Blog Diary 2017

3/11/2017 #HnCTour2017 

Blog 

Chris Curtis 

H&N Cancer Survivor & World Patient Ambassador

Chris Curtis, H&N Cancer Survivor & World Patient Ambassador 

Saturday, 11th March 2017 – Day 1 

I left Manchester Airport at 1.45pm for Las Palmas arriving at 

6.45pm 

The weather when we left Manchester was not great but our normal 

British weather to be greeted at Las Palmas by beautiful blue skies 

and very warm. 

We are stopping at the Marriott Hotel in Las Palmas, very nice 

hotel with 27 floors and on the roof top is the Swimming Pool 

with fantastic views. 

Now it’s early to bed as we start a busy two weeks on Sunday. 

My Sponsors Acknowledgement 

What I do need to say is a big thank you to all my sponsors that provided financial 

support and educational grants to allow me to visit the Head & Neck Cancer centres 

and patients across Spain and the US. 

Having sponsors and educational grants allows me to also highlight the great work the 

Swallows Head & Neck Cancer Support Charity carries out in the UK and spread the 

word worldwide. 

I am also making a documentary style film while on this journey. It will include the 

cancer patients/survivors, health professionals and an insight on the various cancer 

centres. 

A big thank you too Roger, Chris & Matt from SAMfilms who are following me to 

create the films.


Sunday, 12 th 2017 – Day 2 

Today we went in to the local area and to the hospital we are visiting tomorrow. 

During the day, we have captured some great footage of Las Palmas and the external 

parts of the hospital. 

My first thoughts: The sun, heat and way of life must help patients in recovery, but I 

will know more on this when I meet with local patients tomorrow. The hospital is 

very impressive and tomorrow I get to see inside this impressive building. 

The local people here in Las Palmas are very friendly and nothing is too much trouble 

for them. 

Funniest part of the day was on arriving at the hospital the guys prepared to get the 

camera ready and just as they opened the camera case, a Las Palmas Wind blew the 

two very expensive memory cards out of the box and straight in to a drain channel, 

not to bad but the drain was covered in a Metal Grid...... I think Roger said, ‘Oh my 

God’ or something like that! 

The picture below shows the team hunting for the Cards (good job it had been a hot 

few days as there was no water in the drain), it was decided to chew gum, Roger 

volunteered and then lower a thin external drive with the gum placed on the bottom 

into the drain and hopefully recover the two VERY EXPENSIVE cards..... ‘Happy 

days it worked. 

More updates tomorrow.... Monday, 13 th March 2017 

Pictures from today..... 

Funniest Part of the Day...


Monday, 13 th 2017 – Day 3 

I arrived at the Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr Negrín H&N Cancer 

Centre, Barranco de la Ballena, Las Palmas at 9.30am to meet Professor Lara (fellow 

H&N Cancer Survivor and Professor and Chair Clinical Oncology). 

The Tour 

Professor Lara took us all on a tour of the Head & Neck Cancer Department within 

the hospital. To see first-hand the most advanced equipment in the field of HnC 

treatment was unbelievable. 

The department had its own MRI & CT Scanners, Lenex Intensity Modulated 

Radiotherapy (IMRT) machine, plus a new addition will be the The Cyber Knife 

System is the first and only fully robotic radiation delivery system. It treats cancerous 

and non-cancerous tumours and other targets, precisely and accurately delivering 

radiation anywhere in the body. 

Another treatment machine is the Hyperthermia (also called thermal therapy or 

thermotherapy) is a type of cancer treatment in which body tissue is exposed to high 

temperatures. Research has shown that high temperatures can damage and kill cancer 

cells, usually with minimal injury to normal tissue 

To be fair the list goes on and on and I was blown away by how Professor Lara’s 

department was a ‘One Stop Clinic’ and the ‘Patient’ was at the heart of all this. 

Clearly Professor Lara after surviving HnC Cancer himself fully understands the 

patient’s journey and what is important to a patient and strives to offer the very best 

for all his patients. 

Robots on the corridors of the hospital... 

On walking around the hospital, you are met by Robots delivering items within the 

hospital, they even call their own lift to get to the floors within the hospital. It is truly 

amazing to see and they are accepted by the patients, families, visitors and health 

professionals and are integrated within the hospital. I asked, ‘How long have you had 

these Robots?’ expecting to be told it was the latest technology but how far from the 

truth, the answer was ’20 Years’ WOW... 

NHS needs more beds, or do they? 

The hospital is massive in size, so I asked, ‘How many beds in the hospital?’ 

expecting a very high number and was told ‘Only 600 and looking to reduce these to 

500. Getting patients treated the same day & back home the day helps with a faster 

recovery’. 

I will update more after my final visit in Professor Lara’s department tomorrow.


Details of Professor Pedro C Lara 

President Spanish Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (SEOR), Professor and Chair 

Clinical Oncology, Las Palmas University, Head Dept Radiation Oncology, Dr Negrin Las 

Palmas University Hospital, Director Canarian Institute for Cancer Research 

Academic and professional career 

In 1991, he moved to the Radiation Oncology Department of the University Hospital of Las 

Palmas, as Consultant Radiation Oncologist and Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology. 

He organised the Oncology teaching in the new Las Palmas University School of Medicine. 

In 1995, he joined the European Cancer Center Fellowship Programme, to develop a project 

on radiation oncology translational research in the Netherlands Cancer Institute in 

Amsterdam, under supervision of Prof. Harry Bartelink and Prof. Adrian Begg. 

Being appointed as Full Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Las Palmas 

(1996), he returned to the Canary Islands, where he established a new translational research 

group focused on biologically individualised radiotherapy and predictive assays of normal 

toxicity. He was also a driving force in the establishment of the Canarian Institute for Cancer 

Research (ICIC) in 2001. From 2011 to date, Prof. Lara is Director of the Canarian Institute 

for Cancer Research Since 2009 he is the Head of the Department of Radiation Oncology in 

Las Palmas University Hospital. This department is devoted to the comprehensive treatment 

of cancer patients, being very active in clinical oncology and medical treatments as well. 

In that aspect, his focuses of interest are breast/prostate cancer and radioimmunotherapy, 

conducting national and international clinical trials. 

In 2013, he obtained the national accreditation for Full Professor and Chair of Radiation 

Oncology and from that year, he is the Academic Chair of the Clinical Oncology and 

Haematology at the Las Palmas University Medical School. 

