Cancer treatment for northern B.C. residents took another step forward Friday with the arrival of a medical oncologist for the B.C. Cancer Agency Centre for the North.
Dr. Suresh Katakkar will be working full time, along with Dr. Winston Bishop, in University Hospital's the cancer unit the BCCA Centre for the North opens in September, 2012.
Katakkar, who gives off vibes of a warm bedside-manner, said since he's a workaholic, he's happy to have a challenge of helping to develop a new centre.
"I love the people I'm working with and their devotion to the cause," said Katakkar.
The lead oncologist already has his priorities set. He said his first priority is to decrease the waiting time between seeing a family doctor and referral to an oncologist. Katakkar said he'd like to see waiting time reduced to less than two days.
"Waiting time has averaged about two weeks, but I hope to decrease that to less than one week."
His other priorities are to provide education for cancer nurses, provide education to patients about their cancer conditions, and provide complete care from start to finish for cancer patients.
Medical oncologists treat cancer patients requiring chemotherapy or hormonal treatment. They also recommend treatment programs and co-ordinate with other professionals in the delivery of care.
Katakkar joins cancer care physician staff of Bishop and Dr. Robert Olson, radiation oncologist, who was hired in late September as the first of four radiation oncologists needed to staff the centre.
Olson now works in Vancouver from where he makes regular trips to Prince George, but will not move here until the centre has the radiation equipment needed.
Katakkar is also appointed regional professional practice leader in medical oncology for the North by the BCCA.
As such he will oversee and work with staff at the 10 smaller cancer units that offer chemotherapy throughout the North.
Dr. Ronald Chapman, executive director of the Northern Cancer Control Strategy, said Kartakkar will provide the leadership for the cancer journey from prevention through to palliative care.
"I'm absolutely delighted that its a passion across the North, and it will be helpful to provide support to the general oncologists in the Northern Health areas."
Katakkar, who is also a certified hematologist, has practiced medicine for 35 years, mainly in Saskatchewan until he moved to the U.S. in 1978. He is a widower with three daughters.
He has authored numerous publications and presentations in medical oncology.
Recruitment for the new cancer centre continues additional medical and radiation oncologists, radiation therapists. social workers and pharmacists.
