HOPEH O P E F O R A C A N C E R - F R E E T O M O R R O W

Virginia Oncology Associates

This brochure wasdeveloped by thecollective efforts ofVOA staff andpatients. It isdedicated to thestrength, courage and hope of theVirginia cancercommunity. We honor the friends whose liveswe’ve touched.

VIRGINIA ONCOLOGY ASSOCIATES (VOA) IS ANONCOLOGY AND HEMATOLOGY PRACTICE OFPHYSICIANS, SPECIALIZING IN THE DIAGNOSIS ANDTREATMENT OF CANCER AND BLOOD DISORDERS.With locations spanning the southeast region of Virginia and

Northeastern North Carolina, VOA is able to extend services and

treatments to patients, including medical oncology, radiation oncology,

gynecologic oncology, hematology, diagnostics, clinical research,

genetic counseling, and behavioral health.

VOA has been in practice for more than 30 years. Through a

common need and desire to advance and improve cancer care

in our community, physicians from the Hamptons Roads area

came together to form what is now VOA, the largest practice of

Hematology/Oncology in Virginia. As we have increased in size,

we have been able to offer to the community important resources

that allow us to advance cancer. In addition, with our size and

reputation for quality, we continue to attract top physicians from

the best training programs throughout the country.

In a collaboration with Sentara Health System for Radiation Therapy

services, VOA brings a multiplicity of disciplines oriented towards

streamlining and simplifying cancer care for our patients. This

collaboration allows multimodality treatments under one roof,

which serve to improve the efficiency of complicated care protocols,

making it easier for patients and family members to navigate the

cancer care experience.

VOA has recognized and responded to its responsibility of a community

educator with its collaboration with the Eastern Virginia Medical School,

whose students and postdoctoral trainees avail themselves of our

physicians’ expertise in their instructional process. Additionally,

collaborative efforts with Duke University in research and continuing

education, further meets our goals of comprehensive services to the

community. Finally, our affiliation with US Oncology, a network of over

400 locations throughout the country, has also brought the best of

national and international developments in oncology to our area.

PHYSICIANS AND STAFF BELIEVE AWARENESS IS KEY. THROUGHOUT THIS BROCHUREARE VARIOUS CANCER TYPES AND THE COLORS WITH WHICH THEY ARE ASSOCIATED.

OV

ERV

IEW

MISSIONSTATEMENT:THE GUIDING

MISSION OF

VIRGINIA

ONCOLOGY

ASSOCIATES IS

TO PROVIDE

STATE-OF-THE-ART,

COMPREHENSIVE

CANCER CARE FOR

THE COMMUNITY

THROUGHOUT

HAMPTON ROADS,

VIRGINIA AND

NORTHEASTERN

NORTH CAROLINA,

AND TO BRING THE

MOST MODERN AND

COGENT NEW

DEVELOPMENTS TO

BEAR ON CANCER

THERAPY FOR OUR

PATIENTS. THIS IS

ACCOMPLISHED

THROUGH STRICT

ADHERENCE TO

QUALITY MEASURE

EVALUATIONS,

CUTTING EDGE

CLINICAL

RESEARCH, AND A

TIRELESS EFFORT

TO PROTECT THE

INTERESTS OF

OUR CANCER

PATIENTS, BOTH

LOCALLY AND

THROUGHOUT

OUR NATIONAL

NETWORK

OF PHYSICIANS.

Breast Cancer (Pink)

THOMAS A. ALBERICO, MDPresident

A N EW P E R S P ECT I V E

TODAY, WE’RE LOOKING AT CANCER IN A NEW WAY, BECAUSE WE’RE

EXPERIENCING A PARADIGM SHIFT REGARDING THE DISEASE.

An estimated 10.5 million Americans are now living with and beyond a

diagnosis of cancer.

One in every two American men and one in every three American women

can expect to hear a doctor say, “You have cancer.” Those numbers are

staggering. Thanks to the dedication of oncologists, researchers and

other medical professionals, we continue to make dramatic progress with

new treatments, therapies and approaches to fighting the many different

forms of cancer.

