The West Clinic to partner with Methodist for cancer care

Methodist Healthcare and The West Clinic have entered into a partnership, effective January 1, 2012, to transform cancer care in the Mid-South area. The West Clinic, the region's premier cancer practice and a nationally-recognized leader in cancer research, is joining forces with Methodist to create a comprehensive, fully integrated cancer service for the benefit of Mid-South residents.

"The West Clinic is a world-class center of excellence for medical oncology, hematology, oncologic imaging, and other advanced medical care.  Together, our two leading organizations will be exceptionally well positioned to take cancer care to the next level," said Gary Shorb, president and CEO of Methodist Healthcare.

As part of the partnership, approximately 110 direct patient care employees at The West Clinic will become Methodist Healthcare associates. Physicians and administrative staff will remain with The West Clinic.  

"The West Clinic's goal has always been to help people be the best they can be during their cancer journey, and this partnership will help us do exactly that," said Kurt Tauer, M.D., FACP, The West Clinic Chief of Staff.  "I have been at The West Clinic since 1985, and I've seen some amazing changes.  I expect this partnership to revolutionize the way we provide care to our patients and their families."

In another move that will further position this partnership for success, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) plans to move its Oncology Fellowship Program to The West Clinic.  Methodist and The West Clinic will provide UTHSC $5 million annually over seven years, for a total of $35 million, to enhance cancer research, care programs, and innovation.  

Lee Schwartzberg, M.D. FACP, The West Clinic's medical director, said, "My passion is all about translating research advances into positive benefits for our patients.  These highly-skilled fellows will further enhance our ability to revolutionize cancer care in our region by coordinating research and education across Methodist and UTHSC and training the next generation of specialists in this area."

"It is important to note that this is not a sale of The West Clinic," affirms Erich Mounce, CEO. "The West Clinic and its physicians will remain independent and autonomous. This is a novel partnership that will build upon the strengths of both Methodist Healthcare and The West Clinic to transform the way cancer care is provided in the Mid-South."  Mounce will maintain his position with The West Clinic and take responsibility for Methodist's cancer service line, reporting directly to Gary Shorb.