June 2, 2008

Providence hires M. D. Anderson leader for Regional Cancer System in SW Washington

Providence Health & Services, Southwest Washington Service Area, has hired a top business and clinical director from an internationally recognized cancer center to serve as administrative director of Oncology Services for the Providence Regional Cancer System.

On June 23, Roy Olpin will join Providence from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where he currently serves as project director for clinical operations. Olpin earned both a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Public Health from Boston University.

“Roy has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of oncology throughout his career,” said Jeff Robert, Providence Chief Strategic Officer, Southwest Washington Service Area. “His background in clinical and business management at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center will be a great asset and help Providence continue to provide a continuum of high quality integrated care to cancer patients and their families in the South Sound. We are excited about bringing him to the Providence team.”

Olpin will support the Providence Regional Cancer System, which includes cancer services provided by Providence Western Washington Oncology, Providence Centralia Hospital, Providence St. Peter Hospital, and Providence SoundHomeCare & Hospice. The Providence Regional Cancer System partners with RadiantCare Radiation Oncology.

Providence Regional Cancer System serves the five-county region of Lewis, Thurston, Pacific, Mason and Grays Harbor counties with locations in Lacey, Centralia and Aberdeen. The philosophy of the Providence Regional Cancer System is to provide comprehensive cancer care throughout urban and rural areas in South Sound to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients and their families close to home.

In April, Providence announced plans for a $6 million, 17,000-square-foot cancer treatment center near Providence Centralia Hospital. The new center will offer expanded outpatient infusion therapy (chemotherapy) services provided by Providence, as well as radiation therapy provided by RadiantCare. It will open in the summer of 2009.

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