2007 Annual Report

25 Pages·2008·1.35 MB·English

Cultivating Relationships
ANNUAL REPORT 2007
NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 2007
Ideas and relationships are like seeds of a flower.
Cultivating Relationships
Ideas are planted. Relationships are cultivated.
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And, after vigilant nurturing, the fruits of labor are
realized. Nevada Cancer Institute would not exist
if it were not for the forward thinking and forged
relationships among like-minded visionaries. People
dedicated to building a state-of-the-art research-
linked, patient-centered comprehensive cancer facility.
Nevada Cancer Institute is committed to advancing
research and implementing groundbreaking methods
of prevention, detection and treatment of cancer.
Founded in 2002, Nevada Cancer Institute has
seen more than 6,000 patients and our network of
outreach and education offices provides navigation
and support services across Nevada and beyond.
ANNUAL REPORT 2007
NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 2007
Our Mission:
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Nevada Cancer Institute
reduces the burden of cancer
for Nevada, the nation and
the world through innovative
and collaborative research,
education and patient care.
2007 CULTIVATING RELATIONSHIPS NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 2007
Together we share a system of core values
Nevada Cancer Institute is a team of dedicated professionals committed
to advancing the frontiers of knowledge about cancer through research
and providing world-class, research-linked cancer services to Nevadans
and people throughout the Southwest. Our comprehensive cancer facility
opened late Summer 2005 and is dedicated to state-of-the-art research
and implementation of groundbreaking methods of prevention, detection
and treatment of cancer.
It is the overarching goal of Nevada Cancer Institute to become a
National Cancer Institute Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Facilities awarded this designation must perform first-rate research and
exceptional patient care. They must also demonstrate that the close
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integration of research and clinical efforts fosters an environment that
stimulates new discoveries, and translates these discoveries quickly
into better care to patients. Research in the area of cancer control and
programs in community outreach and education are also essential for
comprehensive status.
We are designated by our legislature as the official cancer institute for
the State of Nevada. As such, Nevada Cancer Institute is a collaborative,
statewide effort involving concerned citizens, the oncology community,
academic leaders, legislators, corporations, healthcare advocates, and
cancer patients and their families. Nevada Cancer Institute is wholly
committed to offering the residents of Nevada a facility that offers the
most current and most advanced cancer treatment options.
Strong relationships build strong teams at Nevada Cancer Institute.
As a nonprofit research center, an essential part of our mission is to NVCI Deputy Director, David Ward, Ph.D, began working with
interntionally renowned geneticists Hong Sun, M.D., Ph.D, and Hui
ensure cancer patients and their families, regardless of their geographic Zhang, Ph.D, more than ten years ago when he recruited them to Yale.
Today they work side -by-side at Nevada Cancer Institute
location, have access to the latest in cancer prevention, education, detection
and treatment options.
2007 CULTIVATING RELATIONSHIPS NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 2007
Core Value No. 1
8 Discovery Advance New Ideas and New Knowledge. 9
Nevada Cancer Institute is founded on the concept that cutting-edge
science will lead to breakthrough research which will have ground-
breaking results for cancer prevention, treatment and cure around the
world. So far, results have been encouraging: through the continued efforts
and dedication of our staff and faculty we will work to win the battle.
At work in the lab, Sheri Holmen, Ph.D., and her team focus on defining
critical targets in the signaling pathways of cancer cells that can
become the focus for therapeutic intervention. Dr. Holmen joined
Nevada Cancer Institute in January 2007.
2007 CULTIVATING RELATIONSHIPS NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 2007
Core Value No. 2
Excellence Operate with the Highest Standards.
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Nevada Cancer Institute is dedicated not only to excellence in care—
but also excellence in patient safety. In July 2008, Nevada Cancer
Institute received the gold standard of patient safety: Joint Commission
Accreditation. We consistently examine the guiding principles of patient
safety and, as with all areas of our business, work to be on the leading
edge with the most current, tested practices.
Since 2005, Nevada Cancer Institute administered 105 different
clinical trials treatment therapies. Of those trials, nine were
first-in-human trials. Shown here, Nam Dang, M.D., Ph.D., and
clinical research coordinator Christine Zades.
2007 CULTIVATING RELATIONSHIPS NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 2007
Core Value No. 3
Collaboration Work Together for the Greater Good.
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While Nevada Cancer Institute physician-researchers work together
in collaborative effort to develop better cancer treatment options,
they also work in concert with external organizations including the
University of Nevada School of Medicine where our team of doctors
play an active role in the training of young doctors in residence at the
county-operated hospital.
Nevada Cancer Institute in collaboration with University of Nevada
School of Medicine illustrates how like-minded organizations can join
forces and deliver quality cancer treatment to all Nevadans. Karen
Milligan, M.D., is assistant member of clinical oncology at NVCI..
Core Value No. 4
Compassion Embrace Health with Dignity and Humor.
Nevada Cancer Institute has a team of the very best oncologists, researchers
and scientists who have dedicated their work to one goal: reducing the
burden of cancer. However, one of the strongest weapons in the fight against
cancer is the strong personal will of the patients.
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With help from Nevada Cancer Institute,
survivor and patient, Martha Esposito
maintains a healthy and active life.
2007 CULTIVATING RELATIONSHIPS NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 2007
Core Value No. 5
16 Integrity Be Accountable and Honorable. 17
Nevada Cancer Institute was recognized by the state of Nevada for its
excellence of leadership, strong business practices and contributions to
the state. The Institute received the Trailblazer Award for Performance
Excellence and the Nevada Award for Community Support. At its
foundation, the award leverages the internationally recognized Malcolm
Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence built around eleven core
values and concepts to drive individual, organizational and community
performance improvement and results.
A respected long time member of the Las Vegas clinical
community, Philip J. Manno, M.D., FACP, serves as Chief of Clinical
Oncology and Hematology Services at Nevada Cancer Institute.
NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 2007
Core Value No. 6
Stewardship Be Fiscally Prudent.
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Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship. At Nevada Cancer Institute,
we hold our standards to the highest ethical principles. In 2007 Forbes
Magazine recognized Nevada Cancer Institute among the 200 largest
charities in the United States for fundraising efficiency. Through wise and
vigilant stewardship, Nevada Cancer Institute has achieved fundraising
ratios typical of more established nonprofit organizations.
“We want people to realize that when they donate to Nevada
Cancer Institute, they are giving to an organization that operates
with the highest level of integrity,” said Vice President Shelley
Gitomer, a 25-year veteran in nonprofit development.