Extended Medical Listings

Desert Regional Medical Center Completes La Quinta Expansion

By Erika Z. Byrd

Since the grand opening this past March of the La Quinta satellite of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Desert Regional Medical Center, the response from East Valley residents has been an overwhelming "Thank you for coming to our community," says Teresa E. Whipple, Vice President and Executive Director of The Comprehensive Cancer Center.

"Patients who are being treated for cancer appreciate having high-quality care close to home," says Whipple. "It's also better for the family and caregivers, too." She noted that having a nearby location helps women follow through on important annual mammograms.

Services at the La Quinta satellite of the Comprehensive Cancer Center include screening mammography, physician consults and exams, treatment including chemotherapy, and follow-up care. An on-site laboratory and pharmacy help provide coordinated, convenient care.

John Zeller who lives at The Trilogy in La Quinta used to drive nearly an hour to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs for his treatment. Now it's just a 15-minute trip for periodic visits to monitor his condition.

"I'm extremely happy they've opened an office in La Quinta," Zeller says. "Everybody's been great — from Dr. Elber Camacho to the whole staff."

Currently in remission from leukemia, Zeller transferred to the Comprehensive Cancer Center in 2009 for treatment of a secondary condition that is now under control.

"I've been very fortunate," says the 64-year-old Zeller. "I really haven't had to curtail my activities. I play golf three times a week, and I'm very active."

East Valley physicians also have been supportive of Desert Regional Medical Center's La Quinta expansion. "The reception by the medical community has been very positive," says Elber S. Camacho, MD, Medical Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center. "We are pleased to partner with referring physicians in the care of their patients with cancer."

In addition to Dr. Camacho, medical oncologists from the Comprehensive Cancer Center who also see patients at the La Quinta offi ce include Murthy V.S. Andavolu, MD, M.B.A., Director of the Prostate Cancer Program; Enrico C. Sobong, MD and Lawrence P. Leichman, MD, F.A.C.P., National Program Director of Gastrointestinal Malignancies.

Other Desert Regional Medical Center departments serving the East Valley from the La Quinta Medical Center building include the La Quinta branch of the Institute of Clinical Orthopedics and Neurosciences and La Quinta Imaging Center, which provides same-day appointments for MRI, CT, ultrasound and X-rays.

DESERT REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER SERVICES IN LA QUINTA

COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER
• SCREENING MAMMOGRAPHY
• INFUSION THERAPY
• PHYSICIAN CONSULT AND EXAMS
• PHONE: 1-760-416-4800

INSTITUTE OF CLINICAL ORTHOPEDICS AND NEUROSCIENCES
• PHYSICIAN CONSULT AND EXAMS
• PHONE: 1-760-771-6166

LA QUINTA IMAGING CENTER
• WIDE-BORE MRI
• 64-SLICE CT SCAN
• DIGITAL X-RAY
• ULTRASOUND
• PHONE: 1-760-778-5925

Desert Regional Medical Center in La Quinta
47647 Caleo Bay, La Quinta, CA 92253
www.DesertRegional.com