NRMC Cancer Center
Many members of the community are diagnosed each year with some form of cancer. In 2021, NRMC aquired the Cancer Center and began extensive renovations to create an ideal center focused on patient needs, patient safety, and customer service. As a specialty, cancer care has two primary branches — medical oncology/hematology and radiation oncology and both are provided on an outpatient basis at the NRMC Cancer Center.
From the moment you come into the 10,000 square-foot Cancer Center, our team will provide you with the support you need and be there for you, always. From answering your questions to listening to your concerns, each member of our team is committed to creating the ideal environment for your well-being. They will serve as your personal patient advocates to help ensure you have everything you need.
Our Team of Experts
With exceptional clinical skills, experience, and knowledge, our nurses and other cancer care team members are here to help you. They will provide precise treatments in accordance with medical oncologist Dr. Furqan Akhtar and radiation oncologist Dr. Troy Richards’ detailed plans to target the cancer. Family Nurse Practitioner Latoya Howard also sees patients and provides follow-up care and checkups. Patients always have access to their care team.
Circle of Care
The NRMC Cancer Center also works closely with patients’ primary care doctors as well as general surgeons, gynecologists, urologists, ENTs, pulmonologists, pathologists, hematologists, and other specialists who are part of the patient’s care team.
Highly Specialized Services
Not all patients will need chemotherapy or infusion services, nor will all patients need radiation therapy. A number of different factors, including the type of cancer, its location, and its stage, as well as a patient’s medical history and family medical history, determine treatment options. The facility has state-of-the-art technology and services including:
- Radiation Oncology
- Medical Oncology
- Hematology
- Computerized treatment planning
- CT Scanner for CT Simulation
- Dual Energy Linear Accelerator for Modulated Radio Therapy (IMRT)
- Infusion Services
- And more
Tumor Board
The NRMC Cancer Center holds a multidisciplinary tumor conference each month in which physicians and other healthcare professionals share knowledge as they review and discuss complex cancer cases. Their goal is to find the best options forward to effectively treat atypical cancers given the patient’s medical history, type and stage of cancer, location, and many other factors.
A Campus of NRMC
The NRMC Cancer Center provides care on an outpatient basis – no overnight stays. If a patient needs hospitalization, the full services of Natchitoches Regional Medical Center are available for specific patient needs. The hospital’s diagnostic services are an important part of the overall cancer care NRMC provides both to inpatients and outpatients. Imaging, surgical biopsy, full laboratory and other services are conveniently available at NRMC.
New Patient Paperwork
If possible, please complete new patient paperwork prior to your first appointment and bring the completed paperwork to your appointment.
Dr. Furqan Akhtar
Medical School: University of Texas Medical BranchInternship: Internal Medicine at LSU Health ShreveportResidency: Hematology and Oncology at LSU Health ShreveportDr. Troy Richards
Medical School: Tulane University in New Orleans, LAInternship: University of Texas Medical Branch at GalvestonResidency: University of Texas Medial Branch at Galveston
