BRINGING WORLD-CLASS CANCER CARE TO LAKE, SUMTER AND ORANGE COUNTIES

“Florida Cancer Specialists is like my family!” That’s an often-heard sentiment expressed by grateful patients undergoing treatment at one of the more than 20 Central Florida locations of Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS). It may also be a surprising statement, given that, in most people’s minds, cancer is probably the greatest feared disease imaginable. So, how can one account for this positive, even affectionate, response from so many? It’s because these patients realize several facts not usually known by the general public.

First, FCS cancer patients know that, while cancer is still an extremely serious disease, for the majority of patients there are many options that were not available 20 or 30 years ago. Second, patients know that at Florida Cancer Specialists they will receive expert care and the most advanced and personalized treatments, even if they do not live in a large city.

“The heart of the FCS mission is to bring world-class care to communities, both large and small, throughout the state of Florida,” explained Dr. Roy Ambinder, a Yale-trained medical oncologist who practices in the Tavares office. Dr. Ralph Gousse, who practices in Apopka and Tavares added, “We want our patients to be able to receive the highest quality cancer treatment in a setting close to home, where they can be surrounded by family and friends.”

Florida Cancer Specialists is nationally-recognized for setting the benchmark in community-based oncology. Founded in 1984, the statewide practice offers advanced treatments, such as targeted therapies developed through genetic research and immunotherapies, which use the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

“One of the benefits of seeing an FCS specialist is continuity of care,” said Dr. Sandeep Thaper, who sees patients in Leesburg and The Villages. “Patients are usually seen by the same physician, nurses and staffers on each visit to the office. That allows our patients to build trusted relationships with their doctors that can be very comforting at a stressful time in their lives.”

“Having advanced forms of treatment available close to home means a lot to our patients,” said Dr. Imad El-Jassous, who also practices in Leesburg and The Villages. Dr. Pablo Reyes added, “They spend less time traveling and more time with family members and doing things they enjoy.”