Chamber Members Learn More About Winship Cancer Institute

When Emory Healthcare and Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Sandy Springs merged in 2011, the two health systems created the largest and most clinically comprehensive health system in the state of Georgia.

Those who live and work in Sandy Springs are reaping the benefits of the enhanced health care offerings now available at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital on Peachtree Dunwoody Road, including the services of the prestigious Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.

Members of the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber recently had the opportunity to hear more about Winship’s acclaimed programs and services at the Chamber’s first monthly membership luncheon of 2017

The program began with a video history of Saint Joseph’s Hospital, presented by Peter Rossi, MD, medical director of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital. Dr. Rossi then introduced Walter J. Curran, Jr., MD, FACR, executive director of Winship Cancer Institute, who spoke to a sold-out audience about the cancer center’s history, mission, ground-breaking work and future.

Dr. Curran, who also serves as the Lawrence W. Davis Professor and Chairman in Emory's Department of Radiation Oncology, began by citing Winship’s mission:

To lessen the burden of cancer for the citizens of Georgia through aligning its outstanding cancer research and education initiatives with its significant cancer prevention and cancer care efforts.

“Everything we do at Winship Cancer Institute flows from this mission,” said Dr. Curran. “We are a multi-disciplinary organization with an inter-disciplinary approach to research, education, training, cancer prevention and patient care.”

Coca-Cola CEO Robert Winship Woodruff founded Winship Cancer Institute in 1937 through a gift to Emory and named it for his grandfather. It was the first Georgia clinical facility dedicated to cancer treatment, and from the beginning housed both medical researchers and physicians, working cooperatively. “In its first year of operation, Winship Cancer Institute treated 168 patients. Today, we see more than 14,000 patients every year,” said Dr. Curran.

As a Georgia-based organization, Winship focuses on cancer research and patient care-related challenges specific to Georgia. According to Dr. Curran, these include:

• Health disparities between various population groups within the state
• Tobacco use and tobacco-related cancers (still the number one cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.)
• Health literacy

Dr. Curran explained that within Georgia’s various populations, defined through ethnicity, race and location (rural vs. urban), there are disparities in the incidences of certain types of cancer, especially prostate, multiple myeloma and breast cancer, and a higher rate of incidence of these types of cancers in Georgia compared to the national average. Winship is focused on prevention/screening and innovative treatment. For tobacco-related cancers, Winship conducts education and behavior-modification programs to reduce tobacco use, as well as offering a variety of treatment options. To improve health literacy, Winship works with both physicians and patients to improve the communication process and increase patient understanding of the treatment options available.

Winship is known for its clinical trials, said Dr. Curran. With access to hundreds of clinical trials for most types of cancer, Winship’s researchers and physicians continue to pioneer new ways of preventing and treating cancer in both adults and children. In 2016 alone, Winship enrolled more than 700 patients in over 250 clinical trials.

In the fall of 2016, Winship at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital completed a $6 million renovation and expansion. At the ribbon cutting, Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul said the expanded facility represents the cutting edge of health care. https://winshipcancer.emory.edu/

Following Dr. Curran’s presentation, Lever Stewart, SSPC 2016 Chairman of the Board, reviewed some of the Chamber’s highlights from the previous year. He noted that the Chamber is enjoying the largest membership in its history, with continued growth expected. He reviewed several significant accomplishments including the establishment of the Donna Adams Mahaffey Scholarship Fund, the success of the CEO Roundtables and the recent announcement of the new Sandy Springs Technology and Innovation Center.

Then, as is customary for the first SSPC membership luncheon of the year, he passed the gavel to the incoming 2017 Board Chair, Dan DiLuzio. DiLuzio thanked Stewart and the Chamber’s Board for their contributions and told the audience he plans to “stay the course” for continued growth and providing value to the members. He reminded the members to mark their calendars for the March 4 SSPC Gala, benefitting the Donna Adams Mahaffey Scholarship Fund, as well as for the next membership luncheon, scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 28.

About the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber

The Chamber was formed in 2008 to serve businesses in the City of Sandy Springs and the north Perimeter area. With leadership from an elected Board of Directors, and working in partnership with city government, the Chamber’s mission is to maximize the business success of its members, strengthen the competitiveness of the Sandy Springs business community and enhance economic prosperity of the area. Ongoing initiatives include workforce and economic development, business education, community service and networking opportunities for members. Tom Mahaffey is president of the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber. www.SSPChamber.org

Photo by Kyle Valencia