He is member of the editorial board of Radiation Oncology and of Reports of Practical 

Oncology and Radiotherapy, actively publishing and reviewing scientific articles for several 

journals and participating in national and international scientific, educational and research 

meetings. 

Professional Organisational Aspects 

He has been actively involved in professional societies as the Spanish Association for Cancer 

Research (ASEICA), European Association for Cancer Research (EACR) and Spanish 

Society for Radiation Oncology (SEOR), ESTRO and EORTC


Pictures from today.....


Wednesday, 14 th 2017 – Day 4 

This was my last day in Las Palmas with Professor Lara and his team and really sad to 

be leaving but excited about the next journey to New York and the visit at the famous 

‘Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre’. 

Today we finished filming the Robots, a nurse specialist who in the past has treated 

patients with a drug to protect the Saliva Glands so stopping Dry Mouth we also 

interviewed Professor Lara. He explained that he too was an H&N Cancer patient and 

said, ‘being an H&N cancer survivor really drives me to ensure the patient is the 

most important part and that his team remembers this”. 

Before I started this tour I truly thought I would not find a centre better than the 

Brighton Cancer Centre but Professor Lara is a true inspiration and his centre is now 

my bench mark for all others to be compared against “Platinum Rating”. 

Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr Negrín 

When I arrived at the hospital and after the tour of the H&N Cancer Department I 

truly thought the hospital was a Private Hospital and that’s why they have the very 

latest technology from a Scanner that link GPS with particles in the tumour so it can 

be tracked like going on a local road trip to the WOW Cyber Knife machine, ‘How 

wrong can you be as this is a PUBLIC HOSPITAL and open to 90% of the 

population’. 

NHS England would benefit by visiting this hospital and understand how they can do 

such great work and put the Patients Outcome First. 

The Robots 

I asked Professor Lara about job losses in the hospital by using ‘Robots’ and his reply 

was very interesting “We use robots to carry out the duties of moving items round the 

hospital and the people who would be pushing hospital trolleys are now used to deal 

with patient issues example at reception, walking around talking to patients these 

people are now are front line patient engagement staff”. 

Now we move on to New York to visit centres in the US.....


Pictures from the day.....


Thursday, 16 th 2017 – Day 5 

Today I met Dr Shah at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York, his 

attitude towards delivering the very best treatment to patients and returning them to a normal 

life post treatment is his paramount aim. 

About Dr Shah 

Dr Shah has special expertise in the surgical treatment of benign and malignant tumours in the 

head and neck area, including tumours of the mouth, pharynx, (throat), larynx, (voice box), 

sinuses, skull base, thyroid, parathyroid, and salivary glands as well as tumours of the skin, 

soft tissues, and bones. 

He served as Chief of the Head and Neck Service in the Department of Surgery from 1992 to 

2015 and led the Head and Neck Disease Management Team at Memorial Sloan Kettering 

Cancer Centre. 

This multidisciplinary team of more than 30 specialists includes head and neck surgeons, 

radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, endocrinologists, radiologists, maxillofacial 

prosthodontists, as well as plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Members of the team work 

together to develop treatment plans for each of our head and neck cancer patients that 

incorporate the latest technology and most advanced surgical techniques, including minimally 

invasive surgery, laser surgery, robotic surgery, and non-surgical cancer therapies. 

Dr Shah’s special interests are in the field of skull base surgery and surgery to preserve the 

function of the throat (pharynx) and the voice box (larynx). He has developed many new 

surgical procedures that enable surgeons to remove tumours from complex areas, such as the 

base of the skull. Because of these advances it is 

now feasible to preserve organ function and facial 

appearance to a far greater degree than was 

previously possible. 

Dr Shah is actively involved in training the next 

generation of head and neck cancer surgeons, and 

he and his colleagues have developed a surgical 

training program supported by the National Cancer 

Institute. This program draws talented surgeons from all over the world who travel to 

Memorial Sloan Kettering to learn the latest surgical techniques for the treatment of head and 

neck cancer. 

Both the following patients were treated by Dr Shah and his wonderful team. 

Patient Interview (Jim) 

WOW what a character, Jim is now 11 years a survivor and had a ‘total laryngectomy’ 

during his interview he made us cry but more importantly he made us 

laugh so much with his New York sense of humour, an example he 

said, “On the 4 th July in New York they have a Sausage Eating 

competition and I have won it 3 years running” I replied, “but how, 

when you need to be careful eating?” “Easy, the sausages are the same 

dimension as the hole in my neck so I tie all the sausages on string then 

push them down and when I finish just pull them out”


Jim openly admits his previous life style was a heavy smoker and drinker as he was a 

steel worker and with his Irish background as he said, “I was born with a beer in my 

hand” but now he has given up the drink and cigs and lives a healthy and better life 

style. 

He explained that Dr Shah will call him and ask him to talk to newly diagnosed 

patients who are struggling to come to terms with being told “you have cancer and 

your voice box will be removed” 

Jim spends a lot of time volunteering at the centre talking to patients at diagnoses, 

during and post treatment helping them come to terms with the cancer. His opening 

statement is “We all have a cross to bear in life and 

when your is too heavy to carry look around you and 

get everyone to throw there’s in a pile, look at these 

and you will always go and pick yours back up” How 

true is that as there is always someone else with a 

heavier cross! 

A funny Gentleman of New York 

Jim’s sense of humour, wonderful wit and 

outlook on life can only be an inspiration to 

other H&N cancer patients around the 

world. It was a privilege to meet such a 

gentle, kind and funny Gentleman of New 

York (God Bless America). 

Laryngectomy is the removal of the larynx and separation of the airway from the 

mouth, nose and esophagus. In a total laryngectomy, the entire larynx is removed 

and in a partial laryngectomy only a portion is taken out. The laryngectomee 

breathes through an opening in the neck known as a stoma. 

Patient Interview (Jessica) 

Firstly, I need to tell you a little history about this wonderful woman, before her diagnoses 

Jessica was an Actress, Singer, Song Writer and her career was taking off big style with parts 

on Broadway and in film. 

Jessica was born on September 3, 1982 in Livingston, New Jersey, USA. She is known for 

The Meat Puppet (2012), The Highly Observant Bill White (2011) and Alien Vs. Zombies 

(2017). 

Then came that moment that changes a life forever, “You have Cancer” 

Her first fear was its tongue cancer was there a possibility of losing her ability to speak 

clearly, which would prevent her from pursuing a career in acting and singing. 

