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Nationally Recognized Oncologist to Lead Aurora Health Care's Cancer Services

Posted on: Thursday, 2 April 2009, 15:29 CDT

MILWAUKEE, April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Aurora Health Care has appointed a nationally recognized cancer expert, Joseph Mirro Jr., M.D., as vice president of cancer services.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090303/CG78204LOGO-b)

Dr. Mirro comes to Aurora from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, where he served as executive vice president of physician relations and domestic affiliates. Prior to that, he was chief medical officer and director of quality improvement at the hospital. Since 1998, he also has been professor of pediatrics and vice chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Tennessee's College of Medicine in Memphis.

In his new role at Aurora, Dr. Mirro will support and enhance Aurora's cancer services program and its partnerships with academic institutions, working with the health system's regional cancer leaders.

Aurora is a leader in cancer care, caring for more cancer patients than any other health system in Wisconsin. Aurora was the first in Wisconsin to offer the CyberKnife, a form of radiosurgery that requires no incisions, and DaVinci robot-assisted surgery for prostate cancer. Aurora also is home to some of the nation's leading cancer research through its collaborations with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the latest treatments for gynecologic cancer and advanced melanoma. And with Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinics throughout eastern Wisconsin, residents have many other cancer services available close to home.

"I was attracted to Aurora because of the depth and breadth of its cancer services across eastern Wisconsin, and I am eager to help shape the future of cancer care at Aurora," Dr. Mirro said. "The fact that Aurora Health Care is a truly integrated health care system, combining outstanding clinical cancer care with resources for cancer patients such as behavioral health, physical therapy, home care and more, makes this opportunity all the more appealing."

Bruce Van Cleave, M.D., Aurora's chief medical officer and senior vice president, said: "As a leader in cancer care, we're very pleased to have a recognized national leader in cancer services join our health system. Dr. Mirro's extensive experience will strengthen our efforts to integrate our cancer services across eastern Wisconsin. He's recognized for an approach to cancer care that will help us exceed benchmarks for outcomes and quality. The result will be the best care for patients in all the communities we serve."

Recognized as an outstanding physician and leading oncology expert, Dr. Mirro was honored with the Clinical Care Improvement Award from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in 2006, and the Katrina Response Award from New Orleans Children's Hospital in 2006.

Dr. Mirro has held numerous national and international service positions, including holding a seat on the board of directors of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. The network consists of 21 of the world's leading cancer centers that work together to develop treatment guidelines for most cancers.

Dr. Mirro has written more than 200 original and review articles, book chapters and scientific abstracts, and is an editor of the book "Childhood Cancer: A Handbook from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital," published in June 2000.

He received his training in medical oncology and pediatrics at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Aurora Health Care is a not-for-profit health care provider and a national leader in efforts to improve the quality of health care. Aurora offers care at sites in more than 90 communities throughout eastern Wisconsin.

Online Newsroom: www.Aurora.org/Newsroom

SOURCE Aurora Health Care

Source: PR Newswire

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