– information courtesy of Maria Parham Health Public Information Officer Donna Young

The community is invited to come out and take a look at the newly renovated and updated Radiation Oncology Suite at Maria Parham Hospital on Thursday, Oct. 9.

The re-opening celebration will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the MPH Cancer Center, according to information from MPH Public Information Officer Donna Young.

Attendees should enter through the hospital’s Cancer Center entrance.

After several months of renovation and equipment upgrades, the department is now home to a new, state-of-the-art linear accelerator – LINAC for short – an advanced piece of medical technology that delivers external beam radiation therapy with precision and care. This powerful machine uses high-frequency electromagnetic fields to create a high-energy beam of electrons, or X-rays, to target and treat cancerous tumors, all while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. LINAC is able to rotate around the patient and utilize advanced imaging, which provides the highest standard in modern radiation treatment.

With this new addition, Maria Parham will also have the new capability to do stereotactic body radiation therapy, known as SBRT in the medical field. SBRT is a type of external beam radiation therapy that delivers high doses of radiation to a tumor in fewer sessions (typically 1-5), compared to conventional radiation therapy which may require weeks of treatment. It uses advanced imaging and targeting technologies to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

In addition to showcasing the upgraded facility and technology, the event will also serve as an opportunity for guests to meet Dr. Ryan Fecteau, MD, PhD, Maria Parham Health’s new Radiation Oncologist.

“We are incredibly proud to offer this advanced technology to our patients and to continue raising the bar for cancer care in our region,” said Kimberly Smith, director of The Cancer Center at Maria Parham Health. “This event is not only a celebration of innovation but of our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality care close to home.”