West Georgia Health

Steve Karp collaborates with the Radiation Oncologist in planning anddesign of the most effective treatment for our patients. Mr. Karp is a graduate of Emory University with a Masters in Therapeutic Radiological Physics. He began working in the Radiation Therapy Department at the Enoch Callaway Cancer Clinic in 1985.

I wanted to work in the medical field.Radiation Oncology seemed like an interesting and challenging career. I am able to use my training and abilities as a physicist to have a positive impact in the care of the patients who are receiving radiation therapy. It is rewarding to know that I am doing all that I can to help patients have a better outcome with their cancer treatment.

Ms. Hawkins began her career at West Georgia Health in the Radiation Therapy Department in January of 2009. After consulting with the physician to determine the treatment goals for each patient, she devises the optimal plan to accomplish these goals. Ms. Hawkins specializes in the operation of radiation equipment and calculates radiation dosages based on the physician’s treatment plan. Martha is a graduate of the University of Alabama in Birmingham. She is board certified in x-ray, therapy and dosimetry.

We become invested in our patients’ lives, because they are usually treated for two to six weeks. Not only does it develop a bond between us, it reminds us daily; we are a part of a team effort. I worked as a radiation therapist for nine years before I had an opportunity to go into dosimetry, which I like even more. I have been in radiation therapy for33 years. When I look back, I am amazed at how far we’ve come. We are able to accomplish objectives we never thought possible. Better technology and techniques are reducing side effects and most importantly, survival rates are increasing in many types of cancer.

Lori McClung began her career at West Georgia Health System in 1981 as a Pharmacy Technician and switched to nursing in 1983. Since then she has worked as a nurse in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, Outpatient Surgery, Radiology, Endoscopy and Radiation Oncology.

Working closely with patients undergoing radiation therapy, she is responsible for assessing and monitoring those patients while they are receiving treatment. She assists the Radiation Oncologist, Radiation Therapists and other department staff in coordinating care of the patients and obtaining resources as needed. Ms. McClung is a Sims scholar graduate of the LaGrange College School of Nursing.

I love patient contact and care. In this role, I am able to establish a relationship with the patients because we see them every day. By the time the patients are finished with their treatment they feel like family to us. I knew early on that I wanted to be a nurse. I have a strong faith in God and a desire to help people. I often find myself being inspired by our patients who exhibit such wonderful spirit while going through a difficult time.

Wanda Lowe is not only a Registered Nurse with over 34 years experience, but also a seven-year cancer survivor experienced in oncology nursing. She helps coordinate care to promote effective, timely and compassionate treatment and provides support to patients, their families, friends and loved ones. Ms. Lowe also connects patients with programs and resources and is a founding member of the breast cancer support group, Breast Friends for Life.

A cancer diagnosis changes a patient's world in an instant. And it's not just the patient who is affected — it's the entire family, friends and loved ones. I am here to help our patients every step of the way through the cancer treatment process.

Ms. Bidwell collects data for cancer patients diagnosed and/or treated at West Georgia Health including demographic information; diagnostic tests and results, and specific cancer information. This data is then submitted to the Georgia Center for Cancer Statistics (GCCR) each month. She also participates in weekly cancer conferences to document staging and the treatment discussed for newly diagnosed patients and maintains a relationship with the medical community, other cancer registries and medical staff at other facilities. Ms. Bidwell has a B.S. in Sociology from Columbus State University in Columbus, GA. She received additional training in Cancer Registry management and continuing education courses through Emory University.

I feel privileged to be part of the fight against cancer. My background is in social research and cancer impacts so many people in our society. My focus is on the importance of documenting the diagnosis, treatment and end results of cancer cases. High quality cancer data saves lives by providing the necessary information for research and treatment

Brenda Jackson began working at West Georgia Health in 2004. She collects the required data set available in the hospital system, as well as information from staff physician offices, other medical facilities and other out-sourcing references. Ms. Jackson is a graduate of East Depot High School in LaGrange and received additional training in medical terminology and anatomy. She also participates in the educational activities of local and state associations and ongoing continuing education.

I enjoy case finding, because it’s challenging and I want to make sure that our data is high quality. It’s very rewarding to be a part of cancer research. I like to stay focused on my responsibility to provide high quality data in a timely manner.

Daniela Chase began working at West Georgia Health in 1998. She is generally the first person patients see when they arrive in the Radiation Therapy department. She schedules appointments and locates medical records and films from doctors and facilities all over the country. She also helps patients find resources and transportation and complete insurance and disability forms. Ms. Chase is a graduate of Naugatuck High School in Connecticut and studied business, math and secretarial skills.

Meeting people and patients who are so positive and upbeat is the best part of my job. Many times they give me more encouragement than I give them. I am also blessed to work with such a great team. I try to treat all our patients like I would want my loved ones treated. I enjoy coming to work each day.