Providing cancer care to patients in rural areas presents a unique set of challenges distinct from urban and suburban care settings. Providers in rural areas have to address longer distances between patients and the clinic, managing partnerships with other care providers to ensure patients have complete access to needed care, and other factors to maintain a continuum of care. However, addressing all of these factors is a rewarding experience for the practice staff who care for their community. Harsha Vyas, MD, FACP, serves rural Georgia residents as a physician at the Cancer Center of Middle Georgia. During the September 2024 Advocacy Chat, he and COA’s Director of Patient Advocacy and Education Rose Gerber, MS, discussed the differences in rural and urban cancer care, including patient profiles, navigating a different kind of medical ecosystem, and addressing staffing shortages. Dr. Vyas also addressed the challenges of attracting physicians and bringing clinical trials to rural areas.
This event was part of our virtual CPAN Advocacy Chats series - short, monthly educational webinars on key cancer issues and the policies that impact them. Each month features a new topic and special guests joining us. Patients, survivors, caregivers, and other cancer care advocates are all invited to join us for these free, interactive, virtual events! …...more
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