Posted on November 17, 2022
Mary Free Bed Adds New Cancer Rehabilitation Physician and Services
Mary Free Bed is expanding its levels of comprehensive cancer rehabilitation for patients as part of the Betty Bloomer Ford Cancer Rehabilitation Program. The program includes inpatient and outpatient physician-led treatment and specialized offerings for lymphedema care, interventional services, virtual visits and more.
Cancer rehabilitation can help fight the debilitating effects of cancer at every stage, from diagnosis to recovery. The interdisciplinary team of specialists works with patients and their families before, during and after treatment and provides a path to manage the physical, cognitive and emotional issues related to cancer and its treatment.
Mary Free Bed recently welcomed its third physiatrist to the Betty Bloomer Ford Cancer Rehabilitation Program – forming a group of three physicians who are specially trained in cancer rehabilitation.
MEET THE DOCTORS
Erin Beddows, M.D., is the newest addition to the cancer rehabilitation team at Mary Free Bed. She is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician – or physiatrist – who specializes in the treatment of cancer-related conditions. She works in Mary Free Bed’s Outpatient Clinic and provides PM&R consults at Grand Rapids area acute care hospitals.
Naomi Kaplan, MBBS, is double board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and hospice and palliative Medicine. She specializes in rehabilitation for patients with chronic pain and symptoms associated with cancer diagnoses and treatment. She sees patients at Mary Free Bed’s outpatient sites in Grand Rapids.
Meagan Smith, D.O., is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician with a special interest in cancer rehabilitation. She works at Mary Free Bed’s Grand Rapids Main Campus in the inpatient setting, where she serves as the Betty Bloomer Ford Cancer Rehabilitation Program Director, as well as the inpatient rehabilitation medical director for the hospital.
THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE
The Mary Free Bed Betty Bloomer Ford Cancer Rehabilitation Program is the first designated cancer rehabilitation program in West Michigan. The program was named in honor of First Lady Betty Ford in 2013 and honors her groundbreaking cancer efforts.
Glen Arnold, 70, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2020. After six months of chemotherapy treatments, Arnold developed nerve pain and leg swelling that brought him to Mary Free Bed. There he worked with physical therapy on lymphedema care to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.
“Mary Free Bed is the most underrated program out there,” said Arnold. “If you do the work they tell you, you will get better!”
Connie Huizenga, 59 of Lowell, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. After six months of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and 16 rounds of radiation, she went to Mary Free Bed with shoulder pain and limited movement and strength. Thanks to her work with physical therapist, Cynthia Tan, and Dr. Kaplan, she was able to lower her pain levels, improve her strength and range of motion, and is now back working out in the gym.
“I had no idea there was specialized physical therapy for post-mastectomy. Mary Free Bed has been there to get me over a hill that I didn’t realize I would have to climb.”
Meet Connie and hear more of her story in the video below.
If you or someone you know can benefit from cancer rehabilitation, Ask For Mary. Learn more about cancer rehabilitation at Mary Free Bed.
