Florida Health Care News
Indian River County Edition
Winter 2002


Establishing priorities in cancer care
The dedication continues...

A diagnosis of cancer presents extraordinary challenges to many aspects of an individual's life. It is a feared intrusion that can elicit feelings of chaos and confusion: questions call for answers, choices demand decisions, and the road back to the light of hope, clarity and confidence can appear daunting for patients and their loved ones.

The Geffen Cancer Center and Research Institute was founded in 1994, by Jeremy R. Geffen, MD, for the purpose of providing expert, comprehensive, transforming guidance and care for those who are making "the journey through cancer." Here, avenues of leading-edge, conventional medical therapy are explored in an environment where the body, mind, heart and spirit are treated with equal regard and respect.

Dr. Geffen and his carefully chosen staff strive for excellence in medical oncology, as well as in complementary therapies that offer sustenance and balance to a comprehensive treatment plan. Since its inception, the Geffen Cancer Center and Research Institute has become recognized as a leader and innovator in integrative cancer care.

Science and art

"Patients who are facing cancer need the best, leading-edge medical care available," says Dr. Geffen. "Fortunately, the last few years have been rich with break-throughs in cancer research, bringing a greater understanding of the disease and more successful treatment approaches.

"At the Center, we continuously evaluate emerging technologies, new drug regimens, and new treatment protocols, and quickly assimilate those that are proven safe and effective for our patients. "Currently, we are watching the emergence of impressive and enlightening information about the role of genetics in cancer prevention, causation and treatment, and the pursuit of cancer immunology and tumor vaccines, which strive to mobilize the body's own immune system to meet the challenges of cancer. In addition, remarkable new therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, growth factors, hormone receptor modulators, and other breakthrough drugs, are changing the landscape of cancer care.

"We also work very closely with outstanding specialists in our community," Dr. Geffen adds, "and we maintain close, collaborative relationships with leading cancer centers in Florida and throughout the country."

"But there is more to caring for a human being with cancer than just the science of medicine, and drugs," he emphasizes; "there is also the art of exploring a more holistic approach, where the mind, heart, and spirit of the patient are cared for while the body is coping with the disease."

Dr. Geffen believes that patients and their loved ones deserve the personal attention of a physician who is willing to listen to their questions, help them find answers and, ultimately, be their coach as they discover their own inner strengths and resolve.

"We help our patients define the magnitude of their own courage and rediscover the priceless value of their lives and contributions," he says. "Patients benefit from guidance about diet, exercise, nutritional support, and other complementary therapies that can have a tremendously valuable impact on their quality of life," adds Dr. Geffen.

"We focus on managing potential side effects of medical treatment and helping to dispel myths about cancer and its treatment that can get in the way of clear and informed decision-making." Mission of caring The Geffen Cancer Center and Research Institute has won international respect and acclaim from patients and medical professionals for its unwavering dedication to the principles of leading-edge, conventional medical treatment, augmented by its pioneering program for healing and transforming the whole person.

In 2000, Dr. Geffen's vision of truly comprehensive, patient-centered cancer care took a giant step forward with the publication of his book, The Journey Through Cancer: An Oncologist's Seven-Level Program for Healing and Transforming the Whole Person (Crown Publishers: NY).

The book has drawn accolades from an impressive number of medical and health professionals, and media sources as well, including The New York Times, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Alternative & Complementary Therapies, Oncology News International, and many others, and it was released in paperback in January 2002. Dr. Geffen has also appeared before the United States Congress to provide expert witness about his unique vision for cancer care.

Most recently, Nightingale Conant released Dr. Geffen's insightful guidance in audio format, on tapes and compact discs. Called The Seven Levels of Healing, the program broadens the scope of his message and offers ways to navigate through any illness or life challenge.

The focus is clear

While his publishers are assisting him in sharing his vision and seven levels of healing with the world, Dr. Geffen personally remains focused on maintaining the outstanding level of care that he and his staff offer to every patient who comes to the Geffen Cancer Center.

"My dream of a cancer center where the whole person, not just the disease, is cared for became a reality with the opening eight years ago of the Geffen Cancer Center and Research Institute," says its founder. "With meticulous and compassionate attention to the body, mind, heart and spirit of every patient we have the privilege to join on his or her journey, we continue, without pause, to search for the best and most effective medical therapies available.

"However, in addition to having access to university-quality medical care, our patients -- and those close to them -- need and deserve love, kindness, and respect for who they are as unique individuals. At our Center, we honor and care for the whole person, offering guidance and support as they navigate the journey from cancer and uncertainty toward greater knowledge, understanding, self-awareness, and true healing." FHCN

Make a note...
Dr. Geffen and his staff look forward to meeting you and serving your needs. For further information or to schedule a consultation, please call (772) 770-5800 or toll free (800) 834-4791. The Center is located at 981 - 37th Place in Vero Beach, directly across from Indian River Memorial Hospital. More information can also be found at www.geffencenter.com.

Jeremy R. Geffen, MD, FACP, is board certified in medical oncology and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He is a summa cum laude graduate of Columbia University and received his medical degree with honors from New York University School of Medicine. He completed his residency training in internal medicine at the University of California at San Diego and fellowship training in hematology and medical oncology at the University of California at San Francisco.

The Geffen Cancer Foundation, Inc.

Cancer often challenges the mind, heart, and spirit of patients and their loved ones as deeply -- if not more deeply -- than it challenges the physical body. In light of this, in 1998 the Geffen Cancer Foundation, Inc. was established to help meet the mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of cancer patients, family members, and friends, and to support scientific research.

The non-profit, 501(c)3, tax-exempt Foundation underwrites the costs of a number of important and valuable programs, including on-going support groups; classes in yoga, meditation, nutrition, guided imagery and relaxation; an educational program based on Dr. Geffen's Seven Levels of Healing; supportive care programs including the Cancer Buddy Program and the Cancer Resource Project; and an annual, community-wide educational Cancer Awareness Day. The Foundation also sponsors a number of the American Cancer Society's education and support programs, including the "Look Good....Feel Better Program," and it supports research activities in a variety of areas as well.

Donations from patients, family members, and grateful friends and supporters of the Geffen Cancer Foundation fund the ever-expanding services which are offered to all residents of Vero Beach, Indian River County, and the surrounding areas. For more information, or if you would like to assist the Foundation in fulfilling its important goals, please call (561) 770-2604.