It’s common now to read news reports about breakthrough advances that

are making a difference. VOA, along with our affiliate network,

US Oncology, is involved in more than 70 clinical trials involving

Colon Cancer (Navy Blue)

chemotherapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplantation and gene

therapy. The network has contributed to the development of 23 of the

29 latest cancer-fighting drugs approved for use by the Food and Drug

Administration.

The importance of research cannot be overstated. Research and the

participation in clinical trials are vital parts of our mission at VOA.

Bringing the latest in investigational therapies directly to our patients is

an important component in our providing the best cancer treatment

possible. In doing so, we're extending lives, improving conditions and

learning more about defeating cancer.

These new therapies and protocols are bringing hope to thousands of

patients with cancers of the prostate, breast, colon, lung, pancreas and

ovaries. We’re learning more, too, about the prevention and early

diagnosis of cancer. Breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer are

three cancers that can be diagnosed at early stages and treated

successfully. More diagnostic tests are in development for a host of

other cancers.

VOA celebrates the hope and faith of our community’s cancer survivors –

men and women who have shown incredible strength and resolve. But

we also celebrate the hope of a future where cancer is a manageable

disease, where our knowledge and understanding enable us to prevent,

diagnose or treat any cancer.

Together, as medical professionals, as patients, as family members and

friends, we stand united. Let us celebrate the compassion, commitment

and dignity of our patients, who steadfastly choose life, hope and faith in

the face of significant challenges. And let us recognize and thank the

compassion and dedication of our medical professionals who choose to

join them in the fight for a cancer-free tomorrow.

A N

ew P

ersp

ectiv

e

"LET'S FACE

IT, CANCER

HAS BECOME,

IN NARRATIVE

TERMS,

LESS A FATAL

DISEASE

THAN A GIFT,

A LEARNING

EXPERIENCE,

A PERSONAL

TRIUMPH."

–Dale Peck,

American novelist

and critic

GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY

MOST WOMEN ARE AT RISK FOR DEVELOPING A GYNECOLOGIC

CANCER. Because early detection is vital to the success of treatment and

the prevention of further development of the disease, annual PAP and

pelvic exams, in conjunction with sharing information about risk factors, is

the first line of defense.

Women diagnosed with cancer of the female reproductive tract want

advanced care from physicians who focus on gynecologic cancer. VOA’s

Gynecologic Oncologists specialize in cancers of the female organs. We

treat cancer in the breast, ovaries, endometrium, cervix, vulva and vagina.

We are dedicated to providing women battling

cancer with advanced and personalized care.

There are many treatment options for gynecologic

cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy and

chemotherapy. With a unique depth of experience,

expertise and access to progressive treatment

options, we can develop and implement the best

treatment plan for each patient. stre

ngth

RADIATION THERAPY

EVERY CANCER IS DIFFERENT, AND SO IS EVERY PATIENT.

That’s why we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and

personalized cancer care to patients in our community using a variety

of the latest, most effective therapies.

Today’s radiation therapy is quicker, safer and more precise than ever

before. Our Radiation Oncology team uses the most advanced

treatment planning systems. State-of-the-art radiation technology is

used to deliver internal and external

radiation to cancerous cells, which

prevents them from growing or

dividing. Whether treatment plans

include Intensity Modulated Radiation

Therapy (IMRT), 3-D Radiation

Therapy, or High Dose Rate (HDR)

brachytherapy, patients can receive

radiation therapy at our Lake Wright,

Princess Anne, Obici, Hampton and

Williamsburg locations.

Most importantly, VOA provides

world-class cancer care because our

team is staffed by highly-skilled and

caring professionals who understand

the special needs of cancer patients

and their families. Our Radiation

Oncologists are board-certified and

have many years of training and

experience caring for cancer patients.

They are leaders in the development

of new approaches to cancer care,

and are supported by friendly and

knowledgeable nurses, radiation therapists, dosimetrists, physicists,

pharmacists, counselors and other specialists who work together to

coordinate complete and compassionate care.