Appearance and voice matter to nearly everyone, but perhaps most of all to someone 

dreaming of a life in the spotlight.


Jessica said, “When I was first told, I cried a lot, it was like the air was sucked out of 

the room, I was inconsolable”. 

Even as she struggled to process the news, Jessica understood she had to act quickly. That 

evening, she told her husband, T.J., and family about her diagnosis. Amidst that chaos, you 

must climb out if it, she recalls. “I understood I had to start making calls and making things 

happen. I needed a plan of action”. 

Choosing the Right Surgeon 

She made appointments with surgeons at two hospitals, one near her home in Denville, New 

Jersey, and a second at Memorial Sloan Kettering, where she met the Chief of the Head and 

Neck Service, Jatin Shah. 

Dr Shah explained that she had squamous cell carcinoma, which arises on the surface of the 

tongue and is the most common type of oral cancer. Risk factors include smoking and longterm 

excessive alcohol consumption; Jessica, a lifeguard who teaches swimming at the 

YMCA, had neither of those. 

Dr Shah told her she needed surgery to remove the tumour, and along with it, a portion of the 

front of her tongue. He would also remove several lymph nodes in her neck to see if the 

cancer had spread. 

When Dr Shah explained his surgical technique, Jessica knew she had found the right 

surgeon for her. 

Dr Shah explained “The tongue is a very intricate and complex organ. The front part of the 

tongue is responsible for the articulation of speech, whereas the rear part of the tongue is for 

swallowing. How you remove the tumour and how you reconstruct the tip of the tongue is 

crucial to the retention and restoration of the clarity of speech.” 

What happens next you will need to wait for the film.......

Chris Curtis, H&N Cancer Survivor & World Patient Ambassador


Friday, 17 th 2017 – Day 6 

Today was a rest day so spent the day filming round New York to capture St Patrick 

Day here in New York.


More pictures of the day....


Throat Cancer can’t stop the ‘food of love’


Saturday, 18 th 2017 – Day 7 

Today was my official day off and I took the opportunity to go on a sightseeing tour 

of New York. 

See photos by following this link: 

https://flic.kr/s/aHskSG4YkL


Monday, 21 st March 2017 – Day 8 

Today we visited the Massachusetts General Hospital, Speech Language Pathology 

department. 

Tessa Goldsmith, Associate Director, Speech, Language, and 

Swallowing Disorders agreed to be interviewed and talk about 

the important role she and her wonderful team play within the 

HnC Patients Journey. 

Throat Cancer can’t stop the ‘food of love’ 

Speech, Language, and Swallowing Disorders 

Tessa explained that The Mass General Department of Speech, Language, and Swallowing 

Disorders offers a complete continuum of care, including diagnosis and treatment, to 

patients of all ages with any type of communication or swallowing disorder. 

Her team of speech-language pathologists specialise in diagnosing and treating all 

communication and swallowing disorders in acute and outpatient populations, from newborns 

to adults. 

The team also offer a complete continuum of services including: 

• Prevention 

• Identification 

• Diagnosis 

• Consultation 

• Treatment 

• Referrals 

Tessa said, “The patient is at the heart of everything we do and my team will be involved 

with the patient from diagnoses, throughout treatment and beyond”. 

Quality of Life ‘Swallowing’ 

Tessa believes that being able to communicate thoughts, feelings, needs and desires is a 

fundamental part of everyday life irrespective of age. When a person’s ability to speak, 

listen, read, or write is affected, daily living can be frustrating and isolating, affect 

socialisation, learning and relationships. Likewise, mealtimes represent an important social 

ritual that can be difficult and intimidating for those who are unable to swallow safely. 

Today was an inspirational interview and showed yet again another health professional that 

really cares about a patients Quality of Life. 

If you are a health professional, speech therapist or a patient you need to watch this 

interview, a must watch!


Boston is Massachusetts’ capital and largest city. Founded in 1630, it’s one of the oldest 

cities in the U.S. The key role it played in the American Revolution is highlighted on the 

Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking route of historic sites that tells the story of the nation’s 

founding. One stop, former meeting house Faneuil Hall, is a popular marketplace. 

I would highly recommend you visit Boston if ever in the US.


Tuesday, 21 st March 2017 – Day 9 

Today we travelled to the town of Lowell & the Lowell General Hospital Cancer 

Centre to film the area and external parts of this wonderful hospital. 

Quite different style to all the other hospitals 

but still very impressive. 

Looking forward to visiting the Cancer 

centre on Thursday & Friday. 

The Cancer Centre at Lowell General Hospital is committed to supporting the patients 

mental and physical health through every step of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. 

Dedicated physicians and nurses to social workers and support groups, the Cancer 

Centre at Lowell General Hospital has several resources for the patient and family, all 

close to their home. 

Early Detection 

If cancer is detected, Lowell General Hospital has a multidisciplinary team and clinic 

dedicated to a coordinated, individualized treatment plan for you. Surgery, radiation 

oncology, medical oncology speech pathology, and nutrition all work together to 

design a plan for both cancer treatment and supportive care. 

Clinical Trials 

Through close partnerships with Boston-based hospitals and the National Cancer 

Institute, we can offer cancer clinical trials designed to identify safer and more 

effective approaches to prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of your cancer. 

Project to help Cancer Patients ‘TeamWalk’ 

Since it began in 2000, TeamWalk has raised more than 9 million dollars and has 

helped more than 24,000 people at the Cancer Centre at Lowell General and beyond. 

TeamWalk provides transportation to and from treatment, prescription medication not 

covered by insurance, living expenses, wigs, prosthetics, medical supplies, and a 

diverse array of support groups open to cancer patients and their families. 

Joining as a volunteer, or sponsor, you can truly make a difference when you join 

Lowell General Hospital's TeamWalk for CancerCare. For more information or to 

register for our 2017 event, visit www.teamwalk.org and join the fight!


Good Old Fashion Town


Wednesday, 22 nd March 2017 – Day 10 

Today we finished the interview with Tessa Goldsmith, talking about Feeding Peg 

and Tips to help with Swallowing. 

Feeding Tube ‘When & Why’ 

When... 

Tessa explained that the feeding peg should only be used as a last result and not fitted 

as standard practice, 

Also, Swallowing excesses and continue to eat during and post treatment is the way 

forward as this helps to maintain muscle use. 

Why... 

