Oncology & Hematology

Diagnosis & Treatment of Cancer and Blood Disorders

Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center combines state-of-the-art oncologic medicine with a customized, patient-specific treatment plan. We aim to provide support that addresses the “whole person.”

In addition to treatment, our team performs thorough diagnostic procedures to find the root cause of blood disorders and other special conditions.

Our comprehensive medical and oncology services include:

• Prevention and screening
• Chemotherapy treatment
• Infusion and transfusion services
• Hematology consultations
• Lab and diagnostic services
• Therapeutic massage
• Medical exercise programs
• Monthly support groups
• Nurse Navigator program

Our Team of Medical Professionals

HRRMC Oncology Services has two board-certified medical oncologists on staff and a physician assistant who has specialized in working with oncology patients since 2000.

Francene Mason, M.D., is a board-certified internist and medical oncologist who has practiced clinical and academic medicine for 30 years. She completed her internship and residency in internal medicine as well as a fellowship in medical oncology/hematology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She then took on the role of clinical educator for the university's medical school and worked in private practice.

Dr. Mason relocated to Colorado in 2000, where she continued her practice in traditional oncologic medicine combined with an integrative approach. Integrative treatments incorporate the use of natural health products, nutrition, exercise, therapeutic massage and other complementary therapies. Dr. Mason coauthored the first prescriptive book on exercise and cancer titled "The Force Program," and has lectured and published widely in the field.

Wendy Oatis, M.D., is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. She earned her medical degree from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine followed by a residency in internal medicine at the University of Maryland. She completed a fellowship in medical oncology and hematology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. In addition to her medical training, Dr. Oatis has a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.

Prior to providing care at HRRMC, Dr. Oatis was in clinical practice at University of Colorado Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs. As a result of her own family experience with cancer, Dr. Oatis strongly believes that the relationship between a physician and patient must be built on understanding and respect. Having a clear sense of each patient’s unique needs and values is critical to providing appropriate cancer care.

Carol "CJ" Johnson, PA-C, works in conjunction with Dr. Mason and Dr. Oatis. CJ graduated with honors from the University of Kentucky and has been practicing as a physician assistant since 1989. She has specialized in working with oncology patients since 2001. CJ is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology, and the Colorado Academy of Physician Assistants.

CJ relocated to Salida from Maine in 2015 and provides personalized hematology and oncology care to residents of our area.

The oncology team also includes:

• Experienced oncology nurses
• Exercise specialists
• Massage therapists
• Administrative staff
• Pharmacy services
• Social Services
• Nutrition professionals
• Physical therapists

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