Childhood Cancer (Gold)

VICTOR ARCHIE, MD

“I never for one

minute asked,

‘Why did this

happen to me?’

But rather, ‘

Why did this

happen for me?”

– Robin Roberts,

Good Morning America

stre

ngth

Multiple Myeloma (Maroon)

We provide patient

care for the following areas:

1. All types of anemia

2. Iron-related disorders and

diseases, iron metabolism,

iron overload and porphyrias

3. Myeloid disorders (white

blood cell disorders)

4. Myeloproliferative

disorders (such as P. vera)

5. Myelodysplasia

6. Plasma cell dyscrasias

(such as myeloma)

7. Acute leukemias (myeloid

and lymphoid)

8. Chronic leukemias

(myeloid and lymphoid)

9. Lymphoproliferative

disorders, such as lymphoma

10. Stem cell transplantation

11. Hemostasis and

thrombosis (bleeding and

clotting disorders)

12. Use of hematopoietic

growth factors

13. Transfusion and

Laboratory medicineexpe

rienc

eHEMATOLOGY PRACTICE

AT VOA, HEMATOLOGY IS A TOP PRIORITY. We aim to

deliver high quality patient care, research, and leading-edge

treatment for our hematology patients with either malignant

or benign diseases of the blood. 20 of our physicians are

board certified hematologists, caring for patients with blood

disorders. As such, we can offer patients care in two major

realms of medicine, which are closely related.

Many cancer patients develop reduced red blood cell counts,

or anemia. If patients are symptomatic with anemia, VOA

physicians are experienced and trained to treat it. We serve

Hampton Roads communities to improve the quality of life of

patients with immunologic disorders, hypercoagulable states

(blood clots), coagulative disorders, such as hemophilia or

Von Willebrand’s disease, as well as blood and bone marrow

problems.

On average, our physicians treat approximately 8,500 patients

with hematological disorders annually - 11% leukemia &

lymphoma, 64% anemia, 10% hypercoagulable states, 15%

bleeding disorders. Comparative to academic institutions, like

Duke University, these numbers are impressive!

Participation in annual hematology meetings and continuing

medical education (CME) activities, as well as ongoing training

and mentorship, helps VOA physicians maintain the cutting

edge and use of advanced tests and treatments. VOA

physicians partner with Eastern Virginia Medical School

(EVMS) to assist in the education of young doctors in the field

of Hematology via classroom lectures and on-the-job training

in the office/hospital. VOA also works closely with the

Children’s Hospital Kings Daughters (CHKD) hematology

program, allowing children the best continuity of care as they

move from a pediatric to an adult hematologist.

“WITH TIME, LOVE

AND PATIENCE, WE

WILL WIN THE WAR

AGAINST CANCER!”

–Burton Alexander, III, MD

TARGETED

THERAPIES

ARE THE

DIRECTION OF

MANY MAJOR

CLINICAL

TRIALS.

TODAY, THERE ARE MORE CANCER THERAPIES IN DEVELOPMENT

THAN EVER BEFORE. This dramatic increase means, that for many

patients, there is more hope for a favorable outcome in their battle

with cancer. Our progressive oncologists and research team are proud

to be a part of this effort, providing access to the latest therapies,

right here in our community.

Now we are on the threshold of a new paradigm for cancer research –

that of individualized treatment based on genomic and molecular

predictors of an individual patient’s response.

Through our collaboration with the National

Cancer Institute Cooperative Groups, US

Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, the

Duke Oncology Network, and other major

cancer centers, we are investigating ways to

use molecular profiling to tailor treatment

management.

Targeted therapies are the direction of many

major clinical trials. Such trials enable

physicians to customize drug treatment for a particular cancer by

focusing on a precise target at the molecular level of a patient’s tumor.

The tumor is analyzed to determine how it grows and differs from other

cancers in the same diagnosis.

