Центр женского онкологического лечения в Лас-Вегасе получил грант на 500 тысяч долларов для удержания врачей

Women's Cancer Center uses $500K grant to keep more cancer care in Nevada LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — The Women's Cancer Center in Las Vegas is receiving a $500,000 grant from Anthem to help recruit and retain physicians, expanding access to specialized cancer care as Nevada continues to face a shortage of oncology providers. The funding is part of Anthem's broader $2.5 million investment in health care initiatives across Nevada. Leaders at the Women's Cancer Center say the grant will help them attract top physicians while allowing more women to receive advanced treatment without leaving the state. The Women's Cancer Center treats roughly 200 women each week, totaling about 10,000 patient visits each year. The center provides comprehensive care for gynecologic cancers, allowing patients to receive surgery, chemotherapy, and access to National Cancer Institute clinical trials all under one roof. "Women in particular can come here; they can have their surgery, if they need chemotherapy, they can get chemotherapy, and they have access to every national trial available through the National Cancer Institute," said Dr. Nick Spirtos, medical director of the Women's Cancer Center. The three-story facility also houses its own research team, giving patients access to emerging treatments and clinical research without traveling out of state. "What it really means is the women in Nevada have the opportunity to access what people call the cutting edge," Spirtos said. "Whatever the newest therapy is, or where our specialty is heading, we're there." The investment comes as Southern Nevada continues to struggle with a shortage of health care professionals. Research from UNLV's Lincy Institute found the Las Vegas Valley is about 30% below recommended health care staffing levels. Meanwhile, the American Society of Clinical Oncology reports Nevada has approximately 7.6 oncology specialists per 100,000 residents, placing the state near the bottom nationally for access to cancer specialists. "We have been so underserved," Spirtos said. "In an area similar to our city, Philadelphia, there are 20 gynecologic oncologists. In Las Vegas, there's maybe seven. That's how underserved we are." Spirtos said the grant allows the center to offer incentives that can make Southern Nevada more competitive when recruiting new physicians. "This additional funding has allowed us to offer incentives, moving expenses and signing bonuses," he said. "Those things may not seem like a big deal, but they make a difference to a young physician just starting their practice." Center leaders say bringing more specialists to Las Vegas means fewer patients will have to travel out of state for life-saving care, reducing both financial and emotional burdens during treatment. "I'm proud of the Women's Cancer Center because this whole concept that to get good care, you've got to go to the airport, that should be put away forever," Spirtos said. "There are great doctors in every specialty in this town." He added that the center hopes to continue building Nevada's health care workforce and believes a future university medical hospital would help train the next generation of specialists. In the meantime, Spirtos said the Women's Cancer Center remains committed to treating every patient who walks through its doors, regardless of insurance provider. "There's no longer a need for anyone to say, 'I've got to go out of state,'" Spirtos said. "That's what's critically important. And this grant money has helped."