Ohio Cancer Center - The Zangmeister Center » Ohio Cancer Specialists

Rita Klein

admin — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:27:44 +0000

Dan Potokar Story

admin — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:39:09 +0000

Daniel Potokar was a rising star on the legendary Ohio State University football team when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in late 2007.

Even after many grueling months of treatment, which included surgery and multiple rounds of chemotherapy, Dan’s battle with cancer was not yet won. In the spring of 2008, the cancer had viciously returned to the then 20-year-old’s brain.

Dan was referred to The Zangmeister Center where Dr. Tarek Chidiac put the former OSU receiver on an aggressive full-brain radiation treatment and performed Stereotactic Radiosurgery, a procedure similar to laser surgery, which eventually destroyed the remaining cancerous tumors.

“I always felt very comfortable at The Zangmesister Center,” Dan shares. “Every morning I was greeted with smiles from everyone from the receptionist to my doctor. I also had the two most amazing nurses who took great care of me.”

Dan now spends his time getting back to the things he loves most in life: his fiancée, Stephanie, his two canine companions, Maggie and Lucy, hitting the gym and serving as an assistant coach to the OSU Buckeyes.

“My cancer stole a year of my life, but reinforced my belief in staying positive,” he says. “Always believing that even the worst situations will get better helps me through my everyday life.”

In February 2009, an MRI revealed that all five tumors in Dan’s brain had disappeared. On October 1, 2009, he was officially in remission.

“I have always looked at things two ways—you can get down and be depressed or you can put a smile on your face and remedy the situation.”

Dan’s still smiling.

Patrick C. Elwood, M.D.

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:25:57 +0000

After receiving his medical degree from the University of Nebraska School of Medicine, Dr. Elwood completed his internship at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, then attended Flight Surgeons School at Randolph Air Force Base. He received his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, followed by an additional year as chief resident. He completed his fellowship in the Hematology-Oncology Division at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Dr. Elwood served in the United States Air Force as a flight surgeon and later on active duty in Public Health Service. From 1994 to 2000, Dr. Elwood was Lead Clinical Investigator and served on the attending staff in the Lymphoma Clinic at the Developmental Chemotherapy Section/National Cancer Institute/National Institutes of Health. Dr. Elwood is the recipient of the EEO Officer’s Recognition Award, Public Health Service Commendation Medal, Public Health Service Bicentennial Unit Commendation, and the National Research Service Award. He is a member of the American Society of Hematology, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Community Oncology Alliance, Columbus Medical Association, Ohio State Medical Association, the Ohio Hematology Oncology Society and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. « Back to Medical Oncology/Hematology Physicians

Taral Patel, M.D.

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:22:05 +0000

Dr. Patel is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine in Medical Oncology. He received his M.B.B.S. from Baroda Medical College at Maharaja Sayairao University in Gujarat, India, where he completed his internship and residency in Pathology. Formerly a research associate at the University of Illinois at Chicago, he completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Chicago’s Cook County Hospital and his fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at the University of Cincinnati. The author of many peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Patel is a member of the Community Oncology Alliance, Columbus Medical Association, The Ohio State Medical Association, Ohio Hematology Oncology Society and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

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Haven of Hope

admin — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:00:17 +0000

HAVEN OF HOPE CANCER FOUNDATION

Located on the third floor of The Zangmeister Center, the Haven of Hope Cancer Foundation provides programs, resources and services to support patients and their loved ones. Led by a team of Licensed Independent Social Workers experienced in oncology social work, the mission of Haven of Hope is to promote the physical, emotional, spiritual and financial well being of cancer patients, survivors and their families along the journey.

Learn more.