Renovations Are Just One of the Changes Coming to Radiation Oncology

This is a time of transition for the Sheila K. Riggs Radiation Oncology Center. Patients and families can see the signs of construction as the department is connected to the new Berman Garage and soon, the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion. They may not be aware of the changes going on behind the scenes, however.

After nearly 40 years in Radiation Oncology, 28 of those as Chair, Robert Brookland, MD, FACRO, FACR, is taking a few steps back. He cut his hours at GBMC in half and is glad to see GBMC has confidently put leadership of the department in the capable hands of Dr. Geoffrey Neuner.

Under Dr. Brookland’s guidance, the department kept pace with rapid advancements in radiation oncology. As Chair, he helped bring such groundbreaking innovations to GBMC as high dose rate outpatient brachytherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiation therapy, and stereotactic ablative radiotherapy. In the department, he’s helped implement sophisticated forms of treatment planning using CT scans and PET scans as well as new radioisotopes which have also allowed for more targeted forms of radiation therapy.

Dr. Albert Blumberg helped launch GBMC’s Radiation Oncology program when he arrived in 1981. Now retired, he has kept in touch with his former colleagues and funds an endowment that supports staff development. He has been impressed by Dr. Brookland’s leadership and the steps he’s taken to give patients the best care possible.

"When Dr. Brookland joined Dr. (Kelly) Drake and me in 1984, it was obvious to all he was a perfect addition,” Dr. Blumberg said. “The contributions he has made to the Department of Radiation Oncology and GBMC over the past 40 years are innumerable.

“Dr. Neuner has very large shoes to fill!"

Dr. Brookland could not be leaving things in better shape. A new linear accelerator for advanced treatments and a CT scanner for treatment planning are being installed now. This new technology will improve the care patients receive and their prospects for recovery. In addition, the department is being renovated and the new design promises some thoughtful changes – also for the patients’ benefit.

“After we have the work done to reconfigure the department it will be tremendous,” Dr. Brookland said.

With his colleagues and GBMC’s Planning and Construction team, Dr. Brookland worked with the architects to create a new vision for the department. Together, they are designing improvements that will dramatically enhance the treatment experience for their patients: from adding skylights to the linear accelerator vaults to locating restrooms closer to treatments that often require a full bladder.

Beyond improvements to their physical space, Dr. Brookland is also proud of the department itself.

“Programmatically, we’re in great shape,” he said. “It is such a strong program to offer the community.”

The new Chair, Dr. Neuner, agrees. Technology and treatment options are improving at a rapid pace.

“We can do more to treat the cancer while protecting the patient,” Dr. Neuner said. “With precise treatments, there is less damage to other tissue. The patient can have a more normal life while getting treatment. And GBMC is at the forefront of these improvements.”

With the new, leading-edge equipment on the way and renovations planned, Dr. Neuner is taking over at an important moment in the life of the department.

“We have a great program with great people,” Dr. Brookland said. “So, I have no misgivings about passing the leadership responsibilities over to my colleagues because we are in such good shape.”

Recalling his arrival at GBMC in October 1984, Dr. Brookland describes the team joined as “two excellent physicians.”

“What I feel really good about for the department and for the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute is that we were able to recruit two outstanding colleagues in Dr. Geoff Neuner and Dr. Kruti Patel. In fact, the entire staff is outstanding," he said.