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It's noon and a group of local physicians are forgoing their lunch plans to meet at Memorial Hospital for a a regularly-scheduled once-a-week deliberate collaboration. They gather in the hospital's auditorium and take turns discussing their latest cancer patients. They throw out ideas, thoughts and theories. They pass around photos and review slides. This is the multi-disciplinary cancer conference - a place for them to ask questions and share data.
Dr. William Von Stubbe, unofficial head of the group, finds the free-of-charge conference a priceless service to patients. "It's better than getting a second, or even third opinion. That might not be necessary in every situation, but in cases with complexity, it gives the family a sense of security." He also believes it's beneficial to the physician. "With a tough case, we like to hear what our colleagues have to say. They often think of something you hadn't. You see things in a different light. It raises new possibilities."
These unique lunch meetings are just one example of how local doctors are working together to keep Yakima at the forefront of cancer care and making sure local patients receive the best possible care.
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