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News & Notes
Patient Experience is #1 Priority at Weiser Center for Prostate Cancer
By Nikolas Charles
Fall 2025
Patients who have been diagnosed with localized prostate cancer have an opportunity to seek treatment in a health care environment where every aspect of their care will be addressed. At the U-M Weiser Center for Prostate Cancer, “our focus is entirely on patient-centered care,” says co-director and prostate MRI specialist, Matthew Davenport, MD, MBA, Professor of Radiology and Urology and Vice Chair of Radiology. The center, which opened in January 2022, is the direct result of a $30 million philanthropic gift from U-M regent and prostate cancer survivor, Ron Weiser. In addition to ensuring that all patients receive world-class medical care, “we want them to feel like they’re entering a sanctuary where they’re empowered not only to survive — but to thrive. We do this by utilizing a multidisciplinary structure,” which means newly referred patients can consult with an integrated team of urologists, radiation oncologists, and radiologists, often during the same visit. This allows the Weiser team to offer different perspectives when assessing each patient’s condition, to plan the most effective treatment options.
Located in the University Hospital, the Weiser Center’s 360-degree approach is guided by two additional co-directors, Todd Morgan, MD, Professor of Urology, specializing in Urologic Oncology and Bob Dess, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology and coordinated by Program Manager, Martina Jerant, MPH. “The whole idea behind the donation was to find ways to provide high-quality comprehensive care by a team of experts,” says Dr. Dess. Through expertise, collaboration and innovation, the patient is at the center of every decision. “The amazing thing about our team is the intense focus on elevating the patient experience. There’s constant attention given to their voice,” says Dr. Morgan.
An important aspect of treating the whole person---beyond their cancer--includes both physical and psychological rehabilitation from potential side effects of treatment. “Patients who are treated with hormonal therapy, radiation or surgery may experience feelings of loss about sexual changes, urinary issues and other physical impacts,” says Associate Director, Daniela Wittmann, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor Emerita in the Department of Urology and certified sex therapist.
“As the psychosocial clinician and researcher in the center, my focus has been sexual health. And because of my training as a mental health worker, I’m very aware of the psychological impacts this disease and the side-effects of treatment can have on both the patient and their partner.” Rather than silently suffering with the possible negative effects of the treatment, Dr. Wittmann wants people to know that there are interventions available to mitigate these issues, such as sex therapy, physical therapy, and mental health support.
From the moment patients arrive throughout the completion of their care, every detail has been pre-planned to make their health care as efficient as possible. A roadmap has been created for them to follow that includes education, navigation and peer mentoring. Patient Education provides access to relevant information during each phase of care. By selecting the resources tab on the website, an informative, video-enriched educational platform features such topics as: Navigating your diagnosis, Planning your first visit, and Post-treatment care. An AI tool is also being developed that will allow patients to search and locate curated content such as documents and guidelines specific to their needs.
Patient Navigation is a system of compassionate, personalized one-on-one logistical, operational and emotional support. Social worker and public health specialist, Jan Gamboa, MPH, LBSW, meets newly diagnosed patients provide answers to common questions. More importantly, she’s a support person to help alleviate the stress and anxiety that may come with a prostate cancer diagnosis. “It’s a new role and the first of its kind within the Michigan Medicine Health System,” says Ms. Gamboa. “Every patient and partner interaction that I have is very genuine.” While much of her time is spent preparing newly diagnosed patients for their first appointment, she’s also available to speak with them throughout their cancer treatment journey.
Peer Mentoring provides an invaluable service by connecting current patients in all stages of their care with previous patients. Advocate volunteers are available to answer questions from the perspective of someone who has first-hand experience. Some of these same advocates are an integral part of the decision-making process in the ongoing development of the center. One of those highly regarded peer mentors is Rick Haas, 67, from Toledo, Ohio, who was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer during the pandemic of 2020. He had a prostatectomy (surgical removal of all or part of the prostate gland) at Michigan Medicine. “The surgery was successful, but there was still some cancer left in the prostate bed (the space between the bladder and bowel), says Mr. Haas. “I did 39 treatments of radiation and hormone therapy, during which I would try to cheer up other people going through the same process. That’s when I decided to become a mentor.”
Another appreciated advocate is U-M alumnus, Tom Prew, 74, from Rochester Hills, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2021. Dr. Morgan performed a prostatectomy a few months later. “I had one of the best surgeons I could possibly have at one of the best hospitals in the nation. The entire Weiser team provided exceptional care, from the doctors, surgeons and anesthesiologists to the RNs and lab techs.” After his successful treatment, he enthusiastically volunteered to work as a peer mentor. “I’m fortunate that I found a way to give back and provide a valuable service to newly diagnosed patients at the Weiser Center for Prostate Cancer.”