A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is a plastic tube that is put into 

your stomach through your skin. PEG tubes are most often used to give you food or 

liquids if you are not able to eat or drink. Medical formula, medicines, and water can 

be given through a PEG tube. 

Warning 

You should seek immediate care if.... 

• You start coughing or vomiting during or after a feeding. 

• You have severe abdominal pain. 

• Blood or tube feeding fluid leaks from the PEG tube site. 

• Your PEG tube is shorter than it was when it was put in. 

• Your PEG tube comes out. 

• Your mouth feels dry, your heart feels like it is beating too fast, or you feel 

weak. 

You should contact your Hospital if.... 

• You have nausea, diarrhoea, or abdominal bloating or discomfort. 

• You have stomach pain after each feeding or when you move around. 

• You have discomfort or pain around your PEG tube site. 

• The skin around your PEG tube is red, swollen, or draining pus. 

• Weigh less than your health plan. 

• Your PEG tube is longer than it was when it was put in. 

• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care. 

Tessa Kitchen


Tessa spoke about her Kitchen Tips for eating while having 

‘Swallowing Issues’ and you need to watch the film for her fantastic 

suggestions. 

One very simple suggestion was if you can’t eat bread ‘try toast as it opens the bread 

pockets and allows the liquid in your mouth to help with swallowing’ Tessa said ‘food 

in your kitchen needs to be light and mover fast in the mouth, crispy & crunchy 

absorbs liquid easy but mash potatoes stay sticky and is hard to swallow’ 

Set small steps and goals that are achievable and recognise your success. More from 

the Tessa Kitchen in the interview on film. 

Massachusetts General Hospital & Cancer Centre 

Guided by the needs of our patients and their families, Massachusetts General 

Hospital aims to deliver the very best health care in a safe, compassionate 

environment; to advance that care through innovative research and education, and to 

improve the health and well-being of the diverse communities we serve. 

Awards:


Bar Advertising


Thursday & Friday, 24 th , 25 th March 2017 – Day 11/12 

The Cancer Centre at Lowell General Hospital is committed to 

supporting mental and physical health through every step of 

diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. From dedicated physicians 

and nurses to social workers and support groups, the Cancer 

Centre at Lowell General Hospital has several resources for 

patients and the family, all close to home. 

We met Matthew Katz who is the Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at 

Lowell General Hospital and a partner in Radiation Oncology Associates, PA. 

He is former Chair of the Communications Committee for the American 

Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and External Advisory Board 

member for Mayo Clinic Centre for Social Media. He serves on ASTRO's 

Education Committee and is incoming chair of Massachusetts Medical 

Society's Communications Committee. His areas of prime interest are patient 

education and health empowerment. 

As we arrived at the main entrance and parked the car to off load, the valet service 

approached the car and offered to park the car, we later realised this is offered to all 

patients and family who arrive at the cancer centre. 

We then made our way in to be greeted by William Courtney, Senior Media Relations 

Specialist who instantly made us feel welcomed to this wonderful place. William then 

took us all through to the Cancer Centre to be greeted by a group of ladies Welcoming 

us all to the centre. 

My first thoughts were WOW what a greeting and what lovely people, and it can’t get 

better – how wrong I was!!!! 

The day started at 10am with a tour of the Head & Neck department but this was no 

normal tour as ‘EVERYONE’ in the team came to greet us and make us feel very 

special. Patients and all the staff had massive SMILES and were so friendly. 

It is impossible to list everyone who was made available to us for filming but it 

included Patients, Surgeons, Doctors, Dentists, Speech & Nutrition’s, Language 

Therapists, Nurses, Radiologist, and so many more in fact I think if we wanted to talk 

to the cleaner that would not have been a problem. THANK YOU to all the great 

TEAM within this wonderful department. 

Highlights…. 

1. Filming three great patient/survivors (Jack, Tom & Donna) was my best 

highlight of the two days and to share our stories was something very special 

and you must watch the film to hear more of the stories. To hear that they 

would now like to create a Swallows Support Group in the Cancer Centre to 

help other H&N patients because of the work I am doing was a great honour, 

and I pledged to help them achieve this.


2. Meeting the wonderful Komal in Radiotherapy room and 

listening to her explain how she explains to patients about the 

‘Mask Fitting Planning’ was very special and best I have ever 

heard in 5 years. Komal truly is a credit to her profession and 

has a passion to ensure the very best Patient Experience. 

Komal has a SMILE that should be on a Dental Advert and 

wold make any patient instantly feel at ease. 

3. Interviews with Matthew Katz, Dr Bill O’Mara, Dr. Louis Stylos & 

Mary Terkoski, DDS Supervising Dentist were all very special and 

the passion these people must ensure the Patient is at the heart of all 

the decisions came across in the bucket full and these are interviews 

not to be missed. 

4. We meet a real gentleman Dr Arthur Lauretano, Otolaryngologist, 

Manchester United supporter, Guitarist and a real funny man yet so 

professional now that is a special combination and I can only imagine 

that patients must feel so relaxed and special being looked after by Dr 

Arthur Lauretano. (What is Otolaryngologists a physician trained in 

the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases 

and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the 

head and neck) 

5. The first thing you see when arriving at the main reception is the 

US Famous ‘Dunkin Donuts’ and yes 

we all had a coffee and a 

donut – every hospital should have 

these. 

6. The Cancer Centre has a Translation department so no one 

needs to be isolated because they can’t communicate. On the wall of the main 

waiting area there was a ‘framed posted’ clearly showing all the languages 

available. 

7. In the reception area, they have a Jigsaw for patients to try and complete and 

was told “the Jigsaw could take weeks to 

complete and patients like to all help 

complete it” such a simple idea to help 

patients relax. 

Our very last interview was with Claudia Antolini, 

Operation Director, now I know where all the team 

get the drive from as this lady is so full of passion to ensure the Patient comes first. 

As a forma nurse and over 40 years’ experience Claudia uses all this knowledge to 

drive her Vision for Patient Engagement and better patient outcomes. I personally 

would like to thank you for all the great work you have done and continue to do.


This blog could just go on and on but I need to keep some special parts for the films 

as such I will share some great photos. 

Big Thank You 

One very special Thank You must go to William Courtney who supported and helped 

us throughout the two days, 

William organised rooms, patients and all the health team, 

ensured everybody was aware of what we were doing. 

These tasks could not have been easy but he exceeded in 

all areas and with a happy, positive attitude and with a 

massive Smile. 

