• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Close Search

How can we help you?

I want to...
Select an Option
  • Find A Provider
  • Find A Location
  • Pay My Bill
  • View Patients & Visitors Information
  • Find a Job
  • Contact Hamilton Health
Search by keyword

Hamilton Health Care System

  • 706.272.6000
  • Find A Provider
  • Services
  • Locations
  • Patients & Visitors
  • Health Library
  • Careers
  • About
  • Bill Pay
  • News Center
  • Patient Portal • Records
  • Event Calendar
  • Hamilton Physician Group
    Home
  • Archives for Peeples Cancer Institute

Peeples Cancer Institute

Peeples Cancer Institute Offering New Session of Smoking Cessation Program

February 24, 2022

Peeples Cancer Institute at Hamilton Medical Center will host an American Lung Association eight-week smoking cessation program beginning on Tuesday, March 1 from noon to 1 p.m.

Hamilton Medical Center representatives are pictured. From left are Eric Turner, MD, Perri Correll, Beth Pipkin, Midge Gibson and Ken Waddell
Hamilton Medical Center representatives are pictured. From left are Eric Turner, MD, Perri Correll, Beth Pipkin, Midge Gibson and Ken Waddell
Smokeout

The weekly sessions will run through April 12. Participation will be in person at the Peeples Cancer Institute Conference Room or via Zoom link. A free box lunch will be provided for those who attend in person.

The program will be overseen by an American Lung Association certified facilitator and will include the following topics: how to know if you’re really ready to quit, medications that can increase your success, lifestyle changes to make quitting easier, how to prepare for your quit day, coping strategies for managing stress and avoiding weight gain, and how to stay smoke-free for good.

Registration is $75 for the entire series. Ask about scholarship opportunities, if needed. To RSVP, visit HamiltonHealth.com/quit. For more information on the program, visit Lung.org/ff. If you have questions, please email mgibson@hhcs.org or call 706-226-8966.

Filed Under: Hamilton Cancer Updates, Health & Wellness, News Tagged With: Peeples Cancer Institute, quit smoking, smoking

Whitfield Healthcare Foundation Launches Fundraising Initiative, PEEPLES + PAXMAN + YOU

October 16, 2020

The Whitfield Healthcare Foundation, Hamilton Health Care System’s not for profit fundraising entity, is launching a fundraising initiative to support innovative patient care services at Peeples Cancer Institute.  The Foundation’s Business Relations committee is spearheading PEEPLES + PAXMAN + YOU to support the Paxman Scalp Cooling System, an innovative patient support service that greatly reduces or prevents hair loss for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Since the hair loss prevention services are not covered by most insurances, the Whitfield Healthcare Foundation is asking for the community’s help to support these life-changing services for patients with cancer.

patient and nurse with cooling cap
Nurse Navigator Maggie Gomez assists Peeples Cancer Institute patient Kelly Kinsey with the Paxman Scalp Cooling cap as she prepares for chemotherapy.

To kickstart their fundraising efforts, the Foundation’s Business Relations committee is inviting all area businesses to join the Hamilton Business Alliance, a business partnership program that supports capital projects, community health initiatives, technological advancements, and innovative programs and services at Hamilton. Created to address the region’s changing healthcare needs, the Hamilton Business Alliance offers a range of membership options and giving levels to encourage broad participation and support for healthcare excellence.

Businesses who pledge support for the Hamilton Business Alliance will receive a Hamilton Business Alliance window cling to place on a door or window as well as a PEEPLES + PAXMAN + YOU window cling and poster to display at their business, signifying their commitment to innovative patient care at Peeples Cancer Institute.

“Our goal is to support these amazing services at Peeples Cancer Institute as we partner together to bring healthcare advancements to northwest Georgia. From small businesses to foundations to large corporations, the Hamilton Business Alliance prioritizes the health and wellbeing of employees and their families. By having businesses collaborate with the Foundation on Hamilton projects, we are able to greatly impact the quality of healthcare and services,” states Kelly Jones, co-chair of the Foundation’s Business Relations Committee and Vice President for Human Resources at Dalton Utilities.

