In response to an increasing volume of cancer patients, Memorial Medical Center-University of New Mexico center in Las Cruces is looking to hire a third full-time physician in its medical oncology unit. The new physician will emphasize drug-based care, chemotherapy. The increase in cancer patients is related to last year’s closure of the Southern New Mexico Cancer Center, a privately owned center that was staffed by two physicians. After the closure, Memorial Medical Center (MMC) saw a 20-30 percent increase in new patients. Additionally, Albuquerque reports an increase in cancer patients traveling from Las Cruces.
MMC runs the adjacent Ikard Cancer Treatment Center, which provides radiation treatment. Two MMC physicians work from that facility. MMC officials hope to hire a third oncology specialist by this summer. The only other cancer treatment facility in Las Cruces is New Hope Cancer Center at 4351 E. Lohman Ave. in Ste 209. It offers chemotherapy-based care.
Southern New Mexico Cancer Center closure
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