PHOTO COURTESY OF SAINT ALPHONSUS/TRINITY HEALTH
Saint Alphonsus’ Cancer Institute The New Frontier of Treatment and Healing BY APRIL NEALE
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cancer diagnosis is one of the scariest moments in a person’s life. Thanks to the expansion of Saint Alphonsus Cancer Institute, Idahoans who previously had to travel out of state for specialists and surgery can now fight and heal the disease close to home. Many hospitals feature oncology units, but under the leadership and vision of Dr. Scott Pierson, Saint Alphonsus continues to aggressively recruit outstanding specialists from cancer centers across the country. Many new hires are fellowship-trained female oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists from top-tier medical facilities in the east. Pierson’s vision is to create the very best cancer treatment center in the Pacific Northwest by attracting top medical talent that focuses on serving the “ whole patient” with a connected team approach. This includes an innovative nurse-navigator program, cutting-edge technology, advanced drugs, and thorough screenings. This concentrated brain trust of doctors, medical staff, and administrators under Dr. 18
Pierson’s guidance continues to attract more physicians. These incoming oncologists and specialists align with Dr. Pierson’s commitment and vision. For those Idahoans who undergo chemo, radiation, and continually bounce between doctors in different cities, or states, this “all-under-Saint Al’s-roof ” solution offers a reprieve from additional stress and costs in treatment. However, an elaborate building alone does not make a top-rated institute, says Dr. Pierson. “We’re always trying to recruit those with the most expertise. And as our program is growing, so is the area, and there are more patients. Boise is a great medical opportunity market because it’s under-saturated with physicians compared to many other big cities. So for the physician who wants to come in and build something, it’s a great opportunity,” he adds. Pierson and some of his expert oncologists share an appreciation for the quality of life in the Treasure Valley. The lifestyle incentive, combined with Saint Al’s intention to create a Cancer Institute on par
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with M.D. Anderson or Sloan-Kettering, is creating a medical buzz about Boise. “I think the physicians who come here see the quality across the board with the medical community,” Pierson said. “If you want that combination of a small city and outdoor lifestyle, and if you have a family too, those things align. Saint Alphonsus is upping our game by providing the highest level of care without patients having to travel out outside the state.” Dr. Camille Berriochoa is a native Boisean who is now a top radiation oncologist. She graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine and completed her internship and residency in radiation oncology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. In 2021, Dr. Pierson brought Dr. Berriochoa on to his growing team. “Coming back was always a real longing of mine,’ Berriochoa said. “I’m from Boise; my husband is also, so our family primarily drew us here. And having the opportunity to work at Saint Alphonsus was a big draw.”