We can quickly bring the latest advances in cancer care to our patients,

and are able to provide them with access to the latest clinical trials

involving new investigational cancer agents. Not only does this

advance cancer treatment, but it gives many of our patients the

opportunity to receive promising new therapies or investigational

drugs not yet available to patients outside the studies.

C L I N I CA L R ES E A R C H

HO

PE

Prostate Cancer (Light Blue)

WITH ALL THAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED, THERE ARE STILL SOME CANCERS WITH

ONLY A FEW EFFECTIVE TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES. FOR THESE PATIENTS,

WE ARE CONDUCTING PHASE I TRIALS TO ACCELERATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF

TOTALLY NEW AGENTS FOR CANCER CARE. TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH HAS

TRADITIONALLY BEEN FOUND ONLY AT LARGER ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS, BUT

VOA BRINGS IT TO HAMPTON ROADS

COMMUNITIES. VOA IS ONE OF TEN

TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY PROGRAM (TOP)

SITES WITHIN THE US ONCOLOGY RESEARCH

NETWORK PARTICIPATING IN LEADING-EDGE

PHASE I AND PHASE II CLINICAL TRIALS. VOA’S

TOP HAS DRAMATICALLY EXPANDED DURING

THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, ACCRUING THE

MOST NEW PATIENTS IN THE NETWORK FOR

INVESTIGATIONAL STUDIES. AT ANY GIVEN

TIME, APPROXIMATELY 10 PHASE I TRIALS ARE

AVAILABLE TO PATIENTS.

P H AS E I T R I A L S

“Unfortunately

many cancers

are not

preventable

and only by

clinical research

will we be able

to cure cancer

and blood

diseases.”

—John Q. Mattern, II, DO

Lung Cancer (Pearl)

HO

PE

Bladder & Liver Cancer (Yellow)

TO ME, LIFE MEANS GIVINGVIRGINIA DAIGLE, VOA PATIENT

I was a vivacious 52 year old when I was diagnosed with colon cancer in

2002. I underwent surgery and my tumor was removed. At the time,

the good news was no sign of residual disease. About 2 years ago, I

started coughing and experienced some slight pain. My doctor would

soon tell me that the cancer had metastasized from my colon to my lung.

I was devastated.

When I was referred to VOA by my family physician, I knew nothing about

oncology. I had not received any treatment the first time around. When

they told me that I had 2-5 years, it was like giving me a death sentence.

I couldn’t think any further than the things that I hadn’t already seen.

And I want to see them!

I HAVE A

NEW SENSE

OF HOPE,

AND I OWE

THIS IN

PART TO THE

STAFF AT

VOA.

Kidney Cancer (Green)

insp

irat

ionDr. George was instrumental in coordinating my treatments. My

husband and I have no insurance, but we still had options to explore.

I am currently enrolled in a progressive Phase III study, offering a

high-dose regimen. I agree that it is one of the best out there. PET

and bone scans after the first 2 months of treatment showed

marked shrinkage in tumor size comparative to the original. The

results have been incredible.

Happily, I’m currently living through my second year of treatment.

At this juncture, I no longer believe in 2-5 years. I decided that

those numbers do not matter. It has been over 2 years! I attribute

that, not only to my Christian beliefs, but also to the treatment

options available at VOA.

I have a new sense of hope, and I owe this in part to the staff at

VOA. They are always upbeat! Even when I am feeling down, they

are very comforting. They are more like family than doctors and

nurses. It is hard to describe the difference they have made in my

life: I went from total devastation to looking to the future.

Today, it feels good to say that I feel like I am a normal person, like

when I first started. I feel a sense of renewal. I’m living with a

chronic illness, but I still consider myself a survivor. I talk to a lot of

people with other cancers, and they have been living with their

diseases for many years. Some of them are even working.

I appreciate life a lot more than I did before. I understand that it’s

short, and I know I have to live it – each day, to the fullest. If I have

good results from this trial, or even if I do not have good results, I

will feel better about helping someone else in the future. Right now,

my focus is on my 3 granddaughters – ages 12, 11, & 7. Watching

them grow up means more to me than anything. Fortunately, we

live right next door to each other. I get to see them whenever I

please, and I love it.

