Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence in Cancer Care at Prairie Lakes Cancer Center
The care team at Prairie Lakes Cancer Center
For the past quarter of a century, Prairie Lakes Cancer Center has been a beacon of hope and healing for countless patients and their families in our Watertown area communities. In 1999, the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center welcomed its first patient. Today, PLHS proudly serves more than 400 new patients annually, averaging 40 patient visits each day. Their journey from a small team of one physician and nine staff members to a comprehensive care center with three employed physicians, one nurse practitioner, and 22 dedicated staff members is a testament to the health system’s commitment to excellence in cancer care.
Prairie Lakes’ Team and Integrated Approach to Cancer Care
Medical Oncologist Dr. Bipin Amin
The journey began with a vision to create a center where patients could receive state-of-the-art treatment close to home, surrounded by their loved ones. This vision has guided the cancer center every step of the way, driving their efforts to combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate care. The heart of the Cancer Center is a skilled and compassionate team, which includes:
Dr. Joni Buechler, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Bipin Amin and Dr. Vijay Rao, Medical Oncologists and Hematologists
Kristina Rieffenberger, Certified Nurse Practitioner
Oncology-certified nurses
Radiation dosimetrist
Social worker
Research specialist/clinical trial coordinator
Radiation therapists
Dedicated office staff
The team is further supported by a diverse group of professionals from Prairie Lakes, including pharmacists, lab technicians, registered dietitians, pastoral care providers, and business office staff. This collaborative effort ensures that each patient receives holistic, comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs.
Milestones and Innovations in Cancer Treatment & Diagnosis
Over the past 25 years, the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center has achieved numerous milestones in providing advanced cancer care. Here are some highlights of their innovative services and treatments:
Digital PET/CT Services: Their state-of-the-art mobile imaging unit offers exceptional image quality, reduced radiation dose levels, faster scan times, and the ability to perform additional diagnostic CT exams in combination with PET scans.
TomoTherapy: This revolutionary treatment delivery system combines the functions of a traditional radiation therapy unit and an on-board CT scanner.
Clinical Trials: They actively participate in and continually add new clinical trials to their offerings, providing their patients with access to cutting-edge treatments soon after FDA clearance. Their proactive approach allows them to offer innovative therapies quickly.
Advanced Therapies: They administer a variety of immunotherapies, chemotherapies, and hematology services, ensuring that patients receive the most effective treatments available.
A Community of Care
Dr. Joni Buechler, Radiation Oncologist
One of the unique aspects of the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center is its close-knit team and the long-standing experience of its staff. They pride themselves on creating personal relationships with patients. This personalized approach fosters a supportive and compassionate environment, which is often not found in larger healthcare settings.
The collaboration extends beyond the health center, working with specialists across the Midwest to keep care close to home. They also integrate services from other departments within the healthcare system, including dietary support, social work, pastoral care, and rehabilitation therapies, to support patients throughout their journey.
Cancer Care Outreach to Rural Communities
To ensure that quality cancer care is accessible to their rural neighbors, PLHS offers outreach services by visiting healthcare facilities in other cities.
Dawson, MN
Madison, MN
Milbank, SD
Montevideo, MN
Sisseton, SD
Webster, SD
This initiative brings expertise and advanced treatments to patients who might otherwise face challenges in accessing specialized care.
Stories of Strength and Resilience
At the heart of Prairie Lakes Cancer Center are the inspiring stories of patients and a special tradition of patients ringing the celebration bell, which is to mark significant milestones in their treatment journey. Their strength and resilience in the face of cancer motivate the staff to strive for excellence every day. From those who have celebrated remission to those who continue their brave fight, their patients are the true heroes of their story.
Looking Ahead
As they celebrate this 25-year milestone, the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center remains dedicated to evolving and adopting the latest advances in technology, treatments, and clinical trials. Their interdisciplinary approach ensures that they continue to meet the diverse needs of their patients with the highest standards of care.