Capital Hospice Names Three US Oncology Affiliated Healthcare Professionals Distinguished Leaders in the Medical Community

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Dec. 21, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Three US Oncology affiliated healthcare professionals were honored with a "Distinguished Leader Award" during the Capital Hospice Passion for Caring Gala at The Ritz-Carlton, Tyson's Corner on Oct. 30, 2010 in McLean, Va. Capital Hospice is one of the nation's top ten largest hospices and the biggest hospice organization to serve patients and families in the Washington D.C. metroplex. The three individuals were recognized as prominent leaders in the medical community for proactively seeking ways to manage pain for hospice patients.

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"Distinguished Leader Award" recipients in the US Oncology network are:

• Roy Beveridge, M.D., national medical director, US Oncology
• Richard Binder, M.D., founding physician, Virginia Cancer Specialists
• Linda Anderson, executive director, Virginia Cancer Specialists

"It's humbling to receive this award from such a reputable and caring organization," said Dr. Beveridge. "At US Oncology, we help our affiliated physicians and nurses provide care for patients throughout the entire cancer care continuum, which includes innovative palliative care. For more than three decades, Capital Hospice has helped families cope with the stress that comes with progressive illness. Their staff provides excellent and dignified care and pain management to all patients. I'm honored to have been able to be part of its annual Gala."

The 21st annual Passion for Caring Gala brought together more than 15 leading healthcare professionals from premier institutions to raise the funds necessary for Capital Hospice to continue to treat patients and ease their pain.

"We are proud of the Distinguished Leader Award recipients and the work they've done surrounding this important issue," said J. Cameron Muir, M.D., executive vice president for quality and access, Capital Hospice. "As our society ages, the need for good pain management in the face of advancing illness will be that much more relevant. "Funds raised at this year's gala will enable us to better treat patients so that they can make the best of every moment they have and receive comfort within the first 48 hours of treatment."

"About 40 years ago when I first became involved with hospice, end of life care was a hodgepodge of efforts, and cancer an often hidden disease," said Dr. Binder. "Hospice care changed this dramatically and this has resulted in improved caring, compassion and comfort for individuals with advanced illness. Thanks to hospice and palliative care, people can die at home, surrounded by their loved ones."

About US Oncology

US Oncology, Inc. is the nation's leading integrated oncology company. By uniting the largest community-based cancer treatment and research network in America, US Oncology expands patient access to high-quality care and advances the science of cancer care. Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, US Oncology is affiliated with more than 1,400 community-based oncologists, and works with patients, hospitals, payers, and the medical industry across all phases of the cancer research and delivery continuum. By promoting the use of innovative technology, clinical research, evidence-based medicine and shared best practices, US Oncology improves patient outcomes and offers a better patient experience. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.

CAPITAL HOSPICE

Capital Hospice helps families and loved ones make the most of every moment together by offering care, comfort and dignity to those facing advanced illness. For 33 years, we have helped families cope with the stress that progressive illness brings by providing excellent pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and basic relief to people across the region. Capital Hospice opens its arms to every person who is medically eligible, regardless of their ability to pay. Anyone can call at any time. Learn more by calling 1-800-869-2136 or visiting www.capitalhospice.org.

SOURCE US Oncology, Inc.