The Paxman Scalp Cooling System responds particularly well with patients receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. Larry Winter, co-chair of the Foundation’s Business Relations committee, states that he is inspired to lead this fundraising initiative because it supports women’s cancer services. “Our business has 27 employees, 18 of whom are women. At Nichols, Cauley & Associates, we are advocating and pledging funds for this advancement in cancer services to affirm our commitment to next-level care.”

Dr. Eric Turner
Dr. Eric Turner

Eric Turner, MD, Medical Director for Peeples Cancer Institute, relates the challenges many patients face while undergoing chemotherapy: “Chemotherapy-induced hair loss is one of the most traumatic side effects associated with cancer treatment. Hair loss can be a visualization of a patient’s internal anxiety and strife. The hope with the Paxman System and cooling cap is that by diminishing or preventing hair loss, we can allow patients to look and feel more like themselves. Many times, knowing that our staff is committed to their emotional and physical wellbeing throughout the continuum of care offers patients the encouragement and motivation they need to fight through to the end of their therapy.”

Jane Snipes, Foundation Executive Director states: “Our Foundation members are steadfast in their support of groundbreaking developments and innovative services for patients and their families. Kelly Jones and Larry Winter are two highly respected members of our Foundation who are passionately committed to this project. We hope that individuals and families will join our business community in this call to action to advance cancer care and services. PEEPLES + PAXMAN + YOU is something positive we all can get behind, especially as we continue to navigate the challenges of 2020.”   

The Paxman Scalp Cooling System is Peeples Cancer Institute’s latest addition to its state-of-the-art cancer care and services. The Paxman system helps prevent patients from losing their hair during chemotherapy treatment.
The Paxman Scalp Cooling System is Peeples Cancer Institute’s latest addition to its state-of-the-art cancer care and services. The Paxman system helps prevent patients from losing their hair during chemotherapy treatment.

To give to PEEPLES + PAXMAN + YOU or to join the Hamilton Business Alliance, visit HamiltonHealth.com/foundation or call the Foundation at 706.272.6128.

Filed Under: Community, Excellence at Hamilton, Hamilton Cancer Updates, Health & Wellness, News, Whitfield Healthcare Foundation Tagged With: donation, Eric Manahan, Eric Turner, gift, hair loss, Jane snipes, Lisa Duhaime, Peeples Cancer Institute, Qin Zhang, treatment, turner, whitfield healthcare foundation

Zhang Joins Hamilton’s Peeples Cancer Institute

April 23, 2020

Qin Zhang, MD - Peeples Cancer Institute in Dalton, GAQin Zhang, MD, says being a medical oncologist was an easy decision for her. “Aside from the disease biology being of great interest to me from an academic research standpoint, I felt drawn to the patient population,” she says. “My patients come from all walks of life, each with different experiences and cultures that influence their decision regarding disease management. The collaborative relationship that forms between my patients and me is indescribable.”

Zhang says she chose healthcare because she feels nothing is more important than a person’s health.

Zhang, a board-certified medical oncologist, has joined Peeples Cancer Institute. She specializes in adult cancer and hematology disorders.

“I realize that for a patient, visiting my office to discuss a new diagnosis of cancer is the last place he or she would want to be,” says Zhang. “I make it a priority to identify each patient’s specific source of suffering during the very first clinic visit. This may be anxiety, depression, pain, anger or feeling of isolation. I’ve found that only then can we engage in productive discussion regarding management. Earning the trust and confidence of a patient is key in delivering effective health care.”

Zhang completed medical training at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, and her medical oncology/hematology fellowship training at the University of Chicago in Illinois. Before joining Hamilton, Zhang practiced medical oncology for several years and served in a leadership role as medical director.

Peeples Cancer Institute

She says her family loves to hike and be outdoors. She has invested a significant amount of time in oil painting and Chinese calligraphy. “This art form is extremely challenging in that it requires strict discipline and guidelines, yet demands individualized expression and decisions in each piece – much like the art of medical oncology,” she says.

To schedule an appointment with Zhang, call Peeples Cancer Institute at 844-PCI-HOPE.


