By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
A former HaysMed oncologist has opened a new practice in western Kansas.
Dr. Robert Rodriguez, medical oncologist, and Amanda Volchko, advanced practice provider, started seeing patients two weeks ago through their practice, Western Kansas Oncology Group, serving Oakley, Tribune and Goodland.
The practice is based in Tribune but works with all three critical-access hospitals in those three communities. The practice offers in-person visits as well as telemedicine.
The practice is accepting new oncology and hematology patients.
Rodriguez treats cancer patients and blood cancer patients, but under hematology, also treats patients with noncancerous anemia or low platelets, which can happen as a result of interactions with medications or aging.
Rodriguez received both his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Kansas. He did his residency and fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He spent an additional two years at the medical center before moving to western Kansas to work for HaysMed, where he worked for just less than 10 years.
Volchko was born and raised in New Jersey. She trained in Philadelphia before a recruiter hired her to work in Hoxie. Rodriguez met Volchko while working in Hays, and she expressed an interest in working with cancer patients.
"My No. 1 directive at this point is to bring treatment locally," Rodriguez said. "In my time at my previous employment, everyone had to come to our location, come to Hays, come to the University of Kansas."
"We're trying to keep people as close to home as possible. Our primary directive is to get as much of that care done locally as possible, including cancer evaluation, chemotherapy administration, and diagnostic imaging and labs. "
Rodriguez said getting treatment close to home makes a "huge" difference for cancer patients.
"If you can imagine any time someone has to get systemic treatment for a malignancy, it's not the best day of their life," he said. "Even when you do it 100% correctly, it still takes a toll on the person."
Bringing care closer to patients means they don't have to drive hours for care. That is physically better for the patient.
"It helps emotionally," Rodriguez said, "and it really does help financially. Sometimes funds are limited. These treatments are expensive."
Patients rarely come for treatment alone. Rodriguez said local treatment results in less stress for the family members and friends who are assisting the patients.
"The fact that we come to them is greatly beneficial and so appreciated by everyone I have worked with in these first few weeks," he said.
Because there are no cures for the diseases that Rodriguez treats, an oncologist aims to extend life and enhance quality of life.
"In the end, we're trying to buy people more time to live their life, to be with friends, family, and experience things they love," Rodriguez said. "The less time you spend with me, the better. The less time you have to spend traveling, even better than that. We're trying to have our cake and eat it too, where they still get the excellent care they would receive somewhere like the University of Kansas."
He also wanted patients to know he will be their doctor.
"Whether Amanda [Volchko] sees you or not, I am the one making those final plans. I will be making those plans even if I'm on vacation or if it's in the middle of the night, I will be your person," Rodriguez said.
He said he will also work with other physicians as needed, adding that through his experience, he's made many connections with other doctors across the state.
Rodriguez, who is a Goodland native, said he and his wife, who is a Larned native, wanted to stay in western Kansas and give back to rural communities.
"My desire had always been to go back and help the people that helped me," he said. "I didn't get to this place alone. I had excellent teachers and a community that shaped me into the person I am today. I have a sincere desire to help them."
The practice's appointments are filling fast. The Oakley clinic is full through July. Rodriguez said he wanted to thank the community for supporting the practice thus far.
"I'm really excited to get this project going," Rodriguez said. "It's been a dream of mine since graduating from medical school. It's finally happening, and the support that I have received from the community has been nothing but spectacular. I look forward to the rest of my career doing this very thing."
To contact the practice, call 620-720-2744. The fax is 620-720-2394.
Referrals and inquiries can also be emailed to [email protected]. Western Kansas Oncology Group updates and information can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.