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News & Notes
Patient Experience is #1 Priority at Weiser Center for Prostate Cancer
By Nikolas Charles
Fall 2025
Now patients who have been diagnosed with localized prostate cancer have a place to go 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, Matthew Davenport, MD, who also serves as the Department of Radiology vice chair. 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 are seeing a team of urologists, radiation oncologists, and radiologists often at the same time. This allows us to offer different perspectives when assessing their condition and planning the most effective treatment options.
Located in the University Hospital, our vital 360-degree approach is guided by Program Manager, Martina Jerant, MPH and co-directors, Todd Morgan, MD, Urologic Oncologist and Robert Dess, MD, Radiation Oncologist. “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.
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 rather than only treating their cancer, includes both physical and psychological rehabilitation from potential side effects of their treatment, the most common being urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. “Patients who are treated with hormonal therapy, radiation or surgery may experience some urinary and sexual changes,” says Associate Director, Daniela Wittmann, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor Emerita in the Department of Urology and certified sex therapist.
“As the only psychosocial clinician and researcher in the center, my focus is sexual health. And because of my training as a mental health worker, I’m very aware of the psychological impacts this disease can have on the patient and their partner.” Rather than silently suffering with the possible negative effects of the treatment, Dr. Whittmann
wants people to know that there are physical therapy and surgical interventions available to mitigate these issues.
wants people to know that there are physical therapy and surgical interventions available to mitigate these issues.
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 our 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 them to search and locate curated content such as documents and guidelines specific to their needs.
Patient Navigation is a combination of compassionate, personalized one-on-one logistical, operational and emotional support. Social worker and public health specialist, Jan Gamboa, meets with an average of 15 new patients per week to provide answers to common questions. More importantly, she’s the 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. Our 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 patient advocates 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. It was determined that prostatectomy was advised and performed in December of that year by Dr. Morgan. “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 patient advocate. “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.”