For Patients
A Patient-First Approach
Our patients are always our top priority at Advocate Radiation Oncology. We understand that undergoing treatment can be challenging and sometimes feel overwhelming. We aim to make the process as easy as possible for you and will provide you with support throughout your journey. In addition to providing the appropriate, personalized treatment plan for each patient, we also strive to minimize the impact of that treatment on your daily life. Our whole team is here to support you. Answers to Frequently asked questionsChoosing A Doctor
It is important to treat each patient’s cancer, individually. We begin by pairing you with a doctor who will oversee your entire treatment process. You or your referring physician may request a specific doctor for treatment. Otherwise, an appointment will be made for you with the doctor who is most quickly available.
Customized Care
There are many options for treating cancer. Radiation therapy is a safe and effective part of many treatment plans. In fact, most cancer treatment plans include some form of radiation therapy. At Advocate Radiation Oncology, we offer the most innovative treatments available, tailored to each patient’s needs. An essential part of preparing an individual treatment plan is learning more about you. Before your initial visit, you will be asked to provide some information.
What We Need
Contact information for your other physicians A general medical history A list of medications Imaging or information on where imaging was completed Insurance informationBeginning Treatment
While each treatment plan is unique to every patient, our treatments are guided by the most up-to-date data in order to ensure that you receive the most appropriate evidence-based cancer care. Radiation therapy is a proven treatment that is sometimes used in conjunction with other treatment options, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy.
Radiation therapy has been used for over 100 years to treat cancer. Using today’s technology, it can target cancer cells with pinpoint accuracy. Modern radiation treatment can be delivered quickly and efficiently, allowing you to live your life with minimal disruption.
Our first step is learning about you and developing a personalized treatment plan. We will then review the plan with you to make sure you and your loved ones are comfortable with the process moving forward.
As your advocates, we will walk with you through your treatment journey, every step of the way.
I went through treatment for stage 4 throat cancer and now 4 years later I am cancer free. It was kicking my butt at times, but I knew between Dr. Brown, his PA Ricki, the office staff, all the other doctors and their staff and especially my wife who carried the brunt of the work such as listening to what doctors said, making sure I consumed enough calories every day and not to mention the burden of the worry. Dr. Brown, in my opinion, is the pinnacle of a radiation oncologist and truly cares about you and your health. I’m getting back to singing and doing my Elvis impersonations. So, Dr. Brown, I want to say to you “thank you, thank you very much”, from the bottom of my heart!
I cannot express enough, my appreciation for Dr. Fitch and the genuine care and concern he has shown me during and after my treatment! I will never forget it!
Dr. Fox was so great. She made me feel comfortable and at ease. I cannot thank her enough.
Dr. Alan Brown Jr. is known to me as my beloved Dr. Teddy Bear. This man saved my life so I could live another 5 years. This man saved the optical nerve so I wouldn't lose my vision. This man gave me big teddy bear hugs. This man I trusted my brain with. This is the man I was blessed with. The real person behind the Dr. from Harvard. May his girls grow up to be persistent with their goals, have compassion, and give big teddy bear hugs to others, just like their father.
Sandra M. - Patient
What my time with you at Advocate Radiation Oncology has taught me is that breast cancer cannot defeat me. My time spent with all of you who were so positive, kind and joyful taught me that together we can defeat cancer and be joyful and celebrate life.
Well, it's been a crazy year. It was one year ago I had my first chemo and radiation treatments. I have to thank Dr. Brown and his staff. No words can express how grateful I am! I was lucky, not everyone gets a second chance.
Advocate Radiation is always as accommodating as possible. Fun, smiling, happy, just all around the best tech staff ever. I would recommend them for anything anyone needs.
Clinically expert, caring, compassionate physicians and the staff are excellent, supportive & unfailingly kind.
Dr. Brown and his staff are the best. They are very professional and caring. They treat each patient with respect. Very positive experience.
I want to thank Dr. Fitch and the staff for all being so kind, caring and supportive through my breast cancer radiation treatments. It makes such a big difference when you’re going through this! Thank you all again for being such a wonderful staff and I am so very thankful that you take my insurance 😊.
Dr. Garton has been such a kind and caring doctor to me during this difficult time. She did everything in such a loving, caring way and her beautiful smile took my fears away. I’ll carry her in my heart always!
More than a year ago, doctors and angels literally snatched me back from death’s door and helped me survive stage 4 malignant lung cancer which allows me to pursue art as a new and challenging endeavor. They are my heroes, and care about curing what’s wrong with us and ensuring that our boundaries for life can be unlimited. All we have to do is follow their prescription for recovery. It works. With a projection of only surviving a few short weeks, Dr. Arie Dosoretz and my care team gave me more time on this planet to seek the beauty of art and life. I will always thank them eternally for what they’ve done for me.
Additional Resources
Preparing for radiation therapy can be overwhelming. However, there are several resources we trust and recommend for more information on radiation oncology and what you can expect:
Dr. Todd Pezzi first became interested in oncology at a young age after seeing cancer impact his own family. He is passionate about delivering state-of-the-art oncologic care to the residents of Southwest Florida.
Thomas J. Klein, M.D., Ph.D., FACRO is a board-certified radiation oncologist who provides world class cancer treatment in a caring community setting. He values the personal relationships he forms with each of his patients and is committed to helping them in their fight against cancer. Dr. Klein is an advocate for his patients both in and out of the clinic. He has raised awareness on news broadcasts, lobbied for cancer patients’ rights on Capitol Hill, and educated physicians around the country on making better treatment decisions for their patients.
