“One of the wonderful things about working at Providence is that we have leading-edge technology, and we have great staff, and we’ve been able to create a very caring, very high-quality environment that is comparable to that of any top-rate academic center in terms of the care of the patient.” Christine Cha, M.D.
Medical Director, Providence Radiation Oncology ServicesTraining: A member of the Oregon Clinic, Dr. Cha gravitated toward the field of radiation oncology as a student at the University of Michigan Medical School, where she earned a combined bachelor's and medical degree. She then completed a radiation oncology residency at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City and served as a Clinical Assistant Member of the Center until 1998. Prior to joining Providence, she practiced for five years in the Radiation Oncology Division of the Virginia Mason Medical Center, where her practice focused on breast cancer and cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Areas of Expertise: Breast cancer, gynecologic cancers, gastrointestinal malignancies, brachytherapy, and combined-modality disease management.
Eric Hansen, M.D."We're very fortunate to have expertly trained staff with academic backgrounds; everyone is so compassionate towards our patients and their families." Training: Dr. Hansen was raised in Portland, Oregon. He earned his bachelor's degree at Yale University and his medical degree at Oregon Health and Science University, both with honors. He completed his radiation oncology residency at the University of California, San Francisco, where he also served as Chief Resident. Dr. Hansen is the co-editor of Handbook of Evidence-Based Radiation Oncology, one of the top-selling medical texts in radiation oncology. He is also currently a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at UCSF. Areas of Expertise: Prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancers, brain tumors, gastrointestinal cancers, skin cancers, sarcomas, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), prostate brachytherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife).
 Jeannie Louie, M.D.
“With cancer treatment, our main goals are to obtain good control of the cancer and to minimize treatment side effects. A person's quality of life during treatment is a priority." Training: Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Dr. Louie earned her medical degree from Oregon Health and Science University, School of Medicine. Following three years in a general surgery residency at University of California Davis-East Bay, Dr. Louie completed her residency in Radiation Oncology at the University of Washington Medical Center. She remained with the University of Washington as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Radiation Oncology. In 2000, Dr Louie returned to Portland to join The Oregon Clinic Radiation Oncology, practicing at PPMC and PSVMC. Areas of Expertise: Breast cancer, gynecologic cancers, gastrointestinal cancers, prostate cancer, HDR brachytherapy, prostate (seed implant) brachytherapy, 3D conformal radiation therapy, and combined modality therapy.
 Kelly J. Underhill, M.D.
Training: Dr. Underhill earned her medical degree at Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, and completed her residency in Radiation Oncology at Queen’s University. Dr. Underhill also completed a fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center where she specialized in Radiation Implants (Brachytherapy). She has served on the faculty of Thomas Jefferson University and Dartmouth Medical School and has lectured extensively on new therapies in radiation oncology. She will join the Radiation Oncology Team at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in January 2007. Areas of Expertise: Brachytherapy, accelerated partial breast irradiation, breast cancer, gynecologic cancers, endometrial cancer, and head and neck cancers.
 Richard Rodriguez, RT (T)
Department Manager
"Patients often tell us that they will miss us after the completion of their treatment, because we've become a big part of their everyday lives for several weeks." Rich Rodriguez completed his radiation therapy training in San Francisco and came to Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in 1974. Over the course of his career, he has served the department as a therapist, dosimetrist, and chief therapist. He feels fortunate to be a member of a team that works hard to ensure that patients get the kind of service they not only expect, but deserve.
 Richard Verburg, BS, RT (R) (T)
Lead Radiation Therapist
"It is my personal goal to make sure that all patients’ needs are met during their time with us, and that their treatment is delivered with precision, consistency, and with the utmost compassion." Rick Verburg earned his Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy at OHSU. He is currently the lead radiation therapist for Providence St. Vincent Medical Center and has been a member of the Providence team for the past 15 years. In his current role, he works closely with physicians and technical staff to plan and carry out individually tailored treatment courses.
 Lois Paik, RN
"I teach classes and work one-on-one with patients on symptom management so that they can be as comfortable as possible during treatment. There's a lot we can do to prevent and ease potential side effects." Lois Paik is an OCN certified nurse with 26 years of experience (including 22 years in oncology). In 1997, she moved from the University of Washington to join Providence, where she helped develop the High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy program and currently assists on HDR procedures.
 Amy Hawthorne, MSW
Radiation Oncology Patient Advocate
“Providence Health & Services truly invests in each patient’s well-being through integrative medicine, dedication to research, and unmatched support services. My job is to make sure that no one has to fight cancer alone.” Amy Hawthorne has experience working with patients and their families throughout all phases of the cancer continuum. Her objective is to enhance patient care by providing emotional support, advocacy, access to Providence and community resources, case management and education.
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