The time is now to excel
Patients come first at MD Anderson as researchers develop therapies to strengthen the immune system; surgeons adapt even greater patient safety measures; emphasis is placed on nursing excellence and education; and volunteers help patients and caregivers navigate the journey through our hallways.
Advancing quality surgical care
It would be easy for surgeons at the top-ranked institution in cancer care to rest on their laurels. But within MD Anderson’s Division of Surgery, a team of physicians and clinical nurse reviewers has determined that room for improvement always exists.
- Doctors and nurses become voice of patient
Doubling down on doctoral nursing degrees
Melissa McLenon, D.N.P., has been committed to her patients throughout her 20-year nursing career. An acute care nurse practitioner in the Department of Critical Care, she earned her doctorate in nursing practice in 2012.
- Nurses listen, bond, care
Vaccines promising for breast cancer patients
Elizabeth Mittendorf, M.D., Ph.D., abandoned plans to become a pediatrician when she fell in love with the knowledge and skills a surgeon has. “Surgeons can address just about anything that comes through a hospital door,” she says. “I wanted to have that ability.”
- Vaccine recipient: Lisette Gutierrez
- Melanoma therapies stimulate immune system
Volunteer helps patients find their way
With six children and six grandchildren, caregiving comes naturally to patient navigator volunteer Denise Taliaferro. However, acting in that same role to her husband was never on her list of things to do.
- Patient volunteer: Frank McCreary
Screenings: Key to catching cancer early
Infographic: Screening exams help find cancer at its earliest stage, when chances for curing the disease are greatest. Based on age, gender and risk factors,
MD Anderson has specific screening plans for men and women.
Institute for Applied Cancer Science
Infographic: The Institute for Applied Cancer Science brings an innovative approach to cancer drug discovery and development, and integrates the best of cancer biology and drug discovery science, which translates into improved clinical successes.
