Close up with Dr. Janice Giesbrecht

Published: on Monday, May 31, 2010 at 12:12 am and is filed under 2010-05-27. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

By Niagara Health System

Dr. Janice Giesbrecht

Welcome to the first in a series of profiles of Niagara Health System’s medical leaders. Niagara is fortunate to have a number of doctors with tremendous skill and talent. Read on and learn more about Dr. Janice Giesbrecht, the new Medical Director of Oncology.

Where were you born?

St. Catharines

Number of years living in Niagara:

Born and raised here.

Where did you go to medical school?

I graduated from the McMaster University medical program in 1983. I did my residency in internal medicine at McMaster and additional residency training in medical oncology at the Hamilton regional cancer centre. I also completed a graduate degree in cancer research at Princess Margaret Hospital.

Occupation:

I have been providing cancer care in Niagara for 20 years as a medical oncologist. In May, I assumed the new role of Medical Director of Oncology, responsible for leading cancer services into the next phase in Niagara.

What is your vision for integrated cancer care in Niagara?

I understand the complex demands of cancer care in our region. While this remains fundamentally about patient care and the relationship between the patient and the team of caregivers, it must also address the needs of families and the community, the ability to train and attract healthcare professionals, and our relationships with our partners in cancer care.

What are some of your achievements in cancer care?

I spearheaded the opening in 1992 of the first Ontario Breast Screening Program clinic in Niagara and served as the Regional Medical Co-ordinator for the program’s first 10 years. I also sit on the NHS Surgical Oncology Steering Committee, which oversees cancer surgeries in Niagara.

How does the new Walker Family Cancer Centre impact your new role?

The development of the Walker Family Cancer Centre marks the beginning of an exciting new era in providing comprehensive cancer care in Niagara. Medical oncology will continue to grow and radiation treatment will be provided, clinical trials and research opportunities will grow, and we will participate in the training of physicians on site through our involvement with McMaster’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. Effective leadership of this transition requires a strong sense of both the future and the accomplishments of the past. «