Follow us on instagram


Filed Under: News Tagged With: breast cancer, cancer, oncology, Peeples Cancer Institute, zhang

Turner Joins Hamilton’s Peeples Cancer Institute

April 20, 2020

Eric Turner - Medical Director for Hamilton Peeples Cancer Institute
Eric Turner, MD

Eric Turner, MD, says he approaches patient care with the philosophy of hope and compassion. “It is important to me that patients understand their condition and the treatment approach,” he says. “And, it is important for me, as the healthcare provider, to try to understand the patient’s perspective. I want to take care of a patient the same as I would want my family member treated.”

 

Turner joins Peeples Cancer Institute as medical director and medical oncologist. He specializes in adult cancer and hematology disorders.

Board certified in medical oncology, Turner completed his internal medicine residency at University of Virginia Health Systems in Charlottesville, Va., and his medical oncology/hematology fellowship training at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, N.C. Turner practiced medical oncology in Calhoun for 15 years before Joining Hamilton.

 

Cancer Prevention Quiz

 

“I chose healthcare as a profession because it allows me to make a difference in people’s lives,” he says. “Healthcare, especially medical oncology, allows me to fuse my scientific interest with my clinical interest. After many years of research experience, I decided that I would like to take that knowledge and experience into the exam room and apply it towards treating cancer patients.”

 

Turner enjoys exercising and is a classic car enthusiast – especially 1960s muscle cars. His family enjoys playing tennis together, eating together – at home and at restaurants, and traveling.

 

To schedule an appointment with Turner, call Peeples Cancer Institute at 844-PCI-HOPE.

 


Follow us on instagram


Filed Under: Hamilton Cancer Updates, News, Welcome to Hamilton Tagged With: Eric Turner, Peeples Cancer Institute, welcome

Peeples Cancer Institute Treating Patients, Providing Hope

April 12, 2020

Peeples Cancer InstituteWhen guests enter Peeples Cancer Institute (PCI), they are welcomed by a greeter who is equipped to answer questions and escort them where needed. The institute has a spacious lobby that was specifically designed to provide a calm, relaxing atmosphere.

“First impressions are important and our intent is to clearly convey confidence, tranquility, and healing,” says Ernie Elemento, vice president.

The 46,000-square-foot facility opened in January. Accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC), the institute centralizes patient-centered care and outpatient cancer services in one convenient location.
Patient experience is a significant focus of the institute.

“Every aspect of Peeples Cancer Institute is focused on the needs of our patients and families so that we provide an outstanding patient experience and the best clinical outcomes,” says Jeff Myers, president, and CEO of Hamilton Health Care System. “Our goal is to foster collaboration, communication and education among physicians and our medical teams to advance and enhance our care for patients. They are our number one priority.”

Expert Care
Eric Turner, MD (medical director) and Qin Zhang, MD, recently joined PCI. Both are board-certified medical oncologists and specialize in adult cancer and hematology disorders. They join Lisa Duhaime, MD, and Freda Hoffman, APRN, on the medical oncology side. Arif Ali, MD, and Nick Galanopoulus, MD, are both board-certified and provide radiation oncology treatment and services.

Surgeons from Hamilton Physician Group – General Surgery all participate in cancer-related surgeries. Surgeons include Richard Fromm, MD; James Gable, MD; Eric Manahan, MD; Steven Paynter, MD; and Rod Rodriguez, MD. Fromm, Manahan, Paynter and Rodriguez are breast cancer specialists.

Other members of the clinical care team include radiologists, pharmacists, clinic nurses, infusion nurses, nurse navigators, radiation therapists, mammography technologists, social workers, researchers, tumor registrars, and other vital staff members.


« ‹ of 10 › »

Under one roof
The goal of integrating all outpatient cancer care services under one roof was the driving force behind the expansion of the oncology program into its newly constructed building. The process was conducted with the needs of the patient, community, and staff in mind.

As the planning process for the new cancer institute began, Hamilton’s leadership and staff engaged the community to provide feedback throughout every step of its design. For example, the initial design did not include a physical connection to the main hospital. After hearing the concerns of the focus group, Hamilton’s leadership worked with the city council to close a public road and allow the construction of a walkway physically connecting the new cancer institute to the main hospital.

