Marking its first anniversary, the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center's Blood Cancer Healing Center is making headlines not just for its clinical achievements but also for its unique approach to cancer care. According to a recent interview with LOCAL12 via UC News, the center combines medical treatment with emotional and spiritual support programs to offer a more holistic care experience for people battling blood cancers.
At the helm of this innovative approach are Eric Vick, MD, PhD, and Kelly Acker, who are pushing the boundaries of traditional cancer care. "We are focusing on trying to provide all manner of care for our patients - obviously medical," Vick, an instructor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at UC’s College of Medicine, told Local12 via UC News. The center is not only increasing its bed count by 17 for inpatient stays but also expanding its clinical operations, which include clinics and lab spaces, as highlighted by Acker, UC Health's assistant vice president of cancer operations. These developments aim to facilitate further growth in patient care and scientific research.
Moreover, the Blood Cancer Healing Center places a significant emphasis on the importance of a patient's emotional and spiritual well-being as part of the healing process. Its expanding chaplaincy program is a testament to this commitment, representing the center's acknowledgment that healing goes beyond just the physical aspects of the disease. "But we have our chaplaincy program that is expanding and we're working on increasing our nutrition education." These words from Vick underscore the center’s endeavor to provide a rounded care experience, according to the UC News.
Looking to the future, the center is also set to bolster its research capabilities, with Vick and Acker announcing plans for additional research laboratory spaces. These new facilities are not just for advancing potential cancer treatment discoveries but are also envisioned to support wellness areas. These areas are intended for pioneering 'food as medicine' initiatives and 'mind and movement' therapies, furthering the Center's commitment to holistic care and support for its patients. With these expansions, the Blood Cancer Healing Center is paving a way for an integrated approach to cancer treatment, where care extends beyond the confines of traditional methodologies.
