Leader in adult cancer care, West Cancer Center & Research Institute teams with the University of Memphis Loewenberg College of Nursing to expand clinical training in oncology for the nursing program.

 

Cancer is a very complex disease and is best managed by a team of oncology specialists. West Cancer Center & Research Institute (WCCRI or West) has been training the next generation of world-class oncologists and hematologists for more than 21 years. The University of Memphis Loewenberg College of Nursing (UofM LCON) excels in educating nurses at both an undergraduate and advanced levels.

This collaboration between WCCRI and UofM LCON will provide first-class training for nurses wanting to specialize in oncology. Rotations and training with WCCRI nursing staff will positively impact the care of cancer patients as they manage a difficult journey from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship and/or palliative care. Graduate students, seeking clinical master’s and doctoral degrees, will be provided clinical rotations in gynecology oncology, medical oncology, palliative care and the Margaret West Comprehensive Breast Center.

UofM LCON and WCCRI both recognize the importance of research as a component of superior cancer care. With the robust clinical research department at West, UofM LCON trainees will have the opportunity to participate and observe the process of enrolling and caring for patients receiving novel therapies, before they are available to the market.

Advocating for outstanding cancer care to all individuals in the Mid-South is a joint mission for both West Cancer Center and Research Institute and UofM Loewenberg College of Nursing. Pam Dotson, MBA, BSN, RN-Chief Nursing Office at WCCRI said, “West Cancer Center is so pleased to work with the LCON Nursing program to educate and train the next generation of cancer care providers in this community.”

Dr. Larry Slater, interim dean of LCON, said this is an exciting new collaboration that will enhance the education and research opportunities students and faculty receive at LCON.

“It provides a unique opportunity for our faculty and students to receive specialized education and training from across the continuum of cancer care and research,” said Slater. “This collaboration also supports our mission of providing accessible and innovative higher education that prepares future nursing leaders who will promote the health equity of the global community through excellent teaching, rigorous research and collaborative practice and service.”

About West Cancer Center & Research Institute

West Cancer Center & Research Institute is the leader in comprehensive adult cancer care guided by physicians to provide the most positive outcomes though research, novel therapies, advanced treatments and cancer prevention to all patients, regardless of socioeconomic status. With more than 40 years of oncology expertise, 100+ specialists, 8 locations and more than 47,000 patients in 2020, West is positioned as the first choice for cancer care in the Mid-South and a national model for comprehensive care.

About the Loewenberg College of Nursing

The Loewenberg College of Nursing (LCON) is committed to the preparation of nursing professionals who share a common goal of promoting health and achieving health equity of the global community. Both the baccalaureate and master’s programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. LCON is home to more than 1,000 students, enrolled online and on two campuses located in Memphis and Jackson. LCON’s headquarters is located in the $60 million, 200,000-square-foot Community Health Building that serves as a hub for faculty, students, staff and community partners to exchange ideas, pursue scientific inquiries, strive for academic excellence and commit to serving interests of the community from local to global.