Vicki Clark considered many options for her treatment when she was diagnosed with colon cancer, and she’ll always be grateful that she chose Dr. David Shibata at Regional One Health.
Vicki said Dr. Shibata’s expertise and compassionate approach put her at ease, and she loves the fact that she can receive her care in downtown Memphis.
Dr. Shibata said that is the goal for every patient at Regional One Health Cancer Care, and his team is proud to offer access to world-class oncology care in the heart of the city.
When Vicki Clark goes to Regional One Health Cancer Care for surveillance appointments after successful colon cancer surgery, no one could blame her for feeling nervous.
“All of us who are cancer survivors know we’re one cell away,” Vicki said. “But it doesn’t freak me out to go there. I feel comfortable. I feel welcome. I’m proud to be a patient at Regional One Health, and I appreciate being able to access everything I need right here in the city.”
Vicki was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer in 2021. She jokes that while there’s never a good time to get a cancer diagnosis, hers came at the worst possible time.
“It was right during COVID – let’s make it as crazy as it can possibly be,” she laughed. “I’d been feeling tired and weak, and I had shortness of breath. My family has cardiovascular issues, so that was actually the first thing I thought of.”
But after her primary care doctor ruled out that and other causes, she had a colonoscopy. “I woke up, and the doctor was there saying, ‘You have cancer,’” Vicki recalls.
She was referred to an oncologist, but also started researching her options. As a business owner, speaker, coach and consultant, Vicki is no stranger to advocating for herself – and with her health on the line, she wanted to make sure she received the best possible care.
“As cancer surgeons, we follow our patients for life,” Dr. David Shibata said. “We really value patient-centered care, where the patient is a partner in decision-making, their care, and the whole journey.”
Having lived in Houston for years, she considered staying with friends there to receive care at MD Anderson Cancer Center. She talked to her primary care provider, Dr. Shawn Hayden, and is forever grateful he pointed her to surgical oncologist David Shibata, MD, FACS, FASCRS.
As soon as she met Dr. Shibata, Vicki knew she wouldn’t need to leave home: “Sometimes, someone just clicks with you. I knew immediately he was the right doctor for me.”
Dr. Shibata, Executive Director at Regional One Health Cancer Care and Chair of University of Tennessee Health Science Center Department of Surgery, is a renowned leader in treating colorectal cancer. He serves on the national panels that establish guidelines for colorectal cancer treatment, meaning he brings the most advanced, effective options to his patients.
For Vicki, he was able to offer a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure.
In laparoscopic surgery, the physician makes a small incision and uses a thin tube and camera to operate. Because the incision is so small, this is less risk and an easier recovery.
Vicki’s procedure was a success, and she did not require chemotherapy. Dr. Shibata referred her to rehabilitation therapy to help rebuild her strength, then helped her transition to the surveillance phase of her care journey, which involves regular scans, lab work and check-ups.
“As cancer surgeons, we follow our patients for life,” he said. “Regional One Health and our University of Tennessee Health Science Center doctors really value patient-centered care, where the patient is a partner in decision-making, their care, and the whole journey. For Vicki, that type of approach – where she’s empowered with knowledge and all the options – is very important.”
“I’m always asking questions – what happens next, what does this mean, what does that mean?” Vicki said. “There’s nothing I ever asked him that he hasn’t answered, and the same is true for the people he surrounds himself with. They never make me feel rushed.”
Vicki said Dr. Shibata’s entire team has gone out of the way to put her at ease, answer her questions, and make sure she receives exceptional care. “I’ve never had a bad interaction with anybody. Everything is efficient, people are nice, and Dr. Shibata is just wonderful,” she said.
Dr. Shibata has worked hard to instill that in his team.
“When someone has cancer, it’s probably the most stressful time in their life. As providers who see cancer patients all the time, we can’t forget that it’s a devastating situation for each patient,” he said. “We make a point to take the time to give patients the information they need. Frankly, we won’t leave the room until they’re satisfied with the answers. That’s our culture.”
Vicki said that culture extends throughout the hospital: it is there in the nurse who calls her back promptly with test results, in the valet drivers who greet her with a smile, in the front desk team that makes scheduling easy, in the chaplain who spoke with her with respect and compassion.
“It’s the whole experience,” she said. “I’ve never had a bad interaction with anybody. Everything is efficient, people are nice, and Dr. Shibata is just wonderful.”
“He’s a great doctor, and he’s just fun! He doesn’t mind joking with you. I’ve been put on six months instead of three months surveillance, and I said, ‘Does this mean we’re breaking up?’ He said, ‘People don’t usually mind breaking up with their oncologist!’”
Now, Vicki is back to enjoying the things that give life meaning, like family and her rewarding career. “I’m feeling good. I’m not using a cane anymore. I’m able to do the work I love. I’m traveling again, doing training sessions again,” she said. “I’ve been able to get back to my life!”
Vicki was grateful to find expert care in the heart of Memphis, and Dr. Shibata said that is a key goal for Regional One Health Cancer Care: “We’re proud to offer access to expert treatment so patients don’t have to leave home to get the care they need.”
As she does, she has reflected on the role Regional One Health has played and how fortunate she feels to have world-class care available right in downtown Memphis.
“I was born there, when it was the John Gaston Hospital,” she said. “So it very much feels like I’ve come full circle. They brought me into this world, and now they’re keeping me here! We’re lucky to have Regional One Health in our community. It truly is a world-class medical center.”
Dr. Shibata said that is the goal for Regional One Health and UTHSC as they build a nationally renowned oncology service.
“Historically, there has not been a lot of access to cancer care in downtown Memphis,” he said. “We’re changing that. To have this type of high quality, multidisciplinary cancer care and doctors who are some of the best trained specialists in the city is very exciting. We’re proud to offer access to expert treatment so patients don’t have to leave home to get the care they need.”