30 trials underway right now in collaboration with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
What are the advantages of receiving treatment at one of the Southern Region hospitals?
We know that cancer doesn’t travel well, so it’s important that patients have access to the most advanced treatment options, such as clinical trials, close to home. There’s no need for them to travel to a large city to receive the best cancer care. In addition, we provide genetic testing to individualize a patient’s treatment plan. If they need to be admitted to the hospital, their doctor is nearby.
RWJBarnabas Health and Community Medical Center, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey—the state’s only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center—provide close-to-home access to the most advanced treatment options. Please visit our Cancer Services page for more information, or call 844.CANCERNJ (844-226-2376) to schedule an appointment.