I appreciate life

a lot more than

I did before. I

understand that

it’s short, and I

know I have to

live it – each

day, to the

fullest. If I have

good results

from this trial,

or even if I do

not have good

results, I will

feel better about

helping someone

else in the

future.

Melanoma (Black)

STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION

VOA’S AUTOLOGOUS STEM CELL TRANSPLANT

PROGRAM IS ONE OF THREE IN THE STATE OF

VIRGINIA AND 135 NATIONALLY. Sanctioned through

the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy

(FACT), the program adheres to the most stringent

clinical standards. FACT accreditation is the gold

standard insurance companies often demand. It is the

benchmark for quality care.

Autologous transplants, like those performed at VOA, involve

the harvesting of patients’ stem cells, cryopreserving (freezing)

them, and then returning the cells to the patient after high-

dose chemotherapy. Transplants are typically used to treat

Hodgkin’s disease, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and some

types of leukemia.

I’M STILL AIMING TO BE THE BESTPATIENT MY DOCTOR HAS EVER HADRICK BONELLI, VOA PATIENT

My experience living with multiple myeloma began six years ago.

I was 49 and worked for the Naval Facility Engineering Command.

I was a fitness nut - running 10K’s and practicing marshal arts. In

January of 02, I noticed a little tenderness in my lower back after

running. It was after moving a large bush; however, that I began

to investigate my health. I thought I hurt a disk in my back, but

X-rays proved no evidence of a slipped disk. My spine, according

to technicians, looked like Swiss cheese. I had a lot of lesions.

Doctors checked a variety of things. Before too long, my doctor

said, “The only thing left is multiple myeloma.” Additional tests

were conclusive. My wife knew it was a form of cancer, but no

one in my family had ever heard of it. I wasn’t really scared after

I learned about my disease. I knew all the symptoms would pass.

My biggest question was, “Where do we go?” The little lesions

were everywhere, but I was always optimistic. I told everyone

that I would die from something else.

Through research, I learned about stem cell transplantation.

I was interested in that option and explored different opinions.

I’m still aiming

to be the best

patient

Dr. McGaughey

has ever had.

But I’m

resigning myself

to the will of the

Lord. I cannot

spend time

worrying about

things. Am I

going to jump

in the grave?

Not at all.

DEAN MCGAUGHEY, MD

Leukemia (Orange)

Dr. McGaughey was the third of 3 doctors to confirm that stem cell

transplants were a viable option for me. At the time, I pursued a clinical

trial for stem cell transplants using donor stem cells. It was potentially

curative, hence attractive. One of my siblings was even a ten out of ten

match! Dr. McGaughey, however, suggested trying my own stem cells

first, which is far less risky. My first stem cell transplant was during the

holiday of 2002.

Our primary objective from that point was to try and maintain my

disease – keep it at a low burn, if you will. Once my cancer was under

control, I had serious back surgery.

Titanium rods were inserted on either side

of the spine. I have a lot of fun at airports!

Incidentally, I came out of remission. In the

Fall of 07, I retired from my job and agreed

to another stem cell transplant. It was

performed at VOA as an outpatient. That is

when I met Cindy Cutter. From the moment

I met her, I knew she would take care of me.

She could anticipate what I was feeling or

experiencing. I felt like I met a friend.

In the Spring of 08, I got time off for “good

behavior” [err, good counts!]. Shortly

thereafter, my old employer contacted me.

I didn’t realize I missed working so much. It

is better this time around, since I am not

the boss.

When I was first diagnosed, I would visualize friends in my dojo doing

battle with cancer. My approach is now more faith-based. I’m still aiming

to be the best patient Dr. McGaughey has ever had. But I’m resigning

myself to the will of the Lord. I cannot spend time worrying about

things. Am I going to jump in the grave? Not at all.

