Baton Rouge, LA — FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center today announced a new joint operating agreement focused on advancing radiation therapy. This collaboration will expand capabilities and capacity to the Adaptive Radiation Therapy Program to patients throughout the region.
The agreement brings together leading expertise, resources and technology to expand access to advanced cancer care. Together, the organizations will strengthen the Adaptive Radiation Therapy Program and help bring the latest treatment innovations to patients.
“Working together allows both organizations to meet the needs of our community today while simultaneously planning for the future of cancer care,” said E.J. Kuiper, FMOL Health President and CEO. “By working together strategically, we are able to expand access to life-saving care while simultaneously avoiding a duplication of services and avoiding unnecessary costs to our patients.”
Building on Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s existing Elekta Unity MRI-guided linear accelerator, new program features made possible by the partnership will include CT-based adaptive technologies, an advanced photon-counting CT simulator and a new 3T MRI simulator. Together, these complementary technologies will allow physicians to visualize changes in tumors and surrounding anatomy and adapt treatment with greater precision—potentially reducing the number of treatments and expanding the ability to safely treat tumors in challenging locations, including those near sensitive organs. Combined with Mary Bird Perkins’ clinical expertise and treatment capacity, these investments will create one of the most progressive and robust radiation oncology programs in the region.
“Healthcare continues to evolve, and Mary Bird Perkins has moved to address these changes in the communities we serve. Our collaboration with Our Lady of the Lake reflects our shared commitment to finding meaningful ways to benefit patients and advance cancer care in our region. It also reflects what has been central to Mary Bird Perkins’ legacy for decades: building strong, trusted relationships with hospitals and health systems across Louisiana to expand access to exceptional cancer care, close to home,” said Jonas Fontenot, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.
Both organizations are committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care while embracing technological advancements that improve outcomes for patients. The integration of AI into radiation therapy sets a new standard for precision and efficiency in cancer treatment.
For media inquiries or more information about the partnership, please contact FMOL Health or Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.
About FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Our Lady of the Lake is a not-for-profit Catholic healthcare ministry based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with more than 7,500 employees committed to serving the Capital Region and building a healthy community through excellence in patient care and education. With more than 900 beds, Our Lady of the Lake includes an academic Regional Medical Center, a dedicated 99-bed Children’s Hospital, a 78-bed hospital in Gonzales, Louisiana, two freestanding emergency rooms in outlying parishes, and a 650+ provider Physician Group, Our Lady of the Lake provides comprehensive healthcare services for common to complex conditions. Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center is a primary teaching site for graduate medical education programs in partnership with LSU and is recognized in the areas of heart and vascular, trauma and emergency care, stroke, cancer care, minimally invasive procedures, and more. Our Lady of the Lake is part of FMOL Health and is driven by its mission to serve all God’s people, especially those most in need. For more information, visit ololrmc.com.
About Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is Louisiana’s largest cancer care organization and has been leading the fight against cancer for more than 50 years. Founded in Baton Rouge in 1971 by a group of community leaders, the Cancer Center now serves every region of Louisiana and communities across southwest Mississippi. With the most expansive team of highly trained oncologists leveraging innovative therapies and technologies, Mary Bird Perkins is offering the most personalized treatment options available in the Gulf South. The Cancer Center’s emphasis on community-based care allows patients to access these resources close to home. From early detection through our innovative Prevention on the Go screening and education program, to diagnosis, treatment and life after cancer, Mary Bird Perkins offers a wide array of individualized support services to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer. For more information, visit marybird.org.
