PORT ANGELES — Olympic Medical Center has hired two oncologists for its cancer center, the hospital announced Thursday.
Dr. Erin Nelli, a medical oncologist, and Dr. Michael Shevach, a radiation oncologist, have joined the medical team in Sequim, filling a roster of five doctors and one physician’s assistant.
Nelli recently finished a fellowship at the University of South Florida’s cancer center. She is board certified in internal medicine and board eligible in medical oncology.
She said she looks forward to utilizing OMC’s affiliation with the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and to provide quality rural care.
“I am excited for the opportunity to work on clinical trials offered through our relationship with the SCCA,” Nelli said.
Shevach has more than 20 years experience as a radiation oncologist. He is board certified in radiation oncology.
He said he is excited about the evolving radiation technologies and cancer treatments, particularly for prostate cancer.
“Olympic Medical Cancer Center boasts an excellent cancer treatment program that offers the Olympic Peninsula community advanced cancer care options,” Shevach said.
Tara Lock, director of Olympic Medical Cancer Center, said the cancer care team includes a physician assistant, oncology-certified nurses, highly trained dosimetrists, a patient navigator, registered dietitians, and an on-site pharmacist under one roof in Sequim.
“Our team treats not only cancer; we care for the whole person,” she said.
Sequim cancer center
OMC’s Thomas Family Cancer Center in Sequim provides radiation therapy, chemotherapy, infusion services, hematology, dietary services, imaging and an on-site pharmacy.
“The demand for cancer care services is significant from the West End all the way through Eastern Jefferson County,” said Rhonda Curry, assistant administrator.
“We are now able to serve the North Olympic Peninsula, allowing our community and our neighbors to stay very close to home for expert cancer treatment.
“This is welcome support for Forks Community Hospital and Jefferson Healthcare who are unable to provide the same type of cancer care services due to the size of their population.”
OMC’s affiliation with the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance brings the resources of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine and Seattle Children’s.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.