Emerson Hospital Auxiliary Holds Free Educational Event on Cancer Care

The Emerson Hospital Auxiliary will present an educational event on cancer care on Thursday, April 17, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., in the Cheney conference rooms located at Emerson Hospital’s main campus.

Led by Jon DuBois, MD, director of cancer services at the Mass General Cancer Center at Emerson Hospital-Bethke, the program is titled “Cancer Care in 2014:  The Past, the Present and the Future.” His lecture will focus on the cutting-edge cancer care made possible by the collaboration between Emerson Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital.

In addition to his role at the Cancer Center, Dr. DuBois is a clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School and a practicing oncologist/hematologist who actively participates in clinical research. He is the former director of Emerson's Hospice Program and has a longstanding interest and advisory role in numerous compassionate and supportive care organizations.  

Dr. DuBois speaks compellingly when asked why he went into oncology. Early in his training, his experiences with cancer patients demonstrated how difficult and complicated the disease can be. He knows that cancer affects so many different aspects of patients’ lives—both the human side and the medical side—and says that it is important to “look at patients from head to toe, and consider both their physical and emotional needs” when approaching their treatment.

Dr. DuBois recognizes the importance of the Auxiliary-sponsored 5k Run~Walk for Cancer because the money raised goes directly to patients receiving cancer care at Emerson.  Without these funds, some services such as integrative therapies or educational materials would not be possible. This year, the 5k Run~Walk for Cancer will take place on May 31 at the Thoreau Club field in Concord.

Dr. DuBois’s lecture is free, with a light supper served. Seating is limited.

For more information or to register, contact Emerson Hospital Auxiliary president Sally Savelle at (978) 287-4837 or Sally.Savelle@gmail.com.  The deadline is April 14.

The Emerson Hospital Auxiliary supports the hospital through community awareness, patient support and fundraising activities. Anyone interested in becoming a member or learning about the Auxiliary should contact Karen McCarthy at (978) 371-2133.