As far back as 1959 when Dr. Ernest Seitz first brought radiotherapy to Lufkin, cancer treatment has been available to the residents of East Texas. Memorial Hospital was only the seventh hospital in Texas to obtain a Cobalt-60 machine for the treatment of cancer!
Dr. William B. Shelton, Jr., who joined the staff in 1969, and Dr. Billy G. Kistler shared cancer treatment duties in addition to their diagnostic radiology treatment following Dr. Seitz's retirement in 1982. As the field of radiation oncology advanced, Dr. Shelton devoted his time solely to cancer treatment, while Dr. Kistler moved full-time to diagnostic radiology work. Dr. Shelton passed away in 2006.
In 1989 the Arthur Temple, Sr. Regional Cancer Center was built adjoining Memorial Hospital. During this time two state-of-the-art linear accelerators for radiation therapy were added as the backbone of a complete, modern department.
Dr. Sid Roberts joined Dr. Shelton in practice in 1992. In 2005, under Dr. Roberts' direction, the Temple Regional Cancer Center began using Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) to treat prostate and other cancers. With IMRT, higher doses of radiation are able to be given with fewer side effects.
In 2015, a new Elekta Synergy linear accelerator was installed with capabilities to do VMAT (volumetric modulated arc therapy), SBRT (stereotactic body radiation therapy), and SRS (stereotactic radiosurgery) treatments.
The Temple Cancer Center at what is now called CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial in Lufkin has been accredited by the American College of Surgeons continuously since 1995.
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncology Nurse
Radiation Oncology Nurse
Lead Radiation Therapist
Radiation Therapist
Radiation Therapist
Dosimetrist
Medical Radiation Physicist
Support Specialist
Receptionist