KRH expands access to pediatric cancer and blood disorders treatment
With the recent addition of Pediatric Oncologist/Hematologist and Helena, MT, native Allie Maffit, MD, Kalispell Regional Healthcare’s pediatric oncology program provides more local resources to patients and families affected by childhood cancer and blood disorders.
After completing her undergraduate work at Carroll College in Helena, Dr. Maffit earned her medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. She then completed a medical residency in pediatrics at the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, followed by a fellowship in pediatric hematology and oncology in Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Maffit’s specialized background in pediatrics includes experience working with the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) to help advance understanding of childhood cancer through clinical trials. She has also served as a children’s health care advocate to encourage policy changes for children both locally and nationally. Dr. Maffit is also a member of Montana Children’s Specialists, the largest pediatric subspecialty group in the state.
Cancer in children can be different than cancer in adults. While many cancers in adults are often linked to a person’s lifestyle or environment, cancer in children often occurs because of DNA changes in cells that happen early in life, even before birth.
Pediatric blood disorders include many noncancerous diseases that can affect a child’s physical function and quality of life. Sometimes these disorders can be life-threatening. There are many types of blood disorders that can cause issues with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, blood vessels, bone marrow, lymph nodes, or the proteins involved in bleeding and clotting.
Children and teens have unique medical needs, physically and emotionally. Pediatric hematologists/oncologists have extensive training to understand how to examine and treat young children and teens.
Dr. Maffit joins Dr. Carrie Laborde, Dr. Courtney Lyle, Brandi Skiles, CPNP and a team of specialized staff at Northwest Oncology and Hematology’s pediatric oncology department. The clinic provides local access to a wide range of services for pediatric oncology/hematology patients, including evaluation and treatment of all pediatric cancers and blood disorders as well as infusion, transfusion and outpatient procedures. The team works collaboratively with other pediatric providers to facilitate surgery, radiation oncology, and patient/family support services.
For more information about pediatric oncology and hematology at Kalispell Regional Healthcare, see krh.org/children.