News & Events

Stay informed about the Colorectal Surgery Institute, its team of professionals and the compassionate care they provide.

COVID-19

Your health and safety are the top priority of the Colorectal Care Center and the hospital clinics within which we work. For your protection, a number of changes have been made to the way we care for our patients.

Only the patient and 1 visitor will be allowed in the examination rooms. Family and guests will be asked to wait outside of the clinics. There are dedicated areas for family and friend discussions, if needed, after the patient has been seen and examined.

All clinic staff, as well as the doctors, continuously wear masks. Anyone with symptoms or fevers will be sent for COVID-19 testing and sequestered.

Masks, which we will provide to you, will be worn at all times. Gloves may not be worn by the patients.

Although some of these measures may be an inconvenience, we appreciate your understanding and cooperation in our attempts to keep all of us safe. Of course, the COVID-19 environment is constantly changing and we will update our practices as appropriate.

Living with cancer is a difficult road. It is a path that is different for each patient and you do not have to do it alone. Our Colorectal Cancer Support Group is designed to give patients with colorectal cancer, their loved ones and caregivers, the opportunity to connect and bond with others who are dealing with or have dealt with similar issues. It is a way to share and exchange your experiences and information.

Our monthly Colorectal Cancer Support Group at the Glendale campus, passionately led by our own Ana Castilla RN, meets every 4th Tuesday and provides a space for patients and their families for shared learning, support, and activities.

Past themes for the sessions have featured discussions with doctors, nutritionists, and spiritual leaders, and activities such as yoga, meditation, and painting.

We strongly encourage you to call us at 818-244-8161 for more information. Come join us!

Cancer Center Auditorium is located at: 1520 S. Central Avenue, Glendale, 91204 – Look for the blue balloons.

Armenian Cancer Support Group

Cancer can be a devastating diagnosis, not only for the patient but also for the entire family.  A new Armenian language program offered at Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital for cancer patients and their loved ones aims to address the social and emotional aspects of a cancer diagnosis. 

Despite the reluctance of some Armenians, especially elder Armenians, to talk about the fears a cancer diagnosis often brings, the hospital and Cancer Support Community Pasadena are collaborating to promote emotional wellness and healthy living. 

Elizabeth Eskidjian, the facilitator of the weekly educational workshops, says “These patients tend to hold the emotional issues inside of the family.  We want patients and their family members to know that incorporating emotional support into cancer treatment is critical. There is evidence that anxiety suppresses the immune system. For cancer patients, that can mean worsening their health.” 

Thanks to a grant from the QueensCare Foundation, these educational workshops are scheduled to run through 2023 and are open and free of charge to patients at any stage of treatment and for any type of cancer. The weekly bilingual workshops cover topics including nutrition, methods to manage anxiety, and cancer education – myths and facts.

“Adult children and caregivers of cancer patients are encouraged to attend the programs, even if the patient declines”, says Dr. Petar Vukasin of the Colorectal Surgery Institute at Glendale Memorial Hospital. “The younger generation can educate their parents.” 

Weekly programs are held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays in the cancer center’s auditorium located at Glendale Memorial, 1520 Central Avenue, with blue balloons marking the entrance.

For further information, call Elizabeth Eskidjian.

Clinical Symposium

The series of symposia has brought together local medical luminaries to provide lectures and panel discussions to our community of healthcare providers, Including physicians, nurses, and allled health professionals. Put together by The Colorectal Surgery Institute since its foundation in 2010, each Saturday morning session
has delved in depth into aspects of how best to care for our patients.

All healthcare professionals are welcome. Appropriate educational credits are provided. There is no registration fee. 

Next symposium date to be announced.