Patient experience is No. 1 priority at Weiser Center for Prostate Cancer

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, M.D., M.B.A., 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 former 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 at the Rogel Cancer Center, the Weiser Center’s 360-degree approach is guided by two additional co-directors, Todd Morgan, M.D., urologic oncologist, and Bob Dess, M.D., radiation oncologist. It is coordinated by Program Manager Martina Jerant, M.P.H.

“The whole idea behind the donation was to find ways to provide high-quality comprehensive care by a team of experts,” says 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 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, Ph.D., 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,” Wittmann says. Rather than silently suffering with the possible negative effects of the treatment, 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 allows patients to search and locate curated content such as documents and guidelines specific to their needs.