PCI centralizes all oncology care in one location, further enhancing physician collaboration and quality patient care. With Hamilton Medical Center connected directly to the institute, in-patient care is enhanced by ease of patient transport.

The community feedback is also reflected in the interior design of the new facility. Patients and caregivers, including those who received cancer care elsewhere, provided their input.

“We heard them loud and clear,” says Elemento. “They did not want to sit in an infusion chair for hours receiving chemotherapy while staring at a wall.” Today, patients receiving treatment in one of the 20 semi-private infusion recliners have expansive views of Dalton through floor-to-ceiling windows that provide abundant natural light. Six additional chairs are private, allowing patients privacy if they prefer.

The latest technology
Equipped with a state-of-the-art Varian™ Truebeam™ Linac and 4D CT simulator, the cancer institute offers a variety of radiation therapy treatment modalities, including IMRT, SRS, SBRT, 3D and HDR brachytherapy.

The Women’s Imaging area offers the latest in 3D mammography, stereotactic biopsy and ultrasound.
Looking to the future, the institute is already looking to expand its capabilities.

Looking ahead
The institute continues to work on opportunities to provide additional treatments and ways to support patients and family members.

The pharmacy is working toward an accredited specialty pharmacy that would include oral oncolytics, specialty drugs that kill cancer cells.

PCI will soon offer patients access to participate in clinical trials. The PCI employs a research coordinator to enroll patients into clinical trials when appropriate, and the institute’s medical oncologists will provide oversight as principle investigators for all trial patients.

As part of the high-risk genetics program, patients will be followed in a high-risk genetics clinic at PCI and receive additional needed services such as annual breast MRI screening or other imaging and testing when appropriate.

The institute will soon offer genetic screening and genetic counseling services. Patients identified as high-risk are given immediate access to a certified genetic counselor through tele-genetics. The new facility is completely wired and ready for telehealth, and its tele-genetics program is the first step in utilizing these new features.

PCI has been working on increasing its menu of supportive care programs for patients.

Growing these services allows the program to support patients emotionally, mentally, and physically throughout their cancer treatment journey.Rita Harris, oncology service line administrator

A donor’s gift is making it possible for the institute to begin planning an arts and healing program that will bring music and art to its patients and caregivers. A therapy dog visits the infusion center weekly, and the Institute is developing a pet therapy program that will allow therapy dogs to visit with patients throughout the facility, thanks to a gift from Dalton Box. The institute will soon welcome a specialized oncology nutritionist to provide nutrition and wellness counseling and services. All supportive care services at PCI are offered free as part of a cohesive cancer-fighting strategy for patients, from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship.

Filed Under: Community, Excellence at Hamilton, Hamilton Cancer Updates, Health & Wellness, News Tagged With: Arif Ali, breast cancer specialists, cancer, Commission on Cancer, Eric Manahan, Eric Turner, Freda Hoffman, genetics program, Lisa Duhaime, mammography, manahan, MD; and Rod Rodriguez, MD; Steven Paynter, MD. Fromm, Nick Galanopoulus, Paynter and Rodriguez, Peeples Cancer Institute, Qin Zhang, Varian™ Truebeam™ Linac and 4D CT simulator

Hamilton’s Peeples Cancer Institute Open, Planning Community Open House

January 21, 2020

Hamilton’s Peeples Cancer Institute
From left are Greg Stinnett, pharmacy director; Ernie Elemento, vice president; Rita Harris, Oncology service line administrator; Sandy McKenzie, COO; Jeff Myers, CEO; Eric Manahan, MD, medical director.

Hamilton Medical Center’s Peeples Cancer Institute began welcoming patients Jan. 6. A community open house is planned for Saturday, Feb. 1 from 1 to 3 p.m.

With an entrance on Memorial Drive, off Thornton Avenue, the 64,000 square-foot facility, estimated at $46.5 million, houses outpatient cancer diagnostic and treatment services in one location. The team of medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons and clinical support staff work collaboratively in shared spaces to provide state-of-the-art care in a healing, nurturing environment.

