Dr. Luis Cuervo, Medical Oncologist at Abben Cancer Center, to Launch Outreach Clinic at Pocahontas Community Hospital
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on Wednesday, January 15, 2025
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Cancer
Abben Cancer Center of Spencer Hospital is proud to announce the expansion of its oncology services with the introduction of an outreach clinic at Pocahontas Community Hospital (PCH) in Pocahontas, Iowa. Beginning February 28, 2025, Dr. Luis Cuervo, a highly respected medical oncologist from Abben Cancer Center in Spencer, will see patients at PCH twice a month, offering consultations, follow-up appointments, and select non-chemotherapy treatments.
“The staff and providers at Pocahontas Community Hospital are excited about this new partnership with the Spencer Hospital and Dr Cuervo. We feel that together we will be able to bring high quality oncology services closer to home, so the residents of Pocahontas County do not have to travel for care. We have enjoyed a great relationship with Spencer for many years with many different services,” said James Roetman, CEO of Pocahontas Community Hospital.
This initiative is part of Abben Cancer Center’s ongoing mission to provide accessible, high-quality cancer care to rural communities. Initially, services at the PCH outreach clinic will include consultations, follow-ups, and non-chemotherapy treatments. Plans are underway to expand services to include lab work, imaging, and other supportive care options in the near future. Chemotherapy infusions will continue to be administered at Abben Cancer Center in Spencer due to the intricate preparation required for chemotherapy medications and the importance of having an on-site oncology practitioner to manage potential side effects during treatment.
Dr. Cuervo and his team will work closely with the staff at PCH to coordinate care, ensuring that as many aspects of a patient's treatment as clinically appropriate can be delivered locally in Pocahontas. This approach is designed to minimize travel and stress for patients while establishing access to excellent oncology care for this community.
"I am passionate about bringing quality cancer care closer to home for patients in rural Iowa," said Dr. Cuervo. "Access to advanced oncology services should not be limited by geography. Our goal is to support patients and their families by reducing travel burdens and providing personalized, compassionate care in their community."
Dr. Cuervo joined Abben Cancer Center as part of an innovative collaboration with the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. He brings extensive expertise in medical oncology and is dedicated to elevating oncology care in the region.
With Iowa ranking second in the nation for cancer incidence, access to exceptional care is more critical than ever. Studies show rural populations face higher cancer mortality rates due to barriers in access to timely care. Abben Cancer Center’s new outreach clinic at PCH reflects its commitment to bridging that gap for rural patients.
About Abben Cancer Center of Spencer Hospital
Abben Cancer Center of Spencer Hospital is a leading provider of comprehensive oncology care in northwest Iowa. Through a combination of advanced technology, collaborative expertise, and compassionate care, Abben Cancer Center is dedicated to improving outcomes and enhancing the lives of cancer patients in the communities it serves.
About Pocahontas Community Hospital
Pocahontas Community Hospital is a trusted provider of high-quality healthcare services for the residents of Pocahontas County. Through a combination of advanced technology, personalized care, and a commitment to excellence, Pocahontas Community Hospital delivers comprehensive and compassionate care to meet the diverse needs of the community it serves.
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