Radio Coverages

Carl G. Chakmakjian, D.O., FACP, medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Gatesville, Mexia, and Waco, joined his longtime cervical cancer patient Amy Faulkner on Central Texas Life with Ann Harder to discuss Amy’s treatment journey over the past eight years. Amy, a high school teacher, shares how she balanced school and treatment, how her family was her best support system, and how her cancer treatment even inspired her daughter to become a nurse.

A new state law gives cancer patients access to more targeted and effective therapies in precision medicine. KERA’s Sam Baker talks about all this with Dr. Chris Prakash, director of quality services for Texas Oncology and current president of the Texas Society of Clinical Oncology. Prakash helped in efforts to pass Senate Bill 989.

Helen Eshed, M.D., Texas Oncology–Austin Central and South Austin, and Hope Mojica join the Inside Austin Podcast to speak about the clinical and personal side of a cervical cancer diagnosis for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

“Fighting cancer has taught me how powerful my body really is and introduced me to the strongest group of women I’ve ever met. These women have inspired me for the better, and I want to be a champion in helping others who are navigating cancer,” said Kim Mosier, breast cancer survivor. Sherrie Thomas, M.D., FACS, Texas Breast Specialists-Austin North and Round Rock and Kim Mosier join the Inside Austin Podcast to have a frank and honest conversation about breast cancer and the clinical and personal side of a breast cancer diagnosis for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Scanning for colorectal cancer can save lives, but many dread a large amount of solution you consume to clean out the colon. Roberto Rodriguez-Ruesga, M.D., FACS, FASCRS, colorectal surgeon at Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, McKinney South, and Plano East, talked with KERA’s Sam Baker about some alternatives and tips to make the preparation easier.

Sydney Townsend was diagnosed with cancer in June 2018, three months after giving birth to her first child. As a former boxer, she realized she was in the fight of her life and never gave up. With the help and guidance of, Kathryn Hudson, M.D., medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Austin Central, both were hyper-focused on doing the best they could so that Sydney could be fully present for her family. Today, Sydney is three years cancer free. In this episode of the Race to Value podcast, Sydney and Dr. Hudson share the impact of a deep and trusting relationship between patient and provider, as well as the importance of improving supportive care models for cancer patients and survivors.

As oncology practices transition to value-based care, they are challenged to take a more holistic approach to patient care. Fortunately, there are many examples of practices participating in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Oncology Care Model (OCM) that have made impactful workflow changes to achieve cost and quality improvements. Debra Patt, M.D., PH.D., MBA, a medical oncologist and breast cancer specialist in Austin, Texas, serves as the Executive Vice President for Public Policy, Payer Relations, and Strategic Initiatives at Texas Oncology. Dr. Patt joins the Race to Value podcast to discuss the new era of value-based care and its trajectory for the future of patient care.

Texas Oncology says it has plans for a new comprehensive cancer center in Amarillo. The company said they hope to build a 50,000-square-foot facility at 8212 West Amarillo Boulevard. Construction is slated to start later in 2021.

Nikesh Jasani, M.D., hematologist and medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Cypress Fairfield, cautions individuals about the effect of the pandemic on diagnosing and treating cancer, combatting misinformation about the disease. He urges individuals to get their regular screenings and recommends cancer patients talk with their oncologists about when to integrate a COVID-19 vaccine into their treatment plans.

The World Health Organization released data stating that breast cancer is now the most common cancer in the world, passing lung cancer, which had been the leading form of cancer for decades. Allison DiPasquale, breast surgeon with Texas Breast Specialists–Medical City Dallas, discussed this news, and the impact the COVID-19 vaccine may have on cancer patients, on KRLD's "Ask the Expert" segment.