Why Choose Us?

The Division of Hematology/Oncology at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso and University Medical Center (UMC) provides multidisciplinary care to cancer patients. It employs fellowship trained physicians and medical researchers who are among the best in their respective fields. Our physicians provide the latest treatments; delivered with the compassionate care for which TTUHSC El Paso and UMC are known. The division is a unique, urban-based, culturally diverse, integrated system of patient care research, and education. Currently, we offer patients multiple unique opportunities for care as detailed below.

Top 10 reasons to receive your cancer care at TTUHSC El Paso:

  • The availability of dedicated staff including social workers, an oncology trained nurse practitioner, a breast cancer patient navigator, care coordinators and oncology certified nurses to coordinate every aspect of care, from financial assistance to hospital care.

  • Specialty Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards: We recognize that each tumor type requires a special set of resources and support. All cases are reviewed in multidisciplinary conferences where medical oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists look at radiology films and biopsies and discuss a plan everyone can agree on.

  • Nationally accredited Breast Program: The Division of Hematology/Oncology is distinguished by leadership in the breast cancer program and is led by a breast cancer specialist recognized nationally for her contribution to the field of breast cancer. Our breast cancer patients are cared for at the Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso Breast Care Center (BCC). The BCC is a unique center in El Paso, established 20 years ago and staffed with dedicated surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists specializing in breast diseases and breast cancer. The BCC sees 4,500 patient visits annually. It provides a multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment of breast disease, including same day consultation by surgery, medical oncology and radiation therapy. All new breast cancer patients are discussed in our bimonthly Breast Multidisciplinary Tumor Board to provide the best opinion from multiple experts and expedite care. The BCC is accredited by the National Accreditation Programs For Breast Center (NAPBC) (www.facs.org)

  • We have established the first comprehensive cancer survivorship program, offering psychological care and consultations with a nutritionist for breast cancer patients who complete active cancer treatment. Additional survivorship care services are provided to all cancer patients by a team of dedicated care mangers and social workers.

  • We are among the largest providers of cancer care in the El Paso area, seeing close to 700 new cancer cases each year.

  • TTUHSC El Paso has a cancer center of emphasis in basic research that is recognized nationally for pioneering cancer research programs.

  • Clinical Cancer Research: The Division of Hematology/Oncology has clinical research at its core value. We have established a Cancer Clinical Research Core (CCRC) made possible by a Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas $1.5 million grant (PI: Z. Nahleh) to offer cancer patients access to major cancer clinical trials. We also receive funding for multiple cancer clinical trials that are approved and available to actively enroll patients. Our cancer program is affiliated with the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG), one of the largest National Cooperative Oncology Groups that lead national practice changing and breakthrough cancer research. Our website is updated regularly on upcoming and current trials.

Cancer Clinical Trials at TTUHSC El Paso

  • Our physicians are all faculty in the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, the only medical school in the El Paso metro area. Our physicians have a commitment to teaching medical students and residents through our nationally accredited programs. This educational environment dictates that our faculty maintains state-of-the-art knowledge and keeps up-to-date with the latest advances in hematology and oncology to teach their students, but more importantly for the benefit of their patients. Our oncologists attend and present their research in multiple local and national oncology meetings every year.

  • Our patients receive their chemotherapy, infusions or injections, in the new infusion center located on the first floor of University Medical Center (UMC). This infusion center has been designed, in part, by physicians with patient’s comfort and convenience a priority. It includes a patient‘s boutique and provides monthly support groups.

  • Affiliation with UMC of El Paso: UMC of El Paso has been ranked No.1 in the El Paso metro area in U.S. News & World Report’s 2011-12 Best Hospitals. In addition,UMC of El Paso earned a “high-performing" recognition by U.S. News. High–performing hospitals are fully capable of giving most patients first-rate care, even if they have serious conditions or need demanding procedures.