When it comes to state-of-the-art technology like gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery treatment, it’s critical for healthcare providers to know the latest techniques—this enables them to offer patients up-to-date treatment options and specialized care. No one understands this better than Valley Health System, which is why two of its physicians recently underwent additional certification to build on their expertise in using this advanced system.
William S. Cobb, MD, and W. Christopher Fox, MD, attended the University of Pittsburgh’s “Principles and Practice of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery” program, an intensive, voluntary, five-day course wherein they learned about the latest data on radiosurgery treatment plans for different types of tumors. The University of Pittsburgh is one of the leading national training centers for gamma knife radiosurgery using the Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion system.
“We learned the latest details of what doses are to be used; the appropriate types of tumors to address with this [technology]; and how to shape the beam in the correct way so it treats the tumor with the right dose,” says Dr. Cobb.
Drs. Cobb and Fox have brought these and other insights back to the team at Valley’s Gamma Knife Center, where patients are treated using the most up-to-date methods. “Training opportunities such as this put us at the forefront of the latest in effective treatment and dose planning,” Dr. Cobb says.
