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Gynecologic Surgery & Cancer Care Leaders.
WMCC is southwest Michigan’s unparalleled leader in gynecologic surgery and the treatment of gynecologic cancers. We serve nine counties and are the only gynecologic oncology group in southwest Michigan. Two board certified gynecologic oncologists and a board certified gynecologic surgeon lead our outstanding team, which also includes advanced practice providers, gynecologic oncology nurses, clinical trial nurses, medical assistants, licensed social workers, registered dietitians, and an administrative assistant. If you are diagnosed with gynecologic cancer or a benign condition that requires complex surgery, you can rest assured that our expert physicians will provide you with state-of-the-art care.
What is Gynecologic Surgery & Oncology?
Gynecologic surgery and oncology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on benign and cancerous conditions of the female reproductive system. These include benign diseases such as fibroids, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometriosis and ovarian cysts and cancers of the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina and vulva. We also treat gestational trophoblastic disease. WMCC’s expert team of specialists has extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.
The WMCC Department of Gynecologic Oncology is located on the 3rd floor of the cancer center. This is where our providers see patients for consultations and office visits.
Our gynecologic surgeons perform surgeries at Kalamazoo’s two partner hospitals—Ascension Borgess and Bronson. Chemotherapy infusions are prescribed by our providers and given in the infusion rooms at Ascension Borgess Cancer Center and Bronson Cancer Center in Kalamazoo.
We see patients with cancer long-term for surveillance visits and are involved in treating their cancer recurrences if needed. Patients with benign conditions see us for postoperative care and then are referred back to their primary care team.
Meet Our Team
Our gynecologic surgeon and oncologists are experienced surgeons with specialized training in daVinci® robotic surgery. This robotic-assisted surgery method allows them to perform complex, minimally invasive surgical procedures with precision and accuracy. Additionally, our physician surgeons provide open and vaginal surgery to patients with other gynecologic malignancies.
Our gynecologic oncologists prescribe chemotherapy for patients with gynecologic cancers that require systemic therapy. We coordinate patient infusions with our hospital partners, and infusions are delivered at the Ascension Borgess Cancer Center and Bronson Cancer Center’s infusion rooms.
The WMCC gynecologic oncologists coordinate radiation services with WMCC radiation oncologists for patients with gynecologic malignancies requiring this treatment method.
Additionally, WMCC’s gynecology program is part of a teaching curriculum for obstetrics and gynecology residents and students at Western Michigan University’s Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. Dr. Luts is assistant program director for residents in obstetrics and gynecology at WMed. We perform clinical research and provide patients with clinical trials for treatment. Dr. Shalowitz is director for health equity and community outreach, participating in research and community organization in order to make health care more accessible to all. We use state-of-the-art technology and treatment recommendations to give our cancer patients the best possible experience and outcomes.
If you have been diagnosed with a benign or cancerous condition of the female reproductive tract, you can count on our compassionate, skilled team to be there for you and your loved ones and to fight with you. Our goal is to use the most innovative treatment and technology tools available to treat your illness and support you in your survivorship.
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Gynecologic Surgery & Oncology Team Members
If you have cancer or a complex gynecologic condition and need surgery to treat it, you may be feeling anxious or even overwhelmed. We understand and want you to know that Dr. Hoekstra and her team will be with you every step of the way. They will help prepare you and your loved ones for your upcoming surgery and make sure you have all the resources you need during your recovery.
If your cancer requires additional treatments like radiation or chemotherapy, our gynecologic oncology providers and nursing staff will connect you with all the necessary providers, both at WMCC and through our hospital partners Ascension Borgess and Bronson.
Our gynecology nurses and medical assistants will work together with your doctor and advanced practice provider to prepare you for your surgery and recovery. Your nurse will help you manage the side effects of treatment and provide information and resources to help you best manage them. He or she will monitor you throughout your treatment course and help you and your family cope with changes you may experience.
You may see other members of our healthcare team during your pre and post-surgery visits. Their focus is to ensure that your physical and psychological needs are met during your time with us.
Registered Dietitians work with patients to help them maintain adequate nutrition during their treatment course. They can help modify your meal plan if side effects from treatment impact appetite, cause nausea, or otherwise alter how you take in nutrition. They can also help determine what you can eat and provide recipes, menu suggestions, and information on ready-to-use nutritional supplements.
Genetic Counselors at Ascension Borgess and Bronson hospitals work closely with our team. If requested, we make referrals to them and ensure that any genetic information previously gathered and relevant to the patient’s care will be obtained.
Clinical Trial Nurses assess the availability of various studies (phase 2 and 3 clinical trials and prevention trials) that may be appropriate for the patient. They also participate in multi-disciplinary conferences, enroll patients on-site for clinical trials, and follow-up with them to manage side effects from trial draws.
What We Treat
Our gynecology team cares for patients with benign and cancerous conditions that require surgery including:
- Fibroids
- Pelvic pain
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts
Your First Visit
What To Expect
Multidisciplinary GYN Conference
We bring together a highly specialized team for patients with gynecologic cancers to rapidly evaluate each case and develop a consensus treatment plan. This is called a multidisciplinary conference. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive and timely treatment recommendation. This comprehensive conference includes gynecologic oncologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, advanced practice providers, a genetic counselor, clinical trials nurses, social workers, dietitians, and a clinic coordinator.
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Available Clinical Trials
West Michigan Cancer Center Radiation & Surgical Specialties has an active clinical research program. WMCC is a member of the Cancer Research Consortium of West Michigan, a division of the National Cancer Institute’s Clinical Oncology Research Program. Your gynecologic oncologist can provide guidance and connect you with one of our research protocol nurses to discuss clinical trials that may help address your specific type of cancer.
Social Workers are available to provide a variety of supportive services to you and your family. They can provide crisis support during tough times and and find resources to help you and your loved ones. They can also help plan for your care in the future.