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Cancer Center News
Community support helps build Lake Region Healthcare’s Cancer Care & Research Center
Lake Region Healthcare’s New Cancer Care & Research Center NOW OPEN!
When Lake Region Healthcare’s Cancer Care and Research Center opened January 4, 2010, the greater Fergus Falls community became lifelong partners in a very special dream.That’s because much of the $9.5 million raised to build this state-of the art, 17,678 square foot facility came from generous donors throughout our region.
“Building a regional cancer center required our friends and neighbors to rally for the sake of loved ones likely to be touched by cancer,” said Lake Region Healthcare’s CEO Larry Schulz.“As a result of their support, the new center heralds a bright future for cancer treatment and prevention in west central Minnesota. It also marks the first time cancer patients from our area communities can obtain comprehensive care close to home.
Center attracts exceptional staff of health care professionals
The Cancer Care & Research Center continues to attract gifted specialists along with their broad experience in new cancer treatments and technology.
Administrative Director Echo Breen, RN calls the center a shining example of what we can accomplish as a region by concentrating our resources.“It truly increases the potential of what we can offer our communities and our region,” she adds.
Wade Swenson, MD (Oncology & Hematology) a native of Moorhead, Minnesota received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of North Dakota and completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Iowa.He holds fellowships in hematology and medical oncology as well as a Master’s Degree in public health.
Paul Etzell, MD (Oncology & Hematology) joined Lake Region Healthcare’s medical staff in 1997. Originally from Clarissa, Minnesota, Dr. Etzell earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Minnesota and his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in hematology from the Mayo Clinic. He brings years of experience practicing in Fergus Falls and from his previous position as medical director of the MeritCare Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo, North Dakota.
Thomas Hegarty, MD (Radiation Oncology) received his Doctor of Medicine from Loma Linda University.He completed a radiation oncology residency and radiation biology fellowship at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center.Dr. Hegarty has practiced in several settings and held academic appointments at the University of Michigan,Wayne State University School of Medicine, University of Toledo and Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California.
John Tate, MD, PhD (Oncology & Hematology) earned a PhD in anatomy/cell biology and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of North Dakota. He completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in hematology/medical oncology from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He previously worked as hematologist/medical oncologist at the MeritCare Roger Maris Cancer Center. He is a clinical associate professor at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine.