Now that things are stabilizing, I feel more optimistic than ever. Whether

or not I’ll ever be cured of multiple myeloma is really not the point. It’s

can I keep it at a level where it does no more damage to me, and I can do

like I’m doing right now. I can go play and do what I want to do. I can

enjoy friends and the family around me.

THAT IS WHEN

I MET CINDY

CUTTER.

FROM THE

MOMENT I MET

HER, I KNEW

SHE WOULD

TAKE CARE

OF ME. PE

RS

EV

ER

AN

CE

Ovarian & Cervical Cancer (Teal)

GENETIC

TESTING MAY

BE CONSIDERED

IF FAMILY

HISTORY IS

CONSISTENT

WITH A

FAMILIAL OR

HEREDITARY

PATTERN OF

CANCER.

Brain Cancer (Gray)

FIVE TO TEN PERCENT OF ALL CANCERS HAVE A

GENETIC COMPONENT. Genetic counseling and testing can

provide the information necessary to help patients understand and

adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications

of any genetic contributions to disease.

At VOA, our counselors provide patients

with an interpretation of family and medical

histories to assess the chance of disease

occurrence or recurrence. Also provided is

education about inheritance, management,

prevention, resources, research, as well

as testing.

Genetic testing may be considered if family

history is consistent with a familial or

hereditary pattern of cancer. If a mutation

in a patient is identified, cancer risks are

increased for the family. There are several

strategies available that reduce the risk of cancer and increase the

chances for early detection when such a pattern is detected.

The following characteristics are possible reasons

to pursue genetic testing:

• Breast cancer in you or a family member (mother’s

or father’s side) before age 50

• Male breast cancer at any age

• A family history of breast cancer in two or more first

or second degree relatives

• Ovarian cancer in you or a family member (mother’s

or father’s side) at any age

• Colorectal cancer in you or a family member (mother’s

or father’s side) before age 50

• Endometrial cancer in you or a family member (mother’s

or father’s side) before age 50

• Melanoma in you or a family member (mother’s

or father’s side) at any age

• Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and a family history

of cancer

GENETIC COUNSELING & GENETIC TESTING

"There's this

need and this

desire to make

every single day

count. I used to

say... 'Don't

sweat the small

stuff—not even

the big stuff.'

At the end of

the day, none

of it matters but

your own joy,

your own

spiritual journey

that you go on,

God, your loved

ones, your

friends, your

animals. These

are the things

you've got to

cherish and love

and embrace."

– Christina Applegate,

Actress

OUR PATIENTS ARE NOT ALONE. Battling cancer is a big enough

challenge. We are with them every step of the way offering a range of

psychosocial and specialty support services.

VOA’s behavioral health and social services programs focus on

the patient, before, during and after treatment. These services

are offered by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), who specializes

in Oncology Social Work. They are an extension of our compassionate

treatment protocols, and are intended to provide coping skills,

strengthen stress-management skills, and ultimately, provide links to

community resources to support treatment, survivorship and

bereavement needs. They are available to patients, families and

caregivers throughout all phases of treatment, and are offered in

individual, family and group settings.

Behavioral health and social services can provide you with:

• Synergy with VOA’s interdisciplinary team of Physicians and other

health Professionals

• Coping, Stress Management & Decision Making Skills

• Anxiety & Depression

• Relationship & Caregiver Concerns

• Family & Grief Counseling

• Advance Directives & Power of Attorney

• Community Resource Identification and Management

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES

“ANYTHING IS

POSSIBLE. YOU CAN

BE TOLD THAT

YOU HAVE A 90-

PERCENT CHANCE

OR A 50-PERCENT

CHANCE OR A 1-

PERCENT CHANCE,

BUT YOU HAVE TO

BELIEVE, AND YOU

HAVE TO FIGHT.”

–Lance Armstrong,

Cyclist

ONCOLOGY CLINICAL NURSES (OCNs) POSSESS IN-

DEPTH EXPERTISE IN ONCOLOGY NURSING AND ON THE

HUMAN NEEDS OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING CANCER. The

practice of oncology clinical nursing extends to all settings

where patients receive

health care, education, and

counseling for cancer

prevention, screening and

detection.

