Medical director announced for Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center
PHOENIX (Nov. 8, 2010) – The appointment of Edgardo Rivera, MD as medical director for the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center is a critical milestone in the ongoing development of the medical center, which is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2011 on the Banner Gateway Medical Center Campus.
“Dr. Rivera’s passion for excellent patient care combined with his expertise as an oncologist and leadership skills in working with physicians make him an ideal fit for this position,” said Banner Health President and CEO Peter S. Fine. “His role is essential to the anticipated success of this collaboration between Banner and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston,” Fine added.
Rivera is a medical oncologist who most recently worked at Methodist Hospital’s Breast Center in Houston, Texas, as the medical director. He has also served as the chief of the Breast Medical Oncology Section and the associate professor of Medicine of the Department of Breast Medical Oncology at Methodist Hospital. In 2006, he was the director of U.S. Medical Strategy for Bristol Myers.
Rivera received his post graduate training at MD Anderson and joined the faculty there as an instructor in the Department of Breast Medical Oncology in 1996. He progressed through assistant professor and associate professor positions in that department. In addition to his patient care responsibilities, Rivera trained oncology fellows and medical students, and he received the 2003 MD Anderson Outstanding Educator Award. He also served in numerous administrative positions at MD Anderson, including medical director of the Breast Medical Oncology Long Term Follow-Up Clinic, supervisor of the Breast Medical Oncology Anticoagulation Clinic and associate medical director for the Nellie B. Connally Breast Center.
In his medical director role at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Rivera will develop the center’s clinical vision, strategy and focus. He will direct all cancer program clinical activities and act as the lead clinical representative.
“Dr. Rivera comes to the center with a diverse clinical background, not only with strong ties to MD Anderson in Houston, but with extensive experience interfacing with community physicians and other health care institutions,” said Thomas Burke, MD, executive vice president and physician-in-chief of MD Anderson. “We’re confident that he’ll successfully build, and effectively lead, the team that will deliver expertise in cancer care to Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center.”
Rivera assumes the position from Margaret Row, MD, associate vice president, MD Anderson Global Clinical Programs, who served as the interim medical director since the announcement of the center in 2009.
When the cancer center opens, cancer patients will be cared for in a new three-story 120,000 square-foot outpatient center that will be supported by 76 beds on two floors inside Banner Gateway Medical Center. The outpatient center will house physician clinics, medical imaging, radiation oncology, infusion therapy and many support services.
About Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center
The new center will open in the Fall of 2011 on the Banner Gateway Campus and will deliver an unprecedented level of cancer care to patients in Arizona through the collaboration of Banner MD Anderson, the internationally renowned cancer treatment and research institution.
Banner Health Foundation has launched a campaign in support of the cancer center. For more information, visit www.BannerHealth.org/BannerFoundation. Banner Health Foundation, the philanthropic resource for Banner Health, secures and stewards charitable contributions to advance Banner Health’s mission of making a difference in people’s lives through excellent patient care. Charitable contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations are invested locally to support programs and services in Banner’s nonprofit hospitals and health care facilities throughout Arizona.
About Banner Health
Headquartered in Phoenix, Banner Health is one of the largest, nonprofit health care systems in the country. The system owns or manages 23 acute-care hospitals, long-term care centers, outpatient surgery centers and an array of other services including family clinics, home care and hospice services, and a nursing registry. Banner Health is in seven states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. To learn more about Banner Health, go to http://www.bannerhealth.com.
About MD Anderson
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston ranks as one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. MD Anderson is one of only 40 comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute. For seven of the past nine years, MD Anderson has ranked No. 1 in cancer care in “America's Best Hospitals,” a survey published annually in U.S. News & World Report.
