Pittsburgh-based UPMC and long-time partner Bucaramanga-based Fundacion Cardiovascular de Colombia are opening one of the most advanced cancer centers in Colombia. The new Oncology Institute, which is part of a recently opened 870-bed hospital owned by FCV, will serve both adults and pediatric patients.
The 200-bed Oncology Institute at the new Hospital International de Colombia in Piedecuesta will provide advanced medical and radiation oncology treatments to patients who previously had to travel hundreds of miles for such care.
UPMC, which operates more than 40 cancer centers around the world, is acting as co-manager of the Oncology Institute and will continue to provide hands-on support to FCV through dedicated staff members in Colombia, supplemented by visiting staff from Pittsburgh.
"UPMC is assisting us with everything from developing cancer care protocols to physician training to preparing for Joint Commission International accreditation. This collaboration will ensure that the Oncology Institute becomes the leading provider of cancer services for this region," said Victor Castillo, MD, chairman of FCV. This partnership, he added, builds on FCV's existing seven-year relationship in cardiology with Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, which includes remote monitoring of pediatric intensive care unit patients in Colombia by Children's physicians.
The Oncology Institute, which will be financed and operated by FCV, includes chemotherapy and highly specialized radiotherapy services, with future plans to add a bone marrow transplant unit. The Institute also offers a palliative care program, counseling and nutrition services and pain management.
At the Institute's grand opening on July 28, FCV and UPMC physicians and staff will be joined by the president of Colombia, the minister of health and other dignitaries.