The construction of the new radiation oncology clinic at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center is underway. Having broken ground in October of 2023, the new facility quickly took shape and is scheduled to open in December. The excitement throughout Lahey is palpable. The highly anticipated renovation and expansion project is rooted in Lahey’s long legacy of excellence in radiation oncology, and the extensive philanthropic commitment from community members shows just how meaningful this project is to so many. The thoughtful planning that has gone into designing the space will allow care providers at Lahey to support more patients while continually improving their experiences and outcomes. Multiple donors are making this effort possible with substantial gifts, including retired anesthesiologist Sara Davies, MD, FRCA, trustee Pamela DeCoste, and a donor family that prefers to remain anonymous.
Sara Davies notably increased her initial gift after learning of the exciting opportunities the new clinic will offer in medical education and training. “Both of my parents were diagnosed with cancer during their lives and went through radiation treatments,” says Sara. “They also put me through medical school. Supporting this space that has both excellent radiation oncology care and a place of learning marries those two impactful experiences and is a wonderful way for me to honor them.” The project is fostering growth in all aspects of radiation oncology care, including professional development, and will serve as a learning hub for clinicians at all stages of their career.
The focus on patient needs resonates strongly with Pamela DeCoste, a new member of the Board of Trustees. “Lahey has such a great community feeling, filled with a compassionate group of caregivers that think in a patient-centric way,” says Pamela. “This space will offer high-quality care while keeping the patient experience in mind. It was so clearly designed to help ease a lot of the feelings and thoughts that come with going to a radiation oncology site for treatment or testing.” Equipped with a rock garden—a tradition that will be continued in the new space—and features that allow for natural light, the clinic will provide patients and care providers alike with a calming environment focused on well-being and healing. Patients often take rocks home from the garden, decorate them with inspirational messages, and then return them. This act of joy and creativity has brought cheer and hope to many over the years.
As new, cutting-edge technology was deployed during construction, staff were already learning new techniques and treatments that the incoming technology enables. “Our staff are highly skilled and dedicated to providing the best care possible to our patients,” says Paul J Hesketh, MD, FASCO, Director of the Lahey Cancer Institute, Director of the Sophia Gordon Cancer Center, and Director of Thoracic Oncology. “This space will redefine what it means to provide state-of-the-art radiation oncology care in a special, welcoming environment that will make a great difference in enhancing our patients’ experiences.”
Day by day, the construction brings Lahey closer to creating an even more resounding impact on the community, and philanthropy continues to play a vital role in realizing this achievement. “The generous support from donors, medical leaders, and trustees speaks to the caliber of the institution and the excitement for this endeavor,” says Susan Moffatt-Bruce, MD, PhD, President of Lahey. “Your partnership is truly appreciated and vital to this project—which will truly expand the radiation oncology care we are able to provide patients.”
To learn more about supporting the Radiation Oncology project, please reach out to Nancy Paterna.