Tulane Health System appoints new director of cancer center

Tulane Health System has named Nerissa Wood, RN, its director of the Tulane Comprehensive Cancer Clinic, where she has served as clinical manager for the past two years. As director, Wood will oversee clinical and administrative operations, including quality, patient care delivery, education and development.

Wood has a wide range of hospital-based experience, including more than 20 years as an oncology nurse, most recently with East Jefferson General Hospital’s oncology service line, where she worked directly with the M.D. Anderson Physician’s Network on implementation of disease-site pathways and guidelines.

The Tulane Comprehensive Cancer Clinic offers a full range of services for the detection, diagnosis, treatment, support and follow-up care for patients with cancer, as well as the opportunity to participate in clinical trials locally. Tulane provides a multidisciplinary approach, with personalized treatment plans for each patient to treat a broad range of cancer, hematologic malignancies and hematologic diseases. Tulane’s cancer services are continuing to expand with the addition of a state-of-the-art Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) unit, which is expected to be complete in the summer of 2017.

“As champions of cancer patients, we strive to give our patients and their families the highest quality of care,” said Wood, who is also a past president of the New Orleans Oncology Nursing Society. “Throughout my career in oncology, I’ve witnessed countless stories of hope, compassion and strength. I look forward to sharing and applying these experiences in this new role.”

Wood earned a degree in psychology from Tulane University and a degree in nursing from William Carey College School of Nursing. She was recognized by the American Cancer Society in 2014 as one of its Top 10 Belles, who are chosen for their contributions in the fight against cancer.