TV Coverages

Although cancer screenings are allowed under Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s medical restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic, some aren’t available right now and people are apprehensive of entering healthcare facilities. Shaun P. McKenzie, M.D., FACS, surgical oncologist at Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–South Austin and Austin North, explains how cancer screening procedures can continue outside of a hospital setting by assuring protective capabilities for preventing the spread of COVID-19 meet the state’s exemptions.

Due to COVID-19, all minor medical procedures and non-emergency dental procedures have been put on hold; however, these procedures are now being resumed in Texas. Michael Keller, M.D., of Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists, shares his expectation for a surge of patients and what that means for surgeons.

Many elective surgeries are now able to resume under certain guidelines, which will be beneficial to cancer patients treated by providers like Texas Oncology. Anne Doughtie, M.D., of Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Amarillo discussed the impact of these loosened restrictions on diagnosing and treating cancer, as well as the many precautions surgeons are taking to ensure patients are safe and hospitals remain prepared to treat COVID-19 patients.

As elective surgeries begin again as part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to reopen some sectors of the state, Shaun P. McKenzie, M.D., FACS, and surgical oncologist at Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists in Austin explains the new guidelines for what types of procedures are allowed and when. Dr. McKenzie notes the importance of time between diagnosis and the start of treatment for new cancer patients while describing the role of hospital systems in ensuring safe environments for these procedures.

Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order loosening certain restrictions on elective surgeries took effect Wednesday. Jeffrey Lamont, M.D., of Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists, appeared on KVIA-TV to discuss the need for surgical procedures for cancer to resume. According to Dr. Lamont, both patients and surgeons have experienced frustration in halting procedures for detection and treatment, which risked adverse outcomes. Dr. Lamont also discusses the processes Texas Oncology has in place to ensure hospitals continue to be equipped to treat COVID-19 patients as surgeries resume.

For many cancer patients, surgery is often an important component of their diagnosis and treatment. Antonio Santillan-Gomez, M.D., MBA, FACOG, gynecologic oncologist at Texas Oncology–San Antonio Medical Center and Stone Oak, explains why Texas Oncology supports measures to resume elective surgeries with proper precautions during the coronavirus pandemic because cancer care can’t wait.

Due to their compromised immune systems, cancer patients are at higher risk for severe symptoms of COVID-19. Texas Oncology remains open to provide care for patients continuing treatment during the pandemic. Debra Patt, M.D., MPH, MBA, executive vice president of Texas Oncology, explains that the practice has expanded its telemedicine capabilities to reduce traffic in its clinics and to ease the concerns of patients during this time.

Michael Keller, M.D., of Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists, appeared on KSAT-TV (ABC, San Antonio) to discuss Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order that loosened the restrictions on surgeries in Texas. According to Dr. Keller, surgery is a major component of treating cancer patients, but many did not previously meet the qualifications to allow for them to undergo treatment amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In light of Gov. Greg Abbott's move to loosen surgery restrictions during COVID-19, Heather King, M.D., FACS, of Texas Breast Specialists–Austin, appeared on KEYE-TV (CBS, Austin) to discuss the impact of the decision for cancer patients. Dr. King elaborates on the importance of scaling down restrictions gradually to avoid a surge, while highlighting how the decision will benefit patients who were on hold for procedures but feel comfortable proceeding.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott's decision to loosen previously imposed COVID-19 restrictions on surgical procedures comes as a relief to many in the surgical community, especially those treating patients with cancer. Christine Lee, M.D., of Texas Oncology–The Woodlands, appeared on KRIV-TV to discuss the importance of this decision for Texans with cancer.