“Every aspect of Peeples Cancer Institute is focused on the needs of our patients and families so that we provide an outstanding patient experience and the best clinical outcomes,” said Jeff Myers, president and CEO of Hamilton Health Care System. “Our goal is to foster collaboration, communication and education among physicians and our medical teams to advance and enhance our care for patients. They are our number one priority.”

The design and development of the facility incorporated direct feedback from focus groups including cancer survivors treated at Hamilton, cancer survivors treated elsewhere, local caregivers and community volunteers.

Patient navigators assist newly diagnosed patients to obtain the resources they need, having their questions answered, and receiving necessary emotional support along their journey, from diagnosis to survivorship.

In addition to updated design features, Peeples Cancer Institute showcases the talents of local and regional artists, with several cancer survivors represented. The Whitfield Healthcare Foundation and Hamilton Health Care System have partnered locally with the Creative Arts Guild to develop a healing arts program, with visual arts being the initial phase of the program.

“We are embracing the arts in healthcare to enhance the health and well-being of patients,” said Jane Snipes, Whitfield Healthcare Foundation executive director. “The latest research is finally backing up what we have known all along regarding the therapeutic benefits of the arts. Through a strategic partnership, we can create a stronger, healthier, more vibrant community for all of us.”

Radiation oncology services in the Institute are being provided by Arif Ali, MD, and Nick Galanopoulos, MD, with Northwest Georgia Radiation Oncology. Lisa Duhaime, MD, and Freda Hoffman, APRN, are providing medical oncology services.

Local philanthropists Shelby and Willena Peeples have provided a legacy gift toward the development of the cancer institute and furthered Hamilton’s vision for transformational care.

“We are indebted to the Peeples for their commitment to this project, not only financially, but as they advocate and provide leadership and inspiration for our community,” said Snipes. “Like the Peeples, our Foundation is committed to supporting what our patients and families need. The care provided in Peeples Cancer Institute will impact thousands of lives in northwest Georgia. We will continue with our fundraising efforts to develop innovative programs and services, and we encourage individuals and businesses to join our efforts.”

Hamilton’s cancer program is accredited by the Commission on Cancer (COC), a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education and the monitoring of comprehensive quality care.

Hamilton’s Peeples Cancer InstituteHamilton’s Peeples Cancer InstituteHamilton’s Peeples Cancer Institute


Follow us on instagram


Filed Under: Community, Excellence at Hamilton, Hamilton Cancer Updates, Happening at Hamilton, News Tagged With: open house, PCI, Peeples Cancer Institute

Hamilton Medical Center to Sponsor Free Skin Cancer Screening

September 12, 2018

Mary Beth ColeMary Beth Cole, MD, will provide free skin cancer screenings on Friday, Oct. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Murray County Health Department, 709 Old Dalton Ellijay Road, in Chatsworth. The event is sponsored by Hamilton Medical Center (HMC).

“Although skin cancer rates have been increasing during the past decade, the good news is that you can do a lot to help protect yourself,” said Cole. “Sun protection and skin cancer screenings help reduce the risk of invasive skin cancer. If caught early, skin cancer is very treatable.”

Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancers, affecting more than one million Americans every year. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. Skin cancers are generally curable if caught early.

Space is limited. Please register ONLINE or call 706-272-6114 for an appointment.

If you would like to attend this event and need interpretation services and/or auxiliary aids, please indicate when registering.

 

HMC is in the process of building Peeples Cancer Institute, a state-of-the-art facility. It is scheduled to open in the summer of 2019. Some of the plans for the facility include: enhanced radiation therapies, including the Varian® Truebeam linear accelerator and 4-D CT Simulator; personal guidance for patients through every step of their care; patient and community resource center; boutique for wigs, appearance consultations and personal accessories; healing arts program, including integration of art, music and support therapies; bistro featuring coffee, smoothies, snacks and a comfortable seating area; and a reflection room for quiet contemplation and moments of relaxation.

Filed Under: Community, Health & Wellness Tagged With: cancer, PCI, Peeples Cancer Institute, screenings, skin cancer

Copyright © 2023 · Hamilton Health on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in