Experience
Experience leads to the best results. But remember
that hospitals and
programs don't have
experience, people do. What matters is the number of patients a health care team
has treated.
Team
approach
It takes a team to do
a bone marrow transplant. The program you select should have a highly
experienced medical director, a skilled team of medical and radiation
oncologists, and the support of pathologists, radiologists and pharmacists. Also
important are the other members of the team, including bone marrow transplant
coordinators, specialized nurses, psychologists, social
workers, nutritionists and physical therapists.
Full-Service
Bone marrow
transplants are highly individual procedures, so you'll want
a program that offers
a full menu of options - autologous and allogeneic,
standard and research
treatment protocols. The best results are obtained when the treatment is
custom-designed to each patient's disease, condition
and
desires.
Latest
treatments
Medical science
changes daily, and it's important to have access to the latest
advances. An academic medical center stays up-to-date on the most promising
developments, and offers patients the option to participate in research
programs.
Patient-friendly
Bone marrow
transplantation is a process, not a single event. Finding a center where you're
comfortable is very important. You'll want telephone access at any time of day,
a single point of contact for all your questions, and a friendly, caring staff.
It can make a world of difference to your
outcome.
Family-friendly
For most patients,
family support is very important during the bone marrow transplantation process.
Make sure that your family can participate throughout, and that they have access
to support services. It's also important to select a program that offers
flexible visiting hours so your family can visit
often.
Comfortable
facility
Most bone marrow
transplant patients spend a few weeks in the hospital, so it makes sense to
choose a comfortable facility. It's important to have a designated bone marrow
transplant unit with private patient rooms to ensure a safe recovery at a time
when you are most susceptible to infection.
Reputation
You'll feel better if you know that the hospital is
highly regarded. Look for a hospital that has a strong reputation in all areas
of patient care, especially cancer services.
Convenient
location
Georgetown is
centrally located and easily accessible. For residents
of Washington, DC and
surrounding Maryland and Virginia suburbs, we're close to major roads and public
transportation. For out-of-town patients or family members, we are convenient to
airports and train stations.
For more
information
Please call the Bone Marrow Transplant Program at
Georgetown University Hospital, please call (202) 444-4000. Ifyou'd like a
referral to one of our physicians, call
(202)
444-2253.
