Staff photo: Dr. McCarthy is seated. Left to right behind him: Carolyn Hare RN.,C ,treatment nurse & office manager;Grace Ritchie the receptionist; Brandy Wright,Medical Assistant;Lauretta Towne,Insurance auth.& varification;Vicki Barth, social services: Penny Milton BSN part time treatment nurse. 

 Dr. Mark McCarthy

My first oncology practice was in Carlsbad, New Mexico 1993-1996.  In June1996, I accepted a position as Medical oncology Director for oncology specialty practice in Sierra Vista, Arizona.  I remained in that position until May 2005, when I chose to open my own oncology, hematology practice in Sierra Vista, AZ.

I stay informed of all the new treatment plans by attending several conferences each year and by reading several oncology subscriptions.  Oncology and Hematology care is very challenging in that research is constantly coming out with new and improved methods of treating the disease.

 I believe in providing my patients the best that is available for them to maintain a good quality of life.  I believe in telling my patients the truth as best I can about their disease, give them the options available to them and then allow the patient and family to decide how to proceed in their care.

In my practice setting I expect promptness of care, compassion and understanding of the patients emotional state and that waiting to be seen beyond appointment time is not an option.

 Carolyn Hare RN.,C

I have been a nurse since May 2000. In the summer of 2002 I passed a special test to give me a medical-surgical certification, which is recognized by the capital C after the RN.  This certification requires that I take continued education courses each year, which I take in oncology and hematology courses.  I began working in the field of cancer care Sept. 2004 and was originally trained by Dr. Mark McCarthy in New Mexico.  At that time there was no certification for nurses in that state.  I have continued to work with Dr. McCarthy off and on ever since, and have taken the required certification courses in the State of Arizona.

I have also worked with pediatrics and bone marrow transplant patients at the University Medical Hospital in Tucson. So I have a wealth of experience and knowledge to fulfill my position as his office treatment nurse.

I believe in providing compassion and understanding to my patients. I also feel laughter is good medicine, so my treatment area is designed to create a homey, cheerful setting. Patients are allowed to choose between several seating areas, TV watching, Games and puzzles, Quiet area for napping and or reading.  My patients and their needs come first in their care and treatments. Patients are allowed to have support and loved ones join them in the treatment room.  We try to make the treatments a positive experience, since the treatment is hoped to give the patience hope for a longer healthy future.

My training for office manager is more limited, but I have functioned as a charge nurse many times as a staff nurse.  In the office setting I have dealt with insurance filing, verification, and appeals.  I can do the transcription if needed and function in social services if needed.  I understand accounting and supervision of others.  So, by experience have the qualifications need to manage the oncology and hematology practice.

 Vicki Barth, M.S., M.E.D.-Social Services and Patient Relations

Vicki has over 30 years of professional experience in the healthcare and social services fields working in management, staff development, facility planning and providing direct assistance to patients and families.  She has also provided many volunteer hours to organizations serving elders, persons with disabilities, AIDS, and cancer.

Vicki provides our patients with emotional and psychological support as well as programs and services designed to reduce barriers to treatment.

In addition to volunteerism, in her free time, Vicki is involved in the arts and loves to garden.