Dr. Kern Wildenthal is the Chairman of the Board for the Moncrief Cancer Foundation
Fort Worth – January 2013 – Moncrief Cancer Institute – $22 million facility offers expanded services for cancer patients, survivors in UT Southwestern collaboration
By Jan Jarvis
One man’s vision for a place that would make life better for cancer survivors is now a reality in Fort Worth. The Moncrief Cancer Institute, an affiliate of UT Southwestern Medical Center, was dedicated Nov.19 during a ceremony attended by building fund donor W.A. “Tex” Moncrief Jr. and officials from Tarrant County, the city of Fort Worth, UT Southwestern, Moncrief Cancer Foundation, and the Institute.
Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, President of UT Southwestern, said the Medical Center is proud to be associated with the Institute and looks forward to playing an important role in its future.
“The programs offered at the new Moncrief Cancer Institute in collaboration with UT Southwestern will provide cancer patients with vitally important care and services that would not be available otherwise,” Dr. Podolsky said. “The center will provide new hope to untold thousands, now and in the future.”
Also speaking at the dedication were Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley, Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, and Dr. Kern Wildenthal, Chairman of the Board of the Moncrief Cancer Foundation and former President of UT Southwestern.
Located on a 3.4-acre site at 400 W. Magnolia Ave., the $22 million facility’s striking architecture makes it a standout in the neighborhood. But it’s what is inside this unique building that makes the Moncrief Cancer Institute so special.
It was designed from the ground up to serve North Texas cancer survivors, especially medically underserved adults, in a very special way by focusing on prevention, research, and survivorship programs. The new center – which replaced a smaller facility in Fort Worth that the organization outgrew – offers services that include genetic counseling, mammography screening, nutritional counseling, and cooking classes, said Dr. Keith Argenbright, Medical Director of the Institute. A new telemedicine unit will allow the staff to provide testing and risk assessment to patients in outlying counties.
The 60,000-square-foot building also houses an expanded fitness center, demonstration kitchen, and 90-seat auditorium.
Mr. Moncrief, whose family and its foundation funded the project, wanted the building to be a welcoming place for cancer patients, and the facility’s design accomplishes that. For example, a unique facade that features terra-cotta patterns symbolizes the individual nature of each patient’s needs. The building is surrounded by gardens and water fountains to enhance the calming atmosphere.
The Moncriefs, who have a decades-long tradition of providing cancer services, also funded the former Moncrief Center, which was founded in 1958 as one of the nation’s first community radiation facilities. In 2000, UT Southwestern assumed responsibility for management of the facility and broadened the scope of services. In 2010, the nonprofit organization changed its name to Moncrief Cancer Institute.
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Dr. Podolsky holds the Philip O’Bryan Montgomery, Jr., M.D. Distinguished Presidential Chair in Academic Administration, and the Doris and Bryan Wildenthal Distinguished Chair in Medical Science.
Read the UT Southwestern press Release here