Cancer Care Services Expanded at Saint Alphonsus Medical Center -Ontario

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 26, 2013


For information contact:


Elizabeth C. Duncan, Director of Media & Public Relations


Desk (208) 367-8121 Cell (208) 724-8047


duncanec@sarmc.org

Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Ontario Expands Cancer Care Services


Service reinforces the Saint Alphonsus Mission of keeping care close to home

Ontario, Oregon – February 26, 2013 – Saint Alphonsus Medical Center - Ontario continues to expand and enhance services for eastern Oregon and western Idaho families by offering additional cancer care services. Two highly-skilled and experienced Saint Alphonsus Oncologists are now providing cancer care services in Ontario. The expansion in life-saving cancer care is a cornerstone of the Saint Alphonsus' commitment to keeping care close to home.

Scott Pierson, MD, Medical Oncologist, and Patrick Connor, MD, Gynecologic Oncologist, will provide integrated state-of-the-art techniques to diagnose and treat cancer, including advanced imaging, chemotherapy and access to clinical trials. Additionally, a patient care navigator provides support, education and helps guide patients through their care.

“Nearly a quarter of Americans live in rural areas, which often report higher cancer mortality rates than urban and suburban areas,” said Rick Palagi, CEO, Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Ontario. “Finding the time, transportation, and financial resources for travel to urban medical centers often proves difficult. That is why the Saint Alphonsus commitment to providing health and healing close to home is so critically important. We are pleased to be offering this level of expertise to our community’s families.”

Dr. Scott Pierson is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist. He attended Princeton University as an undergraduate where he majored in political science. He attended Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and graduated magna cum laude. Patients may schedule an appoint with Dr. Pierson by calling (208) 288-4679.

Dr. Patrick Connor is a board-certified Gynecologic Oncologist and fellow with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He received his medical degree and completed his residency at Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC.


Patients may schedule an appointment with Dr. Connor by calling (208) 367-5227.

About Saint Alphonsus Medical Center Ontario


Saint Alphonsus Medical Center Ontario is a 49-licensed bed community hospital providing quality care for those in eastern Oregon and southwestern Idaho. As a not-for-profit hospital, Saint Alphonsus Ontario reinvests profits back into the community. Our highly trained and compassionate medical providers and support staff work to provide healing and hope for those we serve and to meet the growing healthcare needs of our communities. For more information about Saint Alphonsus Ontario visit www.saintalphonsus.org

About Saint Alphonsus Health System


Saint Alphonsus Health System is a four-hospital, 714-bed regional, faith-based Catholic ministry with over 4,300 Associates and 950 medical staff. Serving the people of southwestern Idaho, eastern Oregon, and northern Nevada, Saint Alphonsus Health System is comprised of Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Boise, Idaho; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Nampa, ID; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Ontario, OR; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Baker City, OR; Saint Alphonsus Medical Group, with more than 275 primary care and specialty care providers at 35 clinic locations. As a not-for-profit health system, Saint Alphonsus Health System reinvests profits back into the community and works to improve the health and well-being of those we serve by emphasizing care that is patient-centered, innovative and community-based. Saint Alphonsus Health System is a member of Trinity Health, Novi, Michigan. To find out more go to: www.saintalphonsushealthsystem.org