At lunch, he arranged for food to be delivered, drinks throughout the day we could not 

have had a better host. 

My team would like to say, ‘Thank You’ you are a true gentleman and we could not 

have expected to have been looked after so well. 

More will be in the two films...............


Patients.....


Saturday, 25 th March 2017 – Review Day 

We left the UK on Saturday, 11 th March to travel to Las Palmas and visit the ‘Hospital 

Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr Negrín’ Professor Pedro C Lara and his team. 

Head & Neck Cancer Centres Visited in 12 days 

Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr Negrín 

Barranco de la Ballena, s/n, 35010 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain 

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre 

https://www.mskcc.org/locations/memorial-hospital 

Massachusetts General Hospital ‘Department of Speech, Language and 

Swallowing Disorders’ 

http://www.massgeneral.org/speech/ 

Lowell General Hospital ‘Cancer Centre’ 

https://www.lowellgeneral.org/care-and-services/cancer-center/cancer-center 

Quote of the trip, I truly believe that all the above centres have this vision in one form 

or another. 

“Passion in wanting to drive patient care through the eyes of not only a quality 

medical team but that of the main focus ... ‘the patient’. We believe in Patients First 

in everything we do. That takes a team to accomplish. I am proud to work with the 

Best Team. I learn something new every day from someone I cross paths with. I look 

forward to continuing to support quality care and focus on Head and Neck Cancer, 

growing a patient support group for past, present and future patients here in the 

Lowell and the surrounding area.” Claudia Antolini, Operation Director 

MY BLOG #HnCTour2017 

My Blog talks more about each visit, follow the link below to read more. 

Blog Link: http://www.theswallows.org.uk/more/blog-chris-hits-road/ 

I met with the following people all with a passion and drive to ensure past, present 

and future patients are at the centre of ‘Patient First’. 

Patients (Current & Survivors) : 8 

Health Professionals : 26 

Range from Pharmacists, Oncologists, Nurses, Radiation Oncologist, Nutrition, 

Speech & Language Therapist, Professors, Doctors, Surgeons, Receptionists, 

Others : 7 

Valet Parking, Receptionists, Catering Assistants, Dunkin Donut Helper


Fund Raising 

Also during the trip, we have raised funds to help drive Head & Neck Cancer support 

within the Cancer Centres. 

Spain : 700 Euros 

USA : 1,900 Dollars 

Each Cancer Centre participant was given the offer of receiving a fee for their 

contribution and they could either retain for personal use or donate towards the 

development of Head & Neck Cancer Patient Support within their centre. 

Everyone donated the money back to the centre as they believe in H&N Patient 

Support’. 

Thank You 

I must use this section to formally thank people who have collaborated to make this 

fantastic venture happen. 

My Sponsors who funded the Tour, they are not wanting to be listed because this was 

about Education, Awareness and Support and not Publicity, shows companies do 

great things and it is not always about a monetary return on investment sometimes the 

greater reward is doing something that can ‘Make a Difference for the 

Patient/Survivor’ 

SAMfilms from Blackpool, UK who have followed me throughout this 

#HnCTour2017 and been by my side everyday capturing some great film footage. 

SAMfilms crew led by Roger (Film Director) and Chris 

(Cameraman and Screen setting) finally the youngest member 

Matt on Sound. Each of them have a skill and when they 

come together WOW what a team. Can’t wait to see the final 

films (good luck on the editing as every interview was 

phenomenal). 

Some days we were up at 7am and filming by 8,30am and not finishing till after 6pm. 

On one day, we started at 10am and finished at 5pm filming some 9 interviews plus 

filming a mock up HnC Clinic. The whole team worked hard and without them we 

could not have captured so much film footage that over the coming months and years 

will help so many people. 

Picture above is the team setting up an interview scene and below is Roger working 

hard researching!


Translator 

In Spain, we needed a translator and Arantxa Iriarte joined the team and helped with 

the communication difficulty and was such an important member while in Spain and 

now her hard work starts as the film footage needs to be transcribed to English so the 

Film Team can create the film for Spain. 

Arantxa has become a friend and such an important member of the #HnCTour2017 

Team and I look forward to talking to her, the Customer Service Team when back in 

the UK. 

Medical Advisors 

I was so lucky that the two main sponsors sent out their Medical Advisors ensuring 

we captured the correct content and the right questions were asked and when Health 

Professionals spoke at a high level myself and the film crew understood the answers. 

Many thanks to Henno Welgemoed (Spain) & Claire Burke (USA). 

Again, Henno & Claire became a valuable member of the #HnCTour2017 Team and 

without them we would have struggled to talk at the same level as the high-profile 

health professionals we met. 

Mrs Organiser (mum) 

SAMfilms and myself was so happy to have Sharon Thomas-Jones in 

the team as she ensured the tight film time table schedule was not 

forgotten, we were where we needed to be at the right times, drove the 

rental car in the US with no issues, booked transport when needed, had 

medication for bad heads when needed, made us all eat three good 

meals and drink lots of water throughout the day, acted as an advisor and 

communicator in the Cancer Centres. 

Sharon kept us four guys in order and became a friend to us all, we were all sad when 

she left us a day early. 

#HnCTour2017 Trip Planner 

Katie Clayton was the person who took my Journey Tour Plan and booked all the 

Flights, Train, Hotel, Car Hire, and WOW what a fantastic job Katie done. 

The trip came with many challenges but Katie made it all happen and with what 

seemed to be such ease. 

Katie, you are a star and well done in getting over all the logistical challenges and 

making it all run so smoothly, not even a Snow Blizzard stopped us as when we 

arrived in the US Katie had arranged for the Sun to come out.


The Biggest Thank You 

Must go to all the Patients, Survivors and Cancer Centres who allowed us to enter 

their domain and interrupt their busy day. 

Everyone we met made the team and myself so welcomed and went out of their way 

to help us capture film footage we needed to create a minimum of two potential Head 

& Neck Films. 

When you meet inspirational people, it makes me feel so honoured to be a Cancer 

Survivor and on this unbelievable ‘Patients Journey’. 

“Cancer is a long and hard journey, but you don’t have to walk the road alone. You will meet 

many good people who are there to help and guide you on the road. They will find you when 

you are least expecting it!” 

Chris Curtis, cancer survivor 

The Films 

The films are due to be Premiered at the Head & Neck Conference in Madrid, Spain 

in June and will be on Social Media by Friday, 16 th June 2017 so get this date in your 

Diary. 

