At Lakeland Regional Health’s Hollis Cancer Center, patients don’t need to travel across the state to access advanced, multidisciplinary cancer treatments. With nationally trained specialists, innovative procedures, and the latest technology — all in one location — Hollis Cancer Center delivers expert care close to home.
“Since beginning my career at Hollis Cancer Center in 2007, I’ve been proud to support the advancement of cutting-edge cancer care in our community,” Kris Guerrier, MD, Radiation Oncology said. “Just as important as innovation is compassion — treating each patient with kindness, respect, and placing them at the heart of everything we do.”
A team approach to healing
“Cancer care these days is all about a multidisciplinary team approach — surgical oncology working with medical oncology, working with radiation oncology — and we’re able to have all of those services in one building at the Hollis Cancer Center,” Kelly Koch, MD, Surgical Oncology said.
“That facilitates your doctors speaking to each other and gives us a chance to easily organize your care. It’s really nice to have this in our community to reduce the amount of travel for our patients who are dealing with a life-changing diagnosis.”
Echoing this team-based approach, Sowsan Rasheid, MD, Colorectal Surgery, added:
“Cancer care is a collaborative journey. Your team of doctors, nurses, and support staff will guide you with personalized treatment, open communication, and ongoing support, from diagnosis through recovery and beyond.”
Innovative tools and techniques
The center offers advanced technology, like:
- Navigational bronchoscopy to reach difficult lung nodules
- UroNav system enhances prostate biopsy precision and treatment outcomes
- Hidden Scar Technique for breast surgery
“Here at the Hollis Cancer Center, we have specialized devices like the UroNav, which is a targeted biopsy tool that we use specifically for men who have an abnormal rectal exam or abnormal PSA blood test,” Peter Hinds, MD, Medical Director, Urology said. “This technology is designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of prostate biopsies, leading to potentially better diagnosis and treatment outcomes.”
Fellowship-trained surgical oncologists also offer HIPEC treatment and the robotic Whipple procedure — available only at LRH in Polk County.
“These types of advanced procedures are often found at academic medical centers, and as we welcome our first graduate medical education residents, we are proud to train them in a health system that offers these types of innovative, advanced surgeries,” Manuel Molina-Vega, MD, Surgical Oncology said.
A focus on prevention and personalized care
Vanessa Prowler, MD, Breast Surgical Oncology, brings a specialized approach to breast cancer care grounded in genetics and prevention.
“I am a trained clinician in cancer risk assessment and recognized as a genetics provider by Cigna, the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, and most genetics companies,” she said.
Her expertise helps patients make informed decisions about imaging, chemo-preventive strategies, and surgical options tailored to their genetic risk.
“I completed an intensive four-month program through the City of Hope Genetics program, which allows me to integrate evidence-based cancer risk counseling and testing into my practice. I’m currently the only breast cancer surgeon in the area trained in this specialty.”
Guidance and support, every step of the way
“Most of all, we want patients to know they’re not alone, and they’re not facing a life without quality,” says Graham Greene, MD, Urology said. “We help them through this with information, treatment options, and a clear path forward.”
