Hematology & Medical Oncology at Providence Medical Group

Our board-certified hematologists and medical oncologists work with St. Joseph Hospital’s Cancer Program, which has been recognized by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, to offer the best in cancer care and treatment. From imaging to surgery to treatment, our comprehensive program is able to offer patients high-quality cancer care right here in our community.

At Providence Medical Group, we keep the patient at the center of every decision we make. This why our hematology and medical oncology specialists take a team approach to care, using the most advanced imaging and diagnostic equipment and techniques available, and employing state-of-the-art treatments to provide the best, individualized health care for each patient.

A Team Approach to Care

Our experts understand the importance of developing customized treatment plans that focus on the unique medical needs of each patient. Weekly conferences at St. Joseph Hospital, Eureka, and monthly conferences at Redwood Memorial Hospital allow our entire treatment team including surgeons, hematologists oncologists, pathologists, radiation and medical oncologists, and radiologists to review each case, discuss treatment options and contribute their expertise. These conferences ensure today's most successful concepts in cancer treatment are evaluated and applied. Working as a team, our caring experts use the most advanced diagnostic tools and therapies available to treat cancer and to preserve healthy tissue.

Procedures Performed

Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging, or sonography, is a noninvasive way of taking pictures inside of the body using sound waves. Ultrasound is safe and painless, showing internal organs and blood vessels in real time; this helps your doctor to diagnose and treat medical conditions.

CT Scan

A CT Scan is a combination of X-rays taken at different angles, allowing for more detailed cross-section views of internal tissues, bones and blood vessels. These high-resolution images can help doctors find small defects, like tumors, that are not picked up by a plain X-ray.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to take pictures inside the body. Often, an MRI can provide information about structures and conditions that can’t be seen using X-ray, ultrasound or CT scans.

PET/CT

Positron emission tomography, or a PET scan, is a form of imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive materials to help diagnose various medical conditions. By pinpointing changes at the cellular level, PET scans can detect cancers, heart disease and other abnormalities before they show up on other tests.

Mammography

Mammography is the most common type of breast imaging currently in use. A mammogram test is a critical part of early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women.

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

A stereotactic breast biopsy is a procedure where your doctor will remove a small piece of tissue that looks abnormal, such as a suspicious mass or structural distortions, on a patient’s mammogram or ultrasound.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy refers to the use of medications and drugs to treat cancer. Chemotherapy works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells, which multiply quickly. In addition to chemotherapy we also offer targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine refers to the branch of medical imaging that utilizes radioactive substances to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases, including cancers, heart disease and endocrine disorders. These radioactive materials can be injected into the bloodstream, inhaled or swallowed, and have proven valuable in identifying disease in its earliest stages.

Linear Accelerator

A linear accelerator is the device most commonly used for cancer radiation treatments. The linear accelerator actually customizes high-energy X-rays to conform to the shape of a patient's tumor, which helps to minimize exposure to surrounding tissues.

IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy)

With IMRT, an advanced mode of radiotherapy, computer-controlled linear accelerators are modulated to more precisely deliver specific radiation doses to a tumor. IMRT utilizes CT and MRI imagery to conform more exactly to the 3-D shape of the tumor, while avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure to healthy tissues.

Prostate Seed Implant

A prostate seed implant, or prostate brachytherapy, is a form of radiation treatment for prostate cancer that involves placement of a radioactive “seed” in the patient. Many prefer this targeted option over conventional recurring radiation treatments, and it has been found to be very effective.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is a form of radiation therapy that seeks to treat certain cancers in a targeted way, while also reducing side effects. In this procedure, radioactive seeds are placed in the body at or near the tumor itself, giving it a high dose of radiation while reducing exposure in surrounding healthy tissues.

High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy

High-dose rate brachytherapy refers to a procedure where catheters are used to deliver a radioactive source directly into a tumor, offering a more intensive, faster form treatment for certain cancers.

Lymphedema Treatment

When lymph nodes are removed or damaged as a result of cancer treatment, lymphedema (swelling of arms or legs) can occur. While lymphedema is incurable, it can be managed with early diagnosis and lymphedema treatment, guided by your doctor.

Physical Rehabilitation

St. Joseph Heritage offers physical rehabilitation, which is a very important part of your cancer follow-up and maintenance plan. Your doctor will work with you to assess the types and frequency of rehab that will ensure the best possible post-procedure physical mobility and function.

Additional Resources

Outpatient Laboratory

Our laboratories play a crucial role in our delivery of quality patient care. The outpatient laboratories operated by St. Joseph Health Medical Group can process many of the medical tests ordered by your doctor on-site, so you and your doctor can get the results quickly and make decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment.

Support Services & Information

  • Nurse Navigators
  • Case Management
  • Oncology-dedicated social worker
  • Dedicated oncology dietitian
  • Financial counseling
  • Cancer Registry
  • Community Resource Centers
  • Evergreen Lodge
  • Palliative Care
  • Spiritual Health Services
  • St. Joseph Home Care
  • Radiation Oncology
  • Radiology Information - Patient Education
  • Hospice
  • Support Group

Patient Education

A diagnosis of cancer can leave you with a multitude of questions about your condition and treatment options. For additional resources and information, we recommend these websites:

Our Providers

Our Humboldt Provider

Elie M. Richa, MD, MBA
Elie M. Richa, MD, MBA
Hematology, Hematology Oncology, Medical Oncology
P: (707) 267-2060
City:  Eureka
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Meet Daniel P. Mirda, MD

Dr. Mirda grew up in New Jersey and graduated cum laude in Chemistry/Biochemistry from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and was a recipient of the National Merit Scholarship Award. After graduation he moved west and received his medical degree from Stanford Medical School as a member of the Medical Scholars Program. Dr. Mirda trained in Internal Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco as an Intern and Resident. He remained at UCSF for subspecialty training in Oncology and Hematology before going into private practice.

After many years in scientific research at both Stanford University (1982-83) and UCSF (1988-1993), he left an Associate Professor position at UCSF to practice clinical medicine with Redwood Regional Medical Group in the Napa office in1993. His prior expertise in Oncology/Hematology research and strong clinical training provide the latest in Oncology/Hematology care to his patients in a compassionate setting.

Our Locations

Eureka - Hematology/Oncology

Eureka - Hematology/Oncology

Address
2710 Dolbeer St.

Eureka, CA 95501
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Lakeport - Medical Oncology

Lakeport - Medical Oncology

Address
5150 Hill Rd. E.
Suite F
Lakeport, CA 95453
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Hours

Mon - Fri: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Napa - Medical Oncology

Napa - Medical Oncology

Address
1000 Trancas St.
Suite 1
Napa, CA 94558
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Hours

Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Petaluma - Medical Oncology & Radiation Oncology

Petaluma - Medical Oncology & Radiation Oncology

Address
110 Lynch Creek Way
Suite A
Petaluma, CA 94954
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Santa Rosa - Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology

Santa Rosa - Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology

Address
3555 Round Barn Cir.

Santa Rosa, CA 95403
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Santa Rosa - Breast Surgery, Primary Care Oncology and Genetics

Santa Rosa - Breast Surgery, Primary Care Oncology and Genetics

Address
121 Sotoyome St.
Suite 203
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
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Ukiah - Radiation Oncology

Ukiah - Radiation Oncology

Address
1165 S. Dora St.
Suite H
Ukiah, CA 95482
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