New Clinical Research Director and Chief of Physics

New leaders in innovation

  State-of-the-art Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC has named Cyndi Knox, MBA, BSN, RN, OCN, CCRC, director of clinical research and Jonas Fontenot, Ph.D., chief of physics. In this role, Knox is charged with setting the overall direction and development of the Cancer Center’s clinical research program. This includes the design and implementation of a portfolio containing clinical research projects to help cancer patients and physicians more easily and effectively access leading-edge clinical trials. Knox will also take a leadership role in the National Cancer Institute Gulf South-Minority Based Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), an initiative to help provide more Gulf South residents with advanced cancer treatments. “The goal of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC has always been to provide the very best in cancer treatment and demonstrate Terrebonne General Medical Center’s (TGMC) commitment to creating a healthier community,” stated Phyllis Peoples, president and CEO at TGMC. “Expanding access to advanced clinical trials for residents in the area is another way we are leading the region in the very best in advanced, state-of-the-art cancer care available right here in our community.” Additionally, Jonas Fontenot, Ph.D., has been named chief of physics, providing oversight of the medical physics program at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC. In this role, Dr. Fontenot is responsible for the overall management and oversight of the Cancer Center’s physics and dosimetry teams, in support of research, clinical and educational activities. Medical physicists are a vital component of the cancer treatment team, collaborating with radiation oncologists to design treatment plans and monitor equipment and procedures to ensure patients receive the prescribed dose of radiation to the correct location. Their assistance to other healthcare professionals is crucial in optimizing the balance between the beneficial and harmful effects of radiation and assuring compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.   Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC provides the full spectrum of cancer care, from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, treatment, recovery and survivorship for those in the Bayou Region. Its services include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, as well as patient navigation, clinical trials and free community screenings. The Center is nationally accredited with commendation and recognized for excellence in cancer care by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.