10 th June 2017 

Pictures from the #HnCTour2017 follow the link: 

http://www.theswallows.org.uk/more/blog-chris-hits-road/


Biographies 

Just a few of the people I met on this fantastic #HnCTour2017. I have listed in order 

of my visits. 

BIOGRAPHY 

H&N Cancer Survivor 

Prof. Pedro Carlos Lara Jimenez 

Radiation Oncologist, Head of Department 

Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria 

Pedro C Lara 

President Spanish Society for Radiotherapy and 

Oncology (SEOR) 

Professor and Chair Clinical Oncology, Las Palmas 

University 

Head Dept Radiation Oncology, Dr Negrin Las Palmas 

University Hospital 

Director Canarian Institute for Cancer Research 

Telf: +34928450284 

Fax:+34928449127 

plara@dcc.ulpgc.es 

Address: Barranco de la Ballena s/n 35019, Las Palmas 

GC, Spain 

Education 

Pedro Lara was born and raised in Granada, Spain. He obtained his Medical Degree in 1985 

at the University of Granada. During his medical studies, he worked as research student in the 

Oncology Department of the Granada University Hospital (1983). 

He continued this commitment as a research fellow from 1985 to 1987, when he started his 

training in Radiation Oncology. The latter included visiting stages at the Instituto de Tumori 

de Milano (1987), the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston (1988) and the Academisch 

edisch Centrum in Amsterdam (1990). During this period, he continued his research projects 

btaining the PhD degree at the University of Granada in 1988. 

Academic and professional career 

In 1991, he moved to the Radiation Oncology Department of the University Hospital of Las 

Palmas, as Consultant Radiation Oncologist and Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology. 

He organised the Oncology teaching in the new Las Palmas University School of Medicine. 

In 1995, he joined the European Cancer Center Fellowship Programme, to develop a project 

on radiation oncology translational research in the Netherlands Cancer Institute in 

Amsterdam, under supervision of Prof. Harry Bartelink and Prof. Adrian Begg. 

Being appointed as Full Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Las Palmas 

(1996), he returned to the Canary Islands, where he established a new translational research 

group focused on biologically individualised radiotherapy and predictive assays of normal 

toxicity. He was also a driving force in the establishment of the Canarian Institute for Cancer 

Research (ICIC) in 2001. From 2011 to date, Prof. Lara is Director of the Canarian Institute 

for Cancer Research Since 2009 he is the Head of the Department of Radiation Oncology in 

Las Palmas University Hospital. This department is devoted to the comprehensive treatment 

of cancer patients, being very active in clinical oncology and medical treatments as well.


In that aspect, his focuses of interest are breast/prostate cancer and radioimmunotherapy, 

conducting national and international clinical trials. 

In 2013, he obtained the national accreditation for Full Professor and Chair of Radiation 

Oncology and from that year, he is the Academic Chair of the Clinical Oncology and 

Haematology at the Las Palmas University Medical School. 

He is member of the editorial board of Radiation Oncology and of Reports of Practical 

Oncology and Radiotherapy, actively publishing and reviewing scientific articles for several 

journals and participating in national and international scientific, educational and research 

meetings. 

Professional Organisational Aspects 

He has been actively involved in professional societies as the Spanish Association for Cancer 

Research (ASEICA), European Association for Cancer Research (EACR) and Spanish 

Society for Radiation Oncology (SEOR), ESTRO and EORTC 

Professional membership & associations: 

2008-12: ASEICA (Spanish Assoc Cancer Research) Board of Directors 

2009-to date: EACR Member 

2012 ESTR0 31 Scientific Programme Committee Member 

2012 ESTR0 31 Scientific Advisory Group Radiobiology Member 

2012 ESTRO 31 National Organising Committee Member 

2013 ESTRO Teaching Course On Prostate Cancer Guest Lecturer 

2013-2015: SEOR (Spanish Society Radiation Oncology) President-Elect 

2013-to date: EORTC Radiation Oncology, Gynecology, Urology Groups Member 

2014 EORTC GYN Group Meeting Las Palmas Local Organizer 

2014-to date ESTRO Mobility Grants – TTG Commission 

2015 ESTRO Forum Scientific Advisory Group Clinical Meeting Member 

2015 ESTRO Forum National Organising Committee Member 

2015 ECCO 18 Expert Pannel Scientific Track Programme Member 

2015 ESTRO Delegate for IAEA ICARO - 3 meeting. 

2015 EORTC ROG Group Meeting Las Palmas Local Organizer 

2015-to date: ESTRO Clinical Committee Member 

2015-17 SEOR (Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology) President 

2016 ISIORT Member 

2016 ESTRO 35 Scientific Advisory Board for the Clinical Member 

Personal life 

Pedro and his wife Rosa live in Las Palmas and have two children. Besides his passion for 

oncology, he likes travelling with friends and skiing nearby his home town of Granada. He 

created and serves as volunteer for the ‘Canarias Against Cancer’ Programme, which is a nonprofit 

organization devoted to improving knowledge about cancer causes and prevention in 

the general population. 

Personal statement 

Clinical/radiation oncologists play a central role in the comprehensive oncology treatment. 

Nevertheless, our contribution is frequently overlooked by health providers and policymakers. 

Evidence - based data are sorely needed to provide sound and convincing data and 

information that ensure that cancer patients get access to the optimal level of radiation 

therapy. But evidence is no longer about technological advances alone. “Times are 

Changing”, with Individualization, biologically conformed or targeted treatments being the 

new terms of oncology today. The biologically oriented clinical radiation research also relates 

to the integration of drugs as an essential component of successful clinic al/radiation oncology 

treatments.


ESTRO can play an essential role in facilitating research towards individualised radiation 

therapy, among others, by encouraging its’ members to be fully aware of our own potential, 

recognizing ourselves as oncologists who treat cancer patients with radiation, also integrated 

with other therapies, to provide a “state of the art” care to those who eagerly need it, and this 

during their complete clinical course. 

