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The renovation and expansion at Medical Oncology Associates has created more space for doctors, patients and staff.

Dr David Greenwald stands next to the new Pyris Station at Medical Oncology Associates in Kingston. A recent expansion added space and new features to the office.

Joan Galella of Hanover Township takes a treatment in the new wing of Medical Oncology Associates in Kingston.

Fred Adams photos/the Times Leader

KINGSTON – A local oncology office that has developed a reputation for catering to patient needs has expanded its facilities.
Medical Oncology Associates, 382 Pierce St., celebrated its 30th anniversary with a 7,500-square-foot addition and renovation of its 3,500-square-foot existing building. The practice’s growth spurt has been applauded by employees and patients alike.
Angela Luongo, clinical research coordinator, had been working in cramped quarters in a former laboratory area. Now, she has a huge office with plenty of space for the thick binders she needs to keep for the many clinical trials Medical Oncology Associates participates in.
“We do as much work here as any one clinic does probably anywhere in the state,” Luongo said. “There is a large volume and high quality care.”
Dr. David Greenwald, who started the practice in 1977 with eight chemotherapy chairs, said the volume of patients continues to increase. Medical Oncology Associates now includes four board-certified physicians and 40 employees in all, including 17 certified oncology nurses.
“We probably have the biggest chemotherapy nursing staff. We see an average 150 patients in the office, with 80 to 90 percent of them getting chemotherapy and the rest getting exams or blood work,” Greenwald said.
The practice is responding to increased demand for care, he said.
“There is more cancer. We’ve been slowly expanding. It’s been a yearly thing.”
The expansion makes room for 21 chemotherapy chairs in a large open area that provides natural light through tall windows. A high-tech drug mixing and inventory tracking room is separate from the patient area, making it less distracting for the nurses to do their jobs.
Patients such as Hanover Township resident Joan Galella, 70, appreciate the thought that went into the expansion. Galella was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 and was doing well after surgery but last Christmas discovered the disease had metastasized to her bones. She now takes an IV twice a week for a drug to strengthen her bones.
“The other room had no windows and was so much smaller. It was getting crowded. It’s unfortunate they need more room, but they did,” Galella said. “Now it is so nice and a lot more comfortable. Not that it’s a pleasure doing this, but if you have to come, it’s a good place to be.”
Greenwald said Medical Oncology Associates strives to go the extra mile for patients, by being responsive when they call and providing psycho-social counseling at no cost. The expansion includes a sizable conference room to accommodate support groups as well as guest speakers who visit monthly to provide education for staff and other local physicians.
Carol Greenwald, a licensed professional counselor, hopes the conference room will be the site of lunchtime support group meetings for those who cannot make evening times.
The three other board-certified physicians in practice with Greenwald are Dr. Rajesh Nahar, Dr. Bruce Saidman and Dr. Michael Mak.