The Cancer Network of West Michigan has appointed a University of Michigan Health oncology expert to lead the Network’s innovative and collaborative approach to providing patients with the most advanced cancer care close to home.
Shruti Jolly, MD, a radiation oncologist, professor and physician leader, will draw on her extensive experience serving West Michigan patients in her new role of executive director of the Network.
She takes the reins from University of Michigan Health surgical oncologist Clifford Cho, MD, who served as interim executive medical director since the 2019 formation of the Network, a collaboration of Trinity Health Muskegon, Trinity Health Saint Mary’s – Grand Rapids, and University of Michigan Health-West, backed by the expertise of University of Michigan Health in Ann Arbor.
Jolly, who has been serving in the role in an interim capacity for the past year, said she is energized by the opportunity to work with local physicians and lead the members of the Network in its collaborative approach to providing expert cancer care.
“I envision a very robust subspecialty cancer program that allows access to personalized University of Michigan cancer care close to home with accessibility to a wide network and clinical trials,” she said.
“What’s unique about us is that we are not building a brand-new system,” Jolly said. “We are using what is already successful in West Michigan and taking it to the next level.”
The Network also has appointed a new administrative director: Ashley Mitchell, Trinity Health Saint Mary’s Lack Cancer Center administrative clinical services director of oncology.
As an advanced oncology certified nurse practitioner, Mitchell has nearly 20 years of experience caring for cancer patients, along with a track record of leadership and program development focused on holistic care. Mitchell sees the potential of the Network to open doors to more clinical trials and greater access to leading technologies in cancer care.
“The Network provides an excellent opportunity to collaboratively strengthen and expand cancer services offered in West Michigan,” Mitchell said.
Another strength of the Network, Jolly said, is its design as a seamless care system. A central access point has been developed with a dedicated phone line staffed by oncology nurses for referring physicians and patients alike. This allows direct connection with cancer experts throughout the Network at the most appropriate location.
“The goal is to make navigating the entire cancer treatment process simple for patients and providers across West Michigan,” she said.
To learn more about the Cancer Network of West Michigan and the comprehensive services provided, visit https://wmicancernetwork.org/.
