Radiation Oncology

Your Physicians

Dr. Jason Call Voted BEST Oncologist in 2021 Bulletin's Best of the Mesilla Valley

Jason Call, MD

Dr. Call pursued his medical school training at the Medical College of Wisconsin and his residency training in Radiation Oncology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He has been active in research throughout his career, publishing his work in several scientific journals. He has presented his research at national and international oncology meetings and has authored published book chapters on topics related to Radiation Oncology.

His training at the Mayo Clinic included modern radiation techniques, focusing on Intensity-Modulated Radiation therapy (IMRT), Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) and High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy. Dr. Call most recently worked at Alaska Cancer Treatment Center in Anchorage, Alaska.

Voted BEST Oncologist in 2021 Bulletin's Best of the Mesilla Valley.

Your Treatment Team

Care is provided by board-certified radiation oncology physicians and other professionals, specially trained in the use of radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer:

- - Radiation Therapists: Specialists trained in the delivery of radiation therapy treatment, under the direction of the radiation oncologist.
  - Dosimetrists and Medical Physicists: Highly skilled professionals who are responsible for calculating doses of radiation and calibrating radiation equipment.
  - Radiation Oncology Nurses: Experts in the care of patients undergoing radiation therapy.
  - Office Staff: People dedicated to helping with scheduling, billing and administrative tasks.
  - Social Worker/Navigator: Professionals trained in assisting with social, emotional and transportation issues. In addition, they help in the coordination of care with other specialists.

Radiation Therapy Treatment Process

The decision about which treatments to use is based on each patient’s situation. Every patient’s treatment is individualized.

Radiation therapy treatment can consist of external beam radiation therapy or brachytherapy (internal radiation therapy).

At our facility, external beam radiation therapy is delivered with our Varian Linear Accelerators, The Edge® and the VitalBeam®.

How often will I have treatments?

The number and duration of your treatments will be determined by your radiation oncologist. After reviewing your medical history, the radiation oncologist will meet with you and discuss proposed treatments, including potential risks and benefits.

Generally, treatments last from 20-30 minutes and are given daily, Monday through Friday. They are given over a period of time that may last from a few days to many weeks.

What is a simulation?

Prior to receiving radiation therapy, you will have a planning appointment called a simulation. During this appointment, your radiation oncologist and radiation therapist will perform the necessary tests that will allow them to customize your treatment. Your actual treatment usually starts a few days after the simulation, in order for the team to optimize your treatment plan.

What are the side effects?

Some patients experience side effects from radiation therapy. Side effects depend on the area of the body being treated. We have effective treatment for most side effects. Many patients are able to continue their normal day-to-day activities.

Resources

NCI (National Cancer Institute) Brochures, Pamphlets, Booklets:

Helpful Websites

- - Radiation Therapy Treatments
  - National Cancer Institute

Contact Information

Memorial Radiation Oncology
2450 S. Telshor Blvd., Suite B
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88011
Phone: 575.556.5800
Fax: 888.974.0806

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ONLINE BY PHONE 800.424.DOCS (3627)