Anyone who has experienced the rigors of cancer knows firsthand that the disease not only affects the physical body, but it also touches every dimension of a human being—the mind, heart and spirit. Sometimes the most daunting challenge for those facing cancer is battling the emotional toll it registers on them, their families and caregivers.
Dr. David Bouda is a cancer visionary determined to give patients the necessary tools to fight their disease from all angles. The seasoned oncologist heads the innovative Midwest Cancer Care at Menorah Medical Center, one of Johnson County’s best-kept medical secrets. Bouda came to Overland Park in December from the University of Nebraska and brought with him an out-of-the-box approach to treating and supporting cancer patients that is garnering acclaim not only within the medical community but also with those fighting the disease on the front lines.
Bouda’s prescription for cancer care includes evidence-based care including pharmaceutical regimens, chemotherapy protocols and procedures such as radiation and surgeries. But he says a healthy injection of patient-centered coordinated care is essential to helping cancer patients maintain their quality of life and become even better and healthier despite their medical situations.
“We have an opportunity to create a different type of cancer treatment,” says Bouda. “It’s been proven that cancer patients receiving some sort of emotional support do better while going through chemo, radiation and other procedures. We enhance that support by making sure they don’t fall through the cracks in the system.”
The creation of a premier cancer center is more than bricks and mortar, and Bouda—with more than 30 years of medical experience—and his team are bringing together the best and brightest minds and technology to provide outstanding and high-quality care. Midwest Cancer Care will implement its innovative multidisciplinary program for treating cancer in three phases, building upon the strengths of Menorah’s existing cancer program.
In addition to state-of-the-art services such as CyberKnife radiation and Johnson County’s only MammoSite for advanced technology in breast cancer, Midwest Cancer Care will unveil a modern and spacious facility on the Menorah campus to help facilitate raising the bar of cancer care under one roof.
“Midwest Cancer Care will offer a high-touch, personalized approach to treating the disease,” notes Bouda. “We have 20 cancer-related services to coordinate at Menorah, and our new building will offer a cocoon of support to those in the often-overwhelming experience of treatment.”
The new infusion center will be a spacious and bright area drenched with natural light to maximize both comfort and privacy for patients undergoing chemotherapy. The healing and inviting environment includes consultation rooms, a pharmacy and laboratory.
Naomi Glynn is an oncology social worker who heads Cancer Support Services at Midwest Cancer Care at Menorah, one of the 20 support services under the center’s umbrella.
“My team addresses the emotional and psychological impact on cancer patients and their families,” says Glynn. “We ensure people have the correct information to help them through treatment and into survivorship.”
Bouda, a fellow of the American College of Physicians, and previously an associate professor of medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and chief of oncology at the Omaha Veterans Medical Center, calls the quality of care patients will receive at Midwest Cancer Care at Menorah “concierge medicine.”
“I’ve seen people get lost in the system over the years,” says Bouda. “They’ve been to everyone in town for various appointments, but no one compiles a game plan. At Menorah we concentrate on a patient-centered, integrated and coherent plan of care.”
Bouda refers to concierge medicine as a healthcare model using patient participation, family involvement and physician specialist partnering directed by a medical oncologist.
“Here at Menorah Medical Center we have a unique opportunity to build a cancer program that fulfills our collective vision and serves our community,” says Bouda.
Part of Bouda’s initiative is to get in the trenches and educate the community on patient-centered cancer care that strikes a balance with traditional evidence-based care. He speaks at various organizations to help people understand the importance of merging the two approaches for success in treating the individual.
Bouda is no stranger to the stress and uncertainties of cancer. He lost his mother in 1977 to metastatic breast cancer, a KU roommate in 1974 to Hodgkin’s disease and in 1975, his wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Today, she is a survivor. In response to his experiences, Bouda developed a personal approach to effective cancer care simply called the Five Steps. The approach addresses the four areas that affect cancer patients: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
“The Five Steps include treatment, diet, exercise, attitude and spiritual components,” explains Bouda.
Midwest Cancer Care at Menorah is the culmination of Bouda’s lifelong dream.
“It embodies our vision, allowing us to practice concierge medicine, apply the Five Steps and demonstrate the qualities of a caring professional,” says Bouda. “That includes listening and acknowledging a patient’s point-of-view, the ability to explain treatments and outcome, the willingness to assess family and social support, empathy, encouragement, hope and reassurance.”
In addition to a family social room; library, resource and education room; multipurpose room; and meeting and lecture room, the new building will house technology and therapy in one convenient location. Patients will be able to schedule and attend appointments for PET/CT imaging, medical oncology, infusion, radiation oncology, CyberKnife and MammoSite at the Midwest Cancer Care building at Menorah.
“Hopefully our program will encourage cancer patients to embrace the solution and not live in the problem,” says Bouda. “Ultimately that will help add meaning and substance to their lives.”
For more information about Midwest Cancer Care at Menorah visit www.menorahmedicalcenter.com or call (913) 498-6000.