Thoracic Oncology

Our Thoracic Oncology Team :
Taking a Coordinated Approach to Care

Highly skilled specialists representing many medical disciplines and all certified in their fields are member of the thoracic oncology’s multidisciplinary team.

They include:

» Thoracic surgeons, specializing in lung tumor surgery

» Pulmonologists, specializing in the diagnosis of lung cancer

» Radiologists, specializing in the X-ray diagnosis of lung cancer

» Radiation oncologists, specializing in radiation therapy to treat lung cancer

» Medical oncologists, specializing in the treatment of lung cancer through the use of chemotherapy

» Pathologists, specializing in the evaluation of lung tissue

The team also includes:

» Pain management specialists
» Registered nurses
» Clinical social workers
» Respiratory therapists
» Physical and occupational therapists
» Nutritional counselors

Since all team members are involved in the development of individualized treatment plans for each patient, they are brought together regularly to review cases individually and confidentially.
Once a treatment plan is developed — a process that is accomplished in a timely manner after the patient's initial visit — it is thoroughly explained and discussed not only with the patient, but with family members and referring physicians.

Because patients and their families may experience emotional difficulties during this time, psychosocial support plays a major role in every treatment plan. Our clinical social workers provide counseling and support, as well as refer patients to community resources that can offer assistance.

In addition, there are a number of support groups that give patients and their families the opportunity to share their experiences and talk about the issues that confront them.

Lourens Willekes, M.D.
General and Thoracic Surgery

Experience

2005-present: Lead thoracic surgeon at the Lung Cancer Center at Monmouth Medical Center

2004-2005: Private practice in Morristown, N.J.

2003-2004: Private practice with West Houston Cardiovascular Associates, Houston

Education

• Medical degree from University of Iowa Medical School, Iowa City
  
  
• Residency in general surgery residency at Morristown Memorial Hospital, Morristown, N.J., followed by training in cardiothoracic surgery at Albany Medical Center, New York
  
  
• Board certified by American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Specialties

• Complex thoracic surgical procedures, including surgical resection of esophageal malignancy, treatment for achalasia and other motor disorders of the esophagus, complex lung cancer resections, interventional bronchoscopic techniques for tracheal and bronchial pathology, and minimally invasive techniques, including video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and robotic surgery.

Professional affiliations

• American College of Surgeons

Publications, abstracts and presentations

• Published in Surgical Endoscopy
  

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