OCNs are adept with

patient assessments,

anticipating complications,

monitoring progress,

interpreting clinical signs

and observations, and

minimizing side effects.

OCNs have well-developed

technical skills in the

delivery of chemotherapies, the care of radiotherapy patients,

and in the management of central venous access devices.

At VOA, OCNs know the purpose of all treatments: curative,

palliative, and adjuvant. They know the principles of staging,

as well as common sites for metastatic disease. Moreover,

they believe in being there, caring holistically for all parts

of the patient.

THE COMPLEX

CARE NEEDS

OF CANCER

PATIENTS

REQUIRE OCNS

TO POSSESS A

HIGH ACUITY

LEVEL AND

TECHNOLOGICAL

SAVVY.

ONCOLOGY CLINICAL NURSING: ANGELS MASQUERADING AS NURSES

A cancer-

specific

knowledge-

base and

demonstrated

clinical

aptitude in

cancer care

define the

OCN.

QU

AL

ITY

Esophageal & Stomach Cancer (Periwinkle)

PHARMACY

OUR PRIMARY MISSION IS TO PROVIDE OUR PATIENTS WITH

ACCESS TO ADVANCED, HIGH QUALITY CANCER CARE. To that

end, we have taken extraordinary steps to assure that our pharmacy

meets, and exceeds, the highest quality standards in the country.

Electronic Medical Records

We have an electronic medical record (EMR)

system, in which all patient orders are

written and retained. In the EMR, we

maintain a fully referenced, up-to-date

library of the latest regimens for the

treatment of cancer. From that library,

physician orders are selected and printed

so that no opportunity exists for mistakes

or misinterpretations of handwriting.

Environmental Controls

In the facilities where chemotherapy is

prepared, environmental controls provide

for a pressure gradient designed to

assure sterility of intravenous doses.

Chemotherapy preparation adheres to

the standards set by the US compendia.

Clinical staff who prepare chemotherapy

are certified annually in the safe handling

and aseptic preparation of chemotherapy.

Every step in preparing a dose is double-checked by a

second clinician.

Drug Authenticity

We have taken significant steps to assure the authenticity of the drugs

we provide. Today, drug counterfeiting is a growing concern, and it has

affected some of the largest drug suppliers in the country. Oncology

pharmaceuticals are a prime target due to their high prices and, in fact,

have been the subject of several counterfeiting incidents.

We take this issue very seriously. As a member of the US Oncology

network, we were able to contribute to the development of a state-of-

WE HAVE

TAKEN

SIGNIFICANT

STEPS TO

ASSURE THE

AUTHENTICITY

OF THE

DRUGS WE

PROVIDE.

QU

AL

ITY

Lymphoma (Lime Green)

the-art distribution center that utilizes sophisticated e-pedigree technology to

efficiently and securely scan and track, from the doors of the manufacturer to

the patient, every drug that comes into our practice.

We are able to view, in real-time, the pedigree information for each drug we

order, throughout the supply chain, and verify the drug has not been altered.

The innovation and sophistication of this distribution system has also been

recognized by the National Association of the Board of Pharmacy. Our

distribution system was one of the first two to earn the coveted Verified-

Accredited Wholesale Distributors (VAWD) accreditation.

ALL VOA LOCATIONS HAVE A PATIENT FINANCIAL

COUNSELOR (PFC) WHO IS DEDICATED TO SERVING THE

INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF EVERY PATIENT. PFCs are an

extension of our Business Office and provide guidance through

financial issues, including claims and reimbursement issues

with insurers. They are available to address

patients’ questions and concerns.

As a courtesy to patients, our business office bills

all primary and secondary insurances. VOA

participates with over 20 insurance companies,

including all major payers. The VOA Website

maintains a list of these participating insurances.

“We can’t

change the

cards we

are dealt,

just how

we play the

hand. If

I’m not as

depressed

as you

think I

should be,

I’m sorry to

disappoint

you.”