Spanish Association of Radiotherapy and Oncology (SEOR)


Tania Estapé Madinabeitia 

Clinical Psychologist and Psychologist 

E-Health, (Chair 2015 – 2017) – Spain 

Clinical Psychologist and Psychologist 

Barcelona Area, Spain 

Healthcare and Hospitality , FEFOC Foundation 

Current: University of Barcelona, Universitat Oberta de 

Catalunya 

Previous: Hospital Clínico, Barcelona 

Education: Universitat Oberta de Catalunya 

Individual and group psychotherapy to cancer patients and relatives, telephone and online 

assistance. Coordination of courses and workshops for patients and public education on issues 

related to cancer 

Abstract 

In love with psychology, although it hurts 

Experience 

• Director of Psycho-Oncology 

FEFOC Foundation 

April 1996 - present (20 years 11 months) 

Individual and group psychotherapy to cancer patients and relatives, telephone and 

online assistance. Coordination of courses and workshops for patients and public 

education on issues related to cancer 

• Co-director 

University of Barcelona 

October 2006 - present (10 years 5 months) 

Elaboration and preparation of the teaching program, tutoring students and teaching 

activity 

Connections 

Universitat Oberta de Catalunya 

- actuality (14 years 1 month) 

Consultant of the Studies of Psychology 

Assistant Professor 

Fundació Universitària del Bages (FUB) 

September 2010 - current affairs (6 years 6 months) 

Collaborating Professor at the University School of Health Sciences 

Fellowship 

Hospital Clínico, Barcelona 

May 1992 - March 1999 (6 years 11 months) 

Research Fellow in Psycho-Oncology Projects 

Languages 

• Catalan Spanish 

Bilingual or native competence Bilingual or native competence 

• Spanish English 

Bilingual or native competence Full professional competence 

• French 

Basic Competence


About IPOS 

Founded in 1984, the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) 

was created to foster international multidisciplinary 

communication about clinical, educational and research issues 

that relate to the subspecialty of psycho-oncology and two 

primary psychosocial dimensions of cancer: 

1. Response of patients, families and staff to cancer and its 

treatment at all stages; 

2. Psychological, social, and behavioural factors that influence tumour progression and 

survival 

http://ipos-society.org 

Jatin P. Shah, MD, FACS 

Surgeon 

Elliot W. Strong Chair in Head and Neck Oncology 

About Me 

Dr. Shah has special expertise in the surgical treatment of 

benign and malignant tumours in the head and neck area, 

including tumours of the mouth, pharynx, (throat), larynx, 

(voice box), sinuses, skull base, thyroid, parathyroid, and 

salivary glands as well as tumours of the skin, soft tissues, and bones. 

He served as Chief of the Head and Neck Service in the Department of Surgery from 1992 to 

2015 and led the Head and Neck Disease Management Team at Memorial Sloan Kettering 

Cancer Centre. 

This multidisciplinary team of more than 30 specialists includes head and neck surgeons, 

radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, endocrinologists, radiologists, maxillofacial 

prosthodontists, as well as plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Members of the team work 

together to develop treatment plans for each of our head and neck cancer patients that 

incorporate the latest technology and most advanced surgical techniques, including minimally 

invasive surgery, laser surgery, robotic surgery, and non-surgical cancer therapies. 

Dr Shah’s special interests are in the field of skull base surgery and surgery to preserve the 

function of the throat (pharynx) and the voice box (larynx). He has developed many new 

surgical procedures that enable surgeons to remove tumours from complex areas, such as the 

base of the skull. Because of these advances it is now feasible to preserve organ function and 

facial appearance to a far greater degree than was previously possible. 

Dr Shah is actively involved in training the next generation of head and neck cancer surgeons, 

and he and his colleagues have developed a surgical training program supported by the 

National Cancer Institute. This program draws talented surgeons from all over the world who 

travel to Memorial Sloan Kettering to learn the latest surgical techniques for the treatment of 

head and neck cancer. 

Over the years, he has written six books in the field of head and neck cancer and has 

published nearly 400 scientific articles. (For a full listing of his publications, click on the icon 

at the right.) His textbook of head and neck surgery and oncology has won several awards and 

has been named the “Best Book in the Specialty” in the past five years by the University of 

London.


Dr Shah has lectured extensively, both nationally and internationally and serves on the 

editorial boards of 12 scientific journals. He is professor of surgery at the Weill Cornell 

Medical College and holds the Elliot W. Strong Chair in Head and Neck Oncology at 

Memorial Sloan Kettering. 

He has been listed in “Best Doctors in America” directories continuously for the past 20 

years. In addition to his clinical and research activities at Memorial Sloan Kettering, Dr Shah 

is actively involved in head and neck oncology both nationally and internationally. He has 

served as president of the Society of Head and Neck Surgeons, the North American Skull 

Base Society, the New York Head and Neck Society, the New York Cancer Society, and the 

International Academy of Oral Oncology. He founded the International Federation of Head 

and Neck Oncologic Societies and serves as its Chief Executive Officer. Over the years, he 

has also served in varying capacities on the American Board of Surgery, the Commission on 

Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, and the Advanced Training Council for Head 

and Neck Surgery. 

His expertise in the specialty of head and neck surgery has been recognized with honorary 

fellowships from the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of London, Edinburgh, and Australia, and 

honorary PhD degrees from the University of Athens and the Catholic University of Leuven 

in Belgium. He is an honorary member of specialty medical societies in Australia and New 

Zealand, Philippines, Korea, India, Belgium, Israel, South Africa, Brazil, and Peru. He has 

been honoured by the establishment of an endowed chair in his name at Memorial Sloan 

Kettering. 

Clinical Expertise: Head and Neck Surgery for Tumours of the Mouth; Pharynx (Throat); 

Larynx (Voice Box); Esophagus; Thyroid Gland; Parathyroid Gland; Parotid and Other 

Salivary Glands; Soft Tissue Tumours; Bone Tumours; Tumours of the Dentialveolar 

Structures, Nasal Cavity and Sinuses, Base of the Skull, Ear Canal and Temporal Bone, 

Nerves and Blood Vessels of the Neck; Skin Cancers; Melanoma 

Languages Spoken: English 

Education: MD, Medical College, University of Baroda (India) 

Residencies: New York Infirmary 

Fellowships: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre 

Board Certifications: Surgery 

Publications 

Books 

Jatin Shah’s Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology. 4th ed. Shah JP, Patel SG, Singh B, eds. 

Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2012. 

Oral Cancer. Shah JP, Johnson NW, Batsakis JG, eds. London: Martin Dunitz; 2003 

Cancer of the Head and Neck. Shah JP, ed. Toronto: BC Decker; 2001. 

Essentials of Head and Neck Oncology. Close LG, Larson DL, Shah JP, eds. New York: 

Thieme; 1998.


