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Hoag Hospital Names New Medical Director
Richard J. Fischel, M.D., Ph.D. to oversee lung cancer program as medical director of thoracic oncology
March 18, 2008 - Newport Beach, CA: Hoag Hospital announced today that Richard J. Fischel, M.D., Ph.D. has been named medical director of thoracic oncology at Hoag Cancer Center. Specializing in minimally invasive video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and having created a comprehensive pre- and post-operative physical therapy program for lung surgery patients, Dr. Fischel steps into the medical director role providing leadership for the multidisciplinary lung cancer program and overseeing the development and implementation of new clinical programs, assessment of new technology and monitoring of clinical outcomes.
“We are expecting Dr. Fischel’s knowledge and expertise in lung cancer surgery to help take our comprehensive lung cancer program to the next level,” stated Robert O. Dillman, M.D., medical and scientific director of Hoag Cancer Center at Hoag Hospital. “There is an increasing recognition of the benefits of multidisciplinary management of cancer patients throughout all phases of treatment, and Dr. Fischel’s leadership will help us to provide the highest quality of care for our lung cancer patients.”
Dr. Fischel’s specialty is minimally invasive video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), a minimally invasive surgical technique that is performed through smaller incisions. VATS patients generally experience shorter hospital stays, less post-operative pain and faster recovery times compared to patients of traditional open thoracotomy procedures. Additionally, VATS has been shown to result in cancer survival rates that are equal to, or better than, traditional open procedures.
In addition to his expertise in VATS, Dr. Fischel has spearheaded the launch of a comprehensive physical therapy program for lung surgery patients. Developed through the combined efforts of Dr. Fischel and Hoag’s Rehabilitation Services department, the comprehensive program takes a multidisciplinary approach to the care of lung surgery patients, and consists of both inpatient and outpatient services, as well as pre- and post-surgical care. Because the side effects of surgery vary from patient to patient and according to the type of surgery performed, patients programs are tailored to their specific needs to help them quickly overcome the pain and shortness of breath associated with lung surgery and to regain strength and range of motion, leading to a quicker return to daily activities and improved quality of life.
“Pulmonary rehabilitation has emerged as a recommended standard of care for patients with chronic lung disease based on a growing body of scientific evidence,” said Dr. Fischel. “Studies show that patients who participate in pulmonary rehabilitation recover more quickly than their counterparts, and enjoy the highest possible level of independent function and quality of life.”
Dr. Fischel is board certified in thoracic surgery and has practiced in Orange County since 1995. He is a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons and American College of Chest Physicians, and has been listed as one of the Best Doctors in America and a Physician of Excellence in Orange County. Dr. Fischel is an assistant clinical professor of thoracic surgery at UCI and UCLA medical schools. He also serves as president of the American Lung Association of Orange County and is a frequent lecturer at national and international meetings.
About Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian
Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian (www.hoaghospital.org) is a 498-bed, not-for-profit, acute care hospital located in Newport Beach, Calif. Fully accredited by The Joint Commission and designated as a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Hoag offers a comprehensive mix of health care services, including Centers of Excellence in cancer, heart and vascular, neurosciences, orthopedics and women’s health. Recent studies released by HealthGrades place Hoag among the top 5% of hospitals in the nation for both Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety. National Research Corporation has endorsed Hoag as Orange County’s most preferred hospital for the past 12 consecutive years. And for an unprecedented 12 years, residents of Orange County have chosen Hoag as the county’s best hospital in a local newspaper survey.
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