In 1988, Dr. J. Michael Ryan joined ACMC as a Medical Oncologist. Prior to coming on staff, Dr. Ryan had been serving patients at ACMC in Willmar as a visiting specialist.
Because of the many partnerships ACMC had with surrounding hospitals and clinics in southwest and west central Minnesota, in 1990 Dr. Ryan began offering oncology outreach services for patients at Redwood Area Hospital in Redwood Falls.
“I knew it would make life easier for the patients,” said Dr. Ryan. “It was easier for me, as a physician, to travel to see them, than it would be for these patients to travel to Willmar to see me.”
With the rapidly changing oncology environment, Dr. Ryan also knew the importance of having a consistent, quality team of educated oncology professionals caring for the patients.
Dr. Ryan retired from ACMC and the Willmar Regional Cancer Center in 2014 after 26 years of dedicated service and having touched the lives of thousands of area patients and their families. However, the legacy of Willmar Regional Cancer Center offering oncology outreach services to surrounding communities continues today. By partnering with local healthcare organizations we are able to provide quality cancer care even closer to home for our patients.
Services are provided throughout our region including:
- Litchfield, Minn. – Outreach offered through Dr. Wysokinska and Kelly Taunton, RN, CNP at Meeker Memorial Hospital. Chemotherapy is available from trained staff at the hospital.
- Montevideo, Minn. – Outreach offered through Dr. Wysokinska and Kelly Taunton, RN, CNP at Chippewa County Montevideo Hospital. Chemotherapy is available from trained staff at the hospital.
- Marshall, Minn. – Outreach provided by Dr. Monterroso for patients at ACMC-Marshall clinic. Chemotherapy is available from trained staff at Avera Marshall Hospital.
- Redwood Falls, Minn. – Outreach provided by Dr. Monterroso for patients at ACMC-Redwood Falls clinic. Chemotherapy is available from trained staff at Redwood Area Hospital.
- Granite Falls, Minn. – When appropriate, telehealth is available for patients through the Granite Falls Municipal Hospital & Manor. Chemotherapy is available from trained staff at Granite Falls Area Hospital.
- Benson, Minn. – When appropriate, telehealth is available for patients through Swift County Benson Health Services. Chemotherapy is available from trained staff at Benson Area Hospital.
Willmar Regional Cancer Center also partners with area pharmacies and other area healthcare professionals for patient care coordination.
Dr. Ryan laid a wonderful foundation for cancer care in our region. Through the years we have continued to build many strong relationships. When it comes to treating cancer, you need all of the resources available to provide the best care possible for the patient.