– Randy Pausch,

Professor/Author,

Last Lecture

FINANCIAL COUNSELING ANDBUSINESS OFFICE SERVICES

VOAPARTICIPATES

WITH OVER 20 INSURANCE

COMPANIES,INCLUDING

ALL MAJORPAYERS. THE VOAWEBSITE

MAINTAINS A LIST OF

THESEPARTICIPATING

INSURANCES.

P H Y S I C I A N S

Hematology & OncologyThomas A. Alberico, MDBurton F. Alexander, III, MDDaniel M. Atienza, MDBruce W. Booth, MD Celeste T. Bremer, MDRobert L. Burger, MD, FACPDavid Z. Chang, MDPaul R. Conkling, MDScott J. Cross, MDMichael A. Danso, MDMark T. Fleming, MDEdward R. George, MD, FACPElizabeth A. Harden, MD, FACPJohn R. Howard, Jr., DOJohn F. Kessler, MD, FACPBoon C. Kok, MDScott Kruger, MD, FACPMichael E. Lee, MDJohn Q. A. Mattern, II, DODean S. McGaughey, III, MDJohn C. Paschold, MD, FACPDavid M. Powell, MD Christina W. Prillaman, MD, FACPJohn J. Regan, MDRonald J. Ruszkowski, MDS. George Saman, MDMichael S. Steinberg, MD, FACPAlexander K. Su, MDValiant D. Tan, MD

Gynecological OncologyDaynelle Dedmond, MDJohnny Hyde, MDMunir F. Nasr, MD, FACOGStacey J. Rogers, MDRobert C. Squatrito, MD, FACOG

Radiation OncologyVictor Archie, MDSong K. Kang, MDMichael L. Miller, DONadim M. Nasr, MD

SOUTHSIDE LOCATIONS5900 Lake Wright Dr.Norfolk, VA 23502(757) 466.8683FAX (757) 466.8892

1950 Glenn Mitchell Dr., Ste. 102Virginia Beach, VA 23456(757) 368.0437FAX (757) 368.0492

5818 Harbour View Blvd, Ste. 230Suffolk, VA 23435(757) 686.1042FAX (757) 686.1055

102 Fairview Dr., Ste. EFranklin, VA 23851(757) 569.9709FAX (757) 569.6102

300 Medical Pkwy., Ste. 314Chesapeake, VA 23320(757) 549.4403FAX (757) 549.4332

150 Burnett’s Way, Ste. 310Suffolk, VA 23434(757) 539.0670FAX (757) 539.1062

PENINSULA LOCATIONSPort Warwick III1051 Loftis Blvd., Ste. 100Newport News, VA 23606 (757)873.9400FAX (757) 873.9420

3000 Coliseum Dr., Ste. 104Hampton, VA 23666(757) 827.9400FAX (757) 827.9320

500 Sentara Cir., Ste. 203Williamsburg, VA 23188(757) 229.2236FAX (757) 221.0409

6876 Main St.Gloucester, VA 23061(804) 693.3232FAX (804) 693.3342

NORTH CAROLINA LOCATIONS1503 B North Road St.Elizabeth City, NC 27909(252) 331.2044FAX (252) 331.1909

5565 Croatan Hwy.Kitty Hawk, NC 27949(252) 261.5800FAX (252) 261.5301

CENTRAL BUSINESS OFFICE5900 Lake Wright Dr., Ste. 300Norfolk, VA 23502(757) 213.5700FAX (757) 213.5701TOLL FREE (800) 998.3450

Web Addresswww.virginiacancer.com

Phase I Research/Clinical Trials(757) 466-8683

Billing/Managed Care(757) 213-5700

Genetic Counseling(757) 213-5674

Behavioral Health(757) 213-5818

Community Outreach/Marketing/Liaison(757) 213-5680

FOR MAPS AND DIRECTIONS TO ANY OF OUR LOCATIONS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEB SITE.

All Cancers (Lavendar)