Fallon joins Chestnut Commons radiation group

ROME, N.Y. » Rome Memorial Hospital welcomes Board Certified Radiation Oncologist Michael Fallon, MD, MBA to Rome Memorial Hospital Radiation Medicine at Chestnut Commons, 107 East Chestnut St.

Withmore than 20 years of experience, Fallon has earned the respect of both his colleagues and his patients. He was named a Physician of the Year by the American College of Surgeons and has been involved in cancer research to advance the latest treatment protocols for patients.

“We are pleased that Dr. Fallon has joined our team. With his experience and exceptional credentials, he will continue to provide our patients with the same level of care that we have provided for more than 20 years,” said Director Amy Weakley.

Fallon will oversee patient’s radiation therapy treatments andwork closely with other cancer doctors, such as medical oncologists and surgeons, to maximize the effectiveness of radiation therapy. In addition to earning board certification in radiation oncology, Fallon is certified in medical dosimetry, which provides him with the added in depth knowledge of the dose calculations needed to develop treatment plans that can best destroy the tumor while sparing normal tissue.

Fallon was drawn to a career in cancer treatment because it’s a field that blends advanced science with compassion.

“I see patients who have just received a very frightening diagnosis,” Fallon ex- plained. “I want to build a relationship with them of trust and understanding so that they feel confident going into treatment. It is important for me to help them understand their prognosis, treatment plan, potential side effects and overall outcomes. I try to build a close bond with my patients to help them through a difficult time, both medically and emotionally.”

Fallon was instrumental in the establishment of Radiation Oncology Services, PC in Cortland. He learned of Rome’s opportunity through his medical physicist John Balog, Ph.D, ABMP, who also works for Rome.

“I knew that the staff here in Rome was outstanding and I was very interested in becoming a part of that team,” Fallon said, explaining that it’s essential for services to be available locally so people don’t have to travel far for care.

In addition to the staff at Rome Memorial Hospital Radiation Medicine, Fallon said he looks forward to also working with the other medical professionals who care for his patients.

“Treating cancer requires a multi- disciplinary team,” Fallon said. “It demands the participation of providers in a combination of modalities to support the patient’s overall care, which may include dietary, physical therapy, home healthcare and more. There has to be intentional and deliberate communication between these areas of care. This type of communication is already an important aspect of the care provided here and I hope to continue that coordination of care and work to improve it in whatever ways I can.”

Fallon received his medical degree from SUNY Stony Brook and completed his residency in radiation oncology at the University of Rochester and Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. In addition, he earned his master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in healthcare finance from Binghamton University. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Radiology.

As a researcher for advancement in cancer care, Fallon was the primary investigator for the BETA-Cath trial (Coronary artery implantation) and has extensive experience with 3-D Conformal Radiation, Intensity Modulated Radiation and Image Guided Radiation techniques. He plans to continue working with the National Cancer Research Institute to provide information for clinical trials of evolving protocols in advanced cancer treatment.

Before becoming a physician, Fallon played professional hockey in Sweden for short time after college, and he continues to enjoy outdoor activities and sports. He and his wife, Paula, reside in Cazenovia. They have two grown children and recently became proud grandparents for the first time.

Appointments can be scheduled with Fallon by calling Rome Memorial Hospital Radiation Medicine at 315-338-0897 from 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

PHOTO COURTESY ROME MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Rome Memorial Hospital Radiation Medicine welcomes Board Certified Radiation Oncologist Michael Fallon, MD, MBA, center, to the practice at Chestnut Commons, 107E. Chestnut Street. Fallon; Director Amy Weakley, RT(T), CMD, BS, left; and Kelly Pietryka,...