Supporters of local cancer doctor demonstrate outside PCI

CEDAR RAPIDS – Supporters of Dr. Chirantan Ghosh rallied on his behalf Tuesday, May 10, 2011, during a peaceful demonstration outside the main office of Physicians' Clinic of Iowa.

Ghosh, who has practiced in Cedar Rapids for 21 years, said PCI terminated his job without cause two weeks ago. He was not at the demonstration.

About a dozen people held signs reading “Dr. Ghosh is our choice for cancer care in Cedar Rapids” and “We need Dr. Ghosh and his whole staff in Cedar Rapids,” among others.

“We're not PCI-bashing,” said Tammy O'Brine, 51, of Cedar Rapids, who organized the rally through Facebook.  “We just need to know – especially his patients in treatment – that he's still allowed to practice in Cedar Rapids.”

O'Brine, who said she has been cancer-free for two years, was treated by Ghosh after being diagnosed with colon cancer just months after she lost her Cedar Rapids home in the Flood of 2008.

She was among supporters who gathered in the muggy afternoon heat in the parking lot of PCI, 600 Seventh St. SE, then made their way to busy Eighth Avenue SE, eliciting honks from motorists.

Future demonstrations will be posted on the “Support Dr. Chirantan Ghosh” page on Facebook, O'Brine said.

Ghosh said he heard about the rally and other ways people are demonstrating support.

“I am humbled and as a matter of fact, overwhelmed by the support people are showing,” he said.

Saying that he loves Cedar Rapids, Ghosh cautioned against any negativity.

“It's the positive energy that brings positive changes,” he said.

Ghosh would not say more than he noted last week about the difference of opinion with PCI that led to PCI's decision. He said he wanted to continue to practice in Cedar Rapids, but that cancer patients need a support team, which he had built with the Iowa Blood & Cancer Care. His practice  joined with PCI in 2009.

Ghosh said he was told by his staff that PCI also notified them that their positions were terminated. Their last day is also June 30.

Lisa Pizano, 35, of Marion, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and again in 2010.

“I'm doing awesome,” said Pizano, a Mercy Medical Center nurse who is undergoing treatment with Ghosh.

She and other cancer patients noted that Ghosh treats them  with honesty and compassion.

Pizano said Ghosh helped fund her treatments through the Anna Purna Ghosh Foundation, named after his mother  to help patients pay for prescriptions for cancer or blood diseases.

Ghosh has also supported a technology learning center at the Cedar Rapids Public Library; projects to help single mothers go into nursing jobs and and provided other philanthropic contributions for the community.

Her mother, Renee Simmon, moved from Davenport to be with Pizano as she undergoes treatment.

“Don't take away the best oncologist here in the area,” Simmon said. “Cancer's not easy, but Dr. Ghosh gives you a sense of peace about it.”

PCI sent the following statement in response to a request for comment:

Many patients often form a personal connection with their doctor having received specialty care for a health concern.  As such, Physicians' Clinic of Iowa understands and respects the right of individuals to express their support for their physician.  We thank Dr. Ghosh for his patient care during his time with Physicians' Clinic of Iowa and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Physicians' Clinic of Iowa is committed to our oncology patients and their ongoing care.  Our team is ready to continue managing all current patients' treatment plans.  Patients are welcome to see any one of our board certified Hematology & Oncology physicians or providers:

• Rasa Buntinas, MD
• William Fusselman, MD
• Thomas Warren, MD
• David Zenk, MD
• Sylvia Anspach, ARNP
• Amy Ganske, ARNP, AOCNP
• Heidi Barnhart, PA-C, MPAS
• Scott Leaverton, PA-C

Through prevention, detection and treatment services including clinical trials and supportive care, Physicians' Clinic of Iowa–Hematology & Oncology is dedicated to working closely with patients and their families to maintain a better quality of life after diagnosis.

Our core purpose remains bringing hope to life and improving the overall well-being of those living with cancer and disorders of the blood. The compassionate and comprehensive programs offered to our patients remain available as they are on this journey.

As the first oncology practice in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City corridor, and the third in the State of Iowa to be recognized by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) Certification Program we are honored to provide our patients with nationally recognized quality cancer care.

Additional Information:

Physicians' Clinic of Iowa cancer services include screening, diagnostic testing and imaging, surgery, education, support and counseling, chemotherapy infusion center, and clinical trials.  PCI physicians manage a large number of patients each year with blood, breast, gastrointestinal, head and neck, lung, prostate and urologic cancers.