The devastating effects of Hurricane Florence across North Carolina interrupted the treatment of some cancer patients who were undergoing radiation therapy. In the wake of the hurricane, Dr. Michael Papagikos, Radiation Oncologist at NHRMC and Dr. Matthew Manning of Cone Health are leading efforts to make sure treatment is not interrupted for radiation oncology patients in future disasters.
The doctors organized the NC Radiation Oncology Disaster Preparedness Conference to help establish disaster preparedness guidelines, protocols and a proactive radiation oncology network across the state. The goal is to build a safety net to minimize or eliminate the interruption of radiation treatment during future natural disasters, whether it’s another hurricane, a blizzard or other catastrophic event.
The conference will take place Saturday at the Embassy Suites in downtown Wilmington. This interactive conference will bring together industry leaders in healthcare, technology, and disaster management. Clinical staff will collaborate in various training events, and N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper is scheduled to speak.