Tessa Goldsmith, MS, CCC-SLP, 

BRS-S 

Speech Language Pathology 

Mass General Hospital 

University of the Witwatersrand 

Experience 

Associate Director, Speech, Language, and Swallowing Disorders 

Massachusetts General Hospital 

Education 

University of the Witwatersrand 

Degree Name Master of Arts (MA) 

Field Of Study Speech Pathology 

Tessa Goldsmith, MS, CCC-SLP, BRS-S 

Caregiver | 2009 

“I received fantastic treatment from all of the staff at the Mass General Cancer Centre and the 

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary; but I am particularly grateful for the service and support I 

received from Tessa Goldsmith. Her excellent clinical care enabled me to quickly improve my 

speech and swallowing following surgery and treatment. I attribute much of my quick recovery 

to her attentive care and creative solutions. 

Tessa also took the time to listen to me and help me in all aspects of my cancer treatment, 

which is a bewildering, complicated and terrifying prospect for most patients. A patient must 

deal with multiple doctors and care providers and choose among frequently conflicting 

treatment options. Tessa helped me wade through this complexity, understand my options, and 

make sound decisions. 

These activities went well beyond Tessa’s job description, yet she happily volunteered her 

support. I thank her for all she did to help me get better faster and ease my way to recovery.”


Twitter @subatomicdoc. 

Matthew S. Katz, MD 

Is the Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at Lowell General 

Hospital and a partner in Radiation Oncology Associates, PA. He 

is former Chair of the Communications Committee for the 

American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and 

External Advisory Board member for Mayo Clinic Center for 

Social Media. He serves on ASCO's Social Media Working 

Group, ASTRO's Education Committee, and Massachusetts 

Medical Society's Communications Committee. His areas of 

prime interest are patient education and health empowerment. 

Bio 

Matthew Katz received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Northwestern University 

in 1992 and graduated from the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1998. During 

medical school, he also completed a fellowship in pathology. 

Dr Katz completed his internship in internal medicine at Evanston Hospital in 1999. He 

trained in residency at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, completing his 

training in 2003. During internship and residency, he received several awards for patient care 

and research. He developed expertise in the use of newer technologies such as intensity 

modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to improve the accuracy and safety of radiation therapy. 

From 2003-2004, Dr Katz was on staff at the Massachusetts General Hospital in the 

Department of Radiation Oncology, where he specialized in breast cancer. 

Since joining Radiation Oncology Associates, he remained involved in teaching and research 

at Harvard Medical School until 2009. He created a web-based tool for prostate cancer, CaP 

Calculator, to help promote shared decision-making between patients and prostate cancer 

specialists. He currently serves as chief of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Saints 

Medical Center. He also serves as the Chair of the Communications Committee for ASTRO. 

"Community medicine offers me the opportunity to spend more time with my patients and to 

make quality cancer care available closer to home. It is a privilege to help my patients and 

their loved ones with the medical and personal challenges of a cancer diagnosis." 

Lowell General Hospital 

296 Varnum Avenue 

Lowell, MA 01854 

Telephone: (978) 937-6274 

Link: http://www.roa-ne.com/staff/dr-matthew-katz-md.php 

Website: http://www.lowellgeneral.org/cancer (Medical Director of Radiation Oncology) 

Twitter: @subatomicdoc


Arthur M. Lauretano, M.D., M.S., F.A.C.S. 

The Medical Director of the Lowell General Hospital 

Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Center, and the 

Medical Director for Inpatient Specialty Services at Lowell 

General Hospital. 

Board-certified otolaryngologist/head and neck surgeon with a 

primary interest in head and neck neoplasms, thyroid and 

parathyroid disease, laryngology, and robotic surgery. 

Clinical Assistant Professor at Boston University School of 

Medicine and a Clinical Instructor at Harvard Medical School. 

Clinical Instructor at Tufts University School of Medicine. 

Practices at Massachusetts Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates in Chelmsford, Massachusetts 

and operates primarily at Lowell General Hospital. 

He also operates and teaches residents and medical students at Lahey Hospital and Medical 

Center, where he is a member of the otolaryngology staff, and Massachusetts Eye and Ear 

Infirmary, where he is an associate member of the Head and Neck Oncology team. 

Dr Lauretano received a Master of Science in Health Informatics and Management in 2015 

from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2015 and subsequently became boardcertified 

in Clinical Informatics from the American Board of Preventive Medicine. He is the 

author of Do the Right Thing: A Surgeon’s Approach to Life, and writes a blog on 

www.drarthurlauretano.com. He is involved in community out-reach including head and 

neck cancer screenings as well as non-medical endeavours, including the Music and Youth. 

Dr Lauretano grew up in Medford, Massachusetts. He graduated Boston University’s Six- 

Year Medical Program Summa Cum Laude, with a BA in Medical Sciences and an MD. He 

was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha, the Medical Honor Society. He was awarded the 

Dean Eleanor Tyler Award (Top Six-year Medical Student), Dora Savenor Memorial Prize 

for Excellence in Surgery, and Internal Medicine Award. After completing medical school, Dr 

Lauretano completed his general surgical internship at Boston’s Beth Israel Hospital, where 

he received the Critical Care Award. He then entered and completed his residency in 

Otolaryngology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary/Harvard Medical School, finishing in 

1993. He practiced at the Joint Center for Otolaryngology from 1993 to 1996, where he was 

on staff at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Hospital, The Children’s Hospital of 

Boston, and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In January 1997, Dr Lauretano moved his 

practice to the Greater Lowell Area at Mass. ENT Associates. He has been President of the 

Medical Staff at Lowell General Hospital prior to his current role as Medical Director of 

Inpatient Specialty Services. He continues to teach at Harvard Medical School and at Tufts 

Medical School. Outside of medicine Dr Lauretano enjoys spending time with his family, 

playing and coaching soccer, and playing guitar professionally, both live and in studio. 

Plus, the important fact, Dr Laurentano is a Manchester United supporter.


Chris Curtis 

H&N Cancer Survivor & World Patient Ambassador 

E: chris@ccconsultancy.uk.com 

M: 07779 169 833 

W: www.yourcancerjourney.org.uk 

Patient Book Link: http://www.yourcancerjourney.org.uk/patients-book 

H&N Cancer Patient Book: Follow the link to read the book online: 

https://www.yumpu.com/xx/embed/view/JeadszUChi5SILmQ

Blog Diary 2017

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