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Shortage of rides for cancer patients: kxan.com

Austin Cancer Centers
Written by: Erin O'Brien
Issue: July 2010 | NSIDE Medical

Showing  Care and compassion to cancer patients 

There are few things more life changing than going to the doctor for a checkup that ultimately results in a cancer diagnosis. There are also few things more frightening, as the "big C" can turn a seemingly normal person of any age into a perpetual patient in what seems like an instant. During such a tough time, the best doctors approach the "big C" with another C: care.

"[Doctors] should never lose sight of the fact that [patients] are people," said Dr. Brian Shimkus, one of seven cancer specialists with Austin Cancer Centers, which recently expanded its oncology practice to the Georgetown community with the opening of Georgetown Cancer Center.

They're scared, and until you've been in that situation, you can never understand it. The person is the primary thing you're dealing with. The disease comes second." In other words, for Shimkus and his fellow oncologists at Austin Cancer Centers, compassion , a third C , rules.

Founded in 1973, the practice's goal from the beginning has been to "provide the highest standard of care and do it with the utmost compassion and dedication," according to its Web site. This compassion is twofold, as it refers to both the patients and the community.

"Ever since Austin Cancer Centers started, we've had a commitment to the community," said Dr. Stephen Brown, an oncologist and partner with the practice for more than 12 years

Click Here to read the full article http://www.getnside.com/atx/magazine/medical/current/profiles/1662-Austin_Cancer_Centers/

Experienced Medical Oncologists Join Our Family of Cancer Care Providers

October 19, 2009 – Austin Cancer Centers and Georgetown Cancer Center are pleased to announce the addition of two respected, highly experienced cancer specialists to our team of cancer-care professionals. With the arrival of Dr. John J. Costanzi and Dr. Brian J. Shimkus, we have further enhanced the scope, accessibility and quality of care we provide our patients.

With a wealth of experience and individual reputations for excellence in medical oncology, Dr. Costanzi and Shimkus have increased Austin and Georgetown Cancer Centers’ capabilities. Both centers now offer chemotherapy treatment and other medical oncology services at all locations. In addition, Drs. Shimkus and Costanzi increase the reach, knowledge, and experience base of our team of cancer specialists, continuing our tradition of continuous improvement.

“Both Dr. Costanzi and Dr. Shimkus are well-known, long-trusted cancer specialists in Austin and Georgetown,” says Dr. George Brown of Austin Cancer Centers and Georgetown Cancer Center. “We’ve known and worked with them for decades, and we’re delighted to add their commitment, compassion and expertise to our efforts to achieve our goal of recovery for every one of our patients. With their assistance, we’ll be ble to help more people while also making it easier for patients to get all the care they need.”