Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS), the leading community-based oncology practice in the state, announced today that Palm Beach Cancer Institute (PBCI) will be joining the practice, effective June 1, 2013. According to William Harwin, M.D, President of Florida Cancer Specialists, the new merger will increase the number of locations of the state's largest independent oncology/hematology practice and provide expanded services to cancer patients on the east coast.
"I am thrilled to announce that Palm Beach Cancer Institute is joining the FCS family," said Dr. Harwin. "PBCI is the premier group on the east coast of Florida and has an impeccable reputation in the oncology world. We are excited to have this innovative group of highly respected clinicians enhance the quality of care at FCS."
Brad Prechtl, CEO of FCS, added, "Our growth into the east coast is monumental for FCS, because increasing patient service areas is at the very heart of our mission to provide world-class cancer treatment close to our patients' homes. Additionally, PBCI brings long-standing experience and a strong reputation for excellence into our practice. We are delighted that a group of this caliber is joining FCS."
The merger with PBCI will add four clinical sites to the Florida Cancer Specialists' network, extending service areas to the communities of West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington and Atlantis in Palm Beach County.
Daniel Spitz, M.D., a managing partner at Palm Beach Cancer Institute, said, "The merger of the two practices will provide our patients many new and exciting services - combining customized, streamlined cancer care with groundbreaking, clinical trials in an environment designed for healing." Patients will now benefit from additional financial assistance programs, fully-integrated electronic medical records with a user-friendly patient portal, and increased access to the latest cutting-edge treatments.
"While our name will change, our commitment to our patients and to this community remains steadfast. We are joining a group of oncologists who share our vision of high quality, patient focused care. Our patients will continue to see their physician in the same location and the transition will be seamless," stated Robert J. Green, M.D., a managing partner at PBCI.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute offers a full range of oncology and hematology services, including clinical research and the use of evidence-based medicine and proactive patient support services. Additionally, Florida Cancer Specialists is a proud recipient of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2011 Clinical Trials Participation Award, which is presented nationally to recognize practices that have established high-quality clinical cancer research programs.
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