This is a new radiation oncology program, so the incoming physician will be the first and only Radiation Oncologist onsite. The role is built around an established and active cancer team rather than an existing radiation group. The physician practices with autonomy while collaborating closely with onsite medical oncology, surgery, oncology advanced practice providers, and a dedicated technical staff being assembled for the program. Pella Regional is building this service as the South Central Iowa Radiation Center, a partnership with Knoxville Hospital & Clinics.
| Provider | Role |
|---|---|
| Incoming Radiation Oncologist | Program lead, first onsite radiation physician |
| Zeeshan Jawa, MD | Medical Oncology (Mission Cancer + Blood) |
| Emily Brugioni, DO | Medical Oncology |
| John Welander, MD | General and breast surgery; leads the breast surgery program and chairs the committee guiding Commission on Cancer certification |
The medical oncology presence is provided by Mission Cancer + Blood, with physicians practicing onsite four days per week. Surgical oncology and GYN oncology support are available within the cancer program.
| Role | Coverage Model |
|---|---|
| Radiation Therapists | Two onsite at all times; multiple experienced therapists in the hiring pipeline |
| Simulation | Dedicated onsite simulation coverage |
| Dosimetry | Remote or partial onsite, available to come onsite as needed |
| Medical Physics | Provided through Jaeger Corporation, remote as needed and onsite when needed |
The physics and dosimetry partner has a track record supporting radiation programs at critical access and rural facilities, which aligns with the program's staged launch. The therapy and simulation staff being hired are described as experienced and already familiar with the program's planned TrueBeam platform.
Pella Regional's cancer program is built on team-based collaboration and physician-driven growth. The breast surgery program is a working example: a surgeon identified a service gap, leadership supported the expansion, and the program grew into a regional draw. The organization is applying the same approach to radiation oncology.
What defines the environment:
Zeeshan Jawa, MD: View Profile
Emily Brugioni, DO: View Profile
John Welander, MD: View Profile
Carissa Thompson, ARNP: View Profile
Christine Drake, ARNP: View Profile
Angela Lu, FNP: View Profile
Mary Jane Mills, PA-C: View Profile
Incoming Radiation Oncologist: position vacant, no directory profile.