Patient Services
Mary Ann Weiser Suspicion of Cancer Clinic
MD Anderson’s Mary Ann Weiser Suspicion of Cancer Clinic combines compassion, extensive knowledge and state-of-the-art technology to evaluate new patients whose symptoms strongly suggest the presence of cancer-such as an unidentified mass or abnormality revealed via CT scan or X-ray- but offer no clear diagnosis. The clinic is the legacy of Mary Ann Weiser, M.D., Ph.D., who led its development before she died of metastatic colon cancer in 2006.
“Patients with complex symptoms suspicious for cancer are very difficult to evaluate and manage,” says Robert F. Gagel, M.D. who heads MD Anderson’s Division of Internal Medicine. “Mary Ann had a unique set of skills-intellect, experience and analytic mind fostered by her engineering background-that made it possible for her to evaluate these patients and she single-handedly set out to establish a program to help them”.
On behalf of family and friends, Dr. Weiser’s daughters, Lauren Waldrop and Julia Weiser, created the Mary Ann Weiser Endowment for General Internal Medicine with a $150,000 pledge over 5 years. This landmark was recently met.
“The main inspiration for the endowment was the courage, selflessness and devotion that Mom showed, both in her personal fight against cancer and in treating her patients at MD Anderson,” says Lauren, a 2010 graduate of The University of Texas School of Law and practicing attorney. “We couldn’t think of a better way to continue her legacy.”
Dr. Weiser was an MD Anderson internist for more than a dozen years. She improved outcomes for cancer patients with diabetes, heart disease and other medical conditions which can be aggravated by cancer or its treatment. An insightful scientist, she discovered that cancer patients with hyperglycemia had more relapses than other patients and turned her findings into a major, multidisciplinary research program.
“Mary Ann Weiser was a spectacular clinician, a mentor for junior faculty, and a valued sounding board for program development,” says Carmen Escalante, M.D., a longtime friend and colleague who chairs the Department of General Internal Medicine. “Patients loved her. She made an impact on them and their families and took very good care of all of them.
In 2003, Dr. Weiser was honored with The University Cancer Foundation Faculty Achievement Award in Patient Care. “Only one faculty receives this award every year,” says Dr. Escalante, “and the fact that it went to an internist in a cancer institution reaffirms Mary Ann’s significant abilities in patient care and the great value and respect with which other people regarded her hard work and dedication.”
Dr. Weiser’s impact is felt still in the Mary Ann Suspicion of Cancer Clinic, where the diagnosis process is streamlined and patients gain access to MD Anderson’s unique multidisciplinary approach to cancer care. Dr. John Patlan is the Medical Director of this program. The program has experienced robust growth, highlighting its importance and benefit to our patients. The Mary Ann Weiser Suspicion of Cancer Clinic has more than doubled its volume since 2008. Drs. Patlan and Escalante have been leading a team for the planned expansion this year. Escalante notes, “I am ecstatic this program has demonstrated its value to our patients. Mary Ann would be delighted with its success. She cared so much for her patients.” Dr. Patlan screens and reviews all new patient request to assure appropriate patients will benefit from this program prior to acceptance.
Internal Medicine Perioperative Assessment Center (IMPAC)
Mission: Asssess and improve your medical status prior to surgery at MD Anderson. To do this, we need your assistance.
We ask you to bring:
- All your medicines in original bottles
- Names and contact information of all your doctors, especially PCP or cardiology
- Notify your cardiologist to fax to us your cardiac records or bring them to us
We may need to order additional testing, which may extend your stay in Houston.
We will make every effort to coordinate your medical care with your primary physician. Therefore, it is important for you to bring us their contact information.
Inpatient and Outpatient Consultation
An integrated team of General Internal Medicine physicians, nurse practitioners and internal medicine residents from The University of Texas Health Science Center see cancer patients on both an inpatient and outpatient basis in consultation at the request of MD Anderson cancer specialists. Reasons for consultation include comprehensive assessment of surgical risk, assessment of hypertension, management of diabetes mellitus and other internal medicine needs.
In addition, patients seen in consultation may be followed by their GIM physician as needed for the duration of their care at MD Anderson Cancer.
GIM Inpatient Services
The Inpatient Service was established to provide medical care for selected patients who have been treated by a surgical or radiotherapy physician in the past and who present with a medical illness requiring acute internal medicine services. Medical oncology patients may be appropriate for this inpatient service depending upon the complexity of their medical problems.
Cancer-Related Fatigue Clinic (CRF)
An integrated team of physicians, nurse practitioners and nurse clinicians provide a comprehensive approach to the management of fatigue. Patients at MD Anderson can be referred into the Cancer-Related Fatigue Clinic by their primary physician. Once patients are assessed utilizing various tools to measure the nature and extent of the fatigue burden, a specialized program of care can be offered. Physical therapy, occupational therapy and specialists in psychiatry and acupuncture, as well as self-hypnosis, help provide true multidisciplinary care.
Dealing with Cancer-Related Fatigue
Ambulatory Treatment Center (ATC)
Services Provided: The Ambulatory Treatment Center (ATC) is a multiple-service treatment facility located in two buildings ATC Main and Mays.
Diseases Treated: Both of the locations treat adult patients with oncologic diagnosis. They provide infusions of standard and investigational chemotherapy regimens; blood, platelet, plasma and immunoglobulin transfusions; administration of fluids and electrolyte replacement; injections; transfusions of antibiotics, antifungals and antivirals; and infusion pump connection and disconnection.
Main campus :
Monday through Friday 7:15 a.m. to 11 p.m.
One unit remains opened until the last patient has completed treatment
Saturday 7:15 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday 7:15 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mays Center:
Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, Sundays and closed in holidays
Nephrology
The Section of Nephrology in the Department of General Internal Medicine, , provides care to patients with various diseases of the kidneys at MD Anderson. In addition to the practice of general nephrology, the physician members of this section have expertise in the effects of chemotherapeutic agents on kidney function, kidney disease from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, renal paraneoplastic syndromes, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and critical care nephrology, particularly continuous renal replacement therapies as slow low-efficiency dialysis. In order to maintain the continuity of care, patients are also seen in the MD Anderson Nephrology Clinic following discharge from the hospital.
Rheumatology Consultations
The Section of Rheumatology in the Department of General Internal Medicine, , has three in-house rheumatologists providing clinical services for the diagnostic evaluations and interdisciplinary management of various diseases affecting joints and connective tissues, tailored to each patient's individual needs. In addition, physicians in the rheumatology sections have expertise in the diagnosis and therapeutic options for rheumatic manifestations related to malignancies and cancer treatment in cancer patients and survivors. The section provides 24-hour inpatient consultation. Patients are also followed as outpatients in the MD Anderson Rheumatology Clinic after their discharge. Outpatient consultation can be requested and scheduled via Consult On-line.
Hospitalist and Moonlighting Program
This program services multiple areas of the hospital providing evaluation of complex medical problems experienced by hospitalized patients after hours.