In addition to his administrative expertise, Calvin Harrison also brings visionary energy to Providence Cancer Center. A major focus of his health care career has been on growing the cancer services of regional health systems.
Mr. Harrison earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Virginia, a diploma in respiratory therapy from the University of Chicago School of Medicine, and a master’s degree in health administration at the University of South Carolina.
Before coming to Providence in 2000, Mr. Harrison served as vice president of Palmetto Health in Columbia, South Carolina, where he guided the strategic development, planning and operations of oncology services. He also had developed cancer and research programs at Columbia’s Richland Memorial Hospital (which became part of Palmetto Health). There he was responsible for the completion and operations of a 78-bed cancer center.
- Mr. Harrison brought together Providence’s regional team of cancer managers and physician leaders to develop a vision and strategy for cancer services. The vision includes consolidating cancer services to better serve patients, including the 3,000 newly diagnosed cancer patients Providence sees each year.
- By making a commitment to expand Providence Cancer Center’s clinical and research facilities, and by elevating awareness of current successes, Mr. Harrison has helped establish credibility for Providence cancer research. This improves the ability to recruit additional, highly respected scientists.
- Since 2000, he has successfully implemented a number of programs and services that improve care for cancer patients, including the Integrative Medicine Program, Gamma Knife Center of Oregon, Ruth J. Spear Breast Center, high-dose-rate brachytherapy and enhanced PET (positron emission tomography) scanning.
- Mr. Harrison has led the development of the new, state-of-the-art Providence Cancer Center that will open in 2008 on the Providence Portland Medical Center campus. This 11-story building will unify and enhance cancer care and research.
"The new Providence Cancer Center building will significantly and positively impact the way patients experience health care. It will be unique in the Pacific Northwest, making it easier for patients to access information and explore quality-of-life issues. By vastly expanding our research capacity, we will continue to keep Providence in the forefront of cancer care."