Spectrum Health TV Launches on Spectrum Health Web site

Consumers hear directly from Spectrum Health experts

Spectrum Health announced today the launch of Spectrum Health TV which features physicians and other experts on its Web site, www.spectrum-health.org/tv. In a series of Web casts, consumers will learn about a variety of health-related topics.

In its debut, Spectrum Health TV features the health system’s cancer program. Four of Spectrum Health’s oncology physicians talk about various aspects of the disease.

“We think consumers will appreciate this new medium,” said Nancy Tait, vice president, system communications and marketing, Spectrum Health. “People are increasingly turning to the Web for health information. We wanted to provide them the opportunity to hear from our experts on a variety of important medical topics.”

The first five subjects covered include:

What is Radiation Therapy?
Patrick Fabrizio, MD, Spectrum Health Radiation Oncologist
Breast Cancer Risks
Jane Pettinga, MD, Spectrum Health Breast Surgeon
Research and Cancer Care
Anthony Senagore, MD, Vice President Research and Medical Education
Surgery Options for Colon Cancer
Anthony Senagore, MD, Spectrum Health Colorectal Surgeon
What is a Multispecialty Team?
Glenn VanOtteren, MD, Spectrum Health Pulmonologist

In addition to videos, Spectrum Health TV provides Web links to more information-for example, the cancer program’s multispecialty medical teams, genetics screening services, colon cancer screening guidelines, how to participate in a clinical trial and how radiation therapy is used to treat cancer. Consumers can also submit their ideas via e-mail for future Web casts.

Future episodes of Spectrum Health TV will cover heart disease, weight management, orthopedics and pediatrics.

The segments will also be available on a Spectrum Health YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/spectrumhealthtv.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system in West Michigan that offers a full continuum of care through its seven hospitals, more than 140 service sites and Priority Health, a health plan with nearly 500,000 members. Spectrum Health’s 14,000 employees, 1,500 medical staff members and 2,000 volunteers are committed to delivering the highest quality care to those in medical need. The organization provided $111.1 million in community benefit during its 2008 fiscal year. As a system, Spectrum Health has earned more than 100 awards during the past 10 years.