Hello to all the patients and communities we serve,
Our first letter to our communities published 7/23/2025 set the record straight on misinformation about the financial status of Good Shepherd. We also took the opportunity to provide several examples showing Good Shepherd is financially healthy, allowing us to further meet our mission providing exceptional care close to home. Read the first letter at this link.
Since the first letter was a success, we decided that another letter and possibly a series of letters highlighting the great work happening at Good Shepherd would be appreciated by many.
Did You Know Good Shepherd Has a Cancer Center?
World-Class Cancer Care, Close to Home. That’s what we deliver every day at Good Shepherd. We are proud to share with you the remarkable progress of our Cancer Center, the growth of our team, and the difference this work is making for families right here in our community.
Exceptional cancer care isn’t just found in big cities, it’s available right here in Hermiston. Our Cancer Center has grown into a trusted place of healing since it launched in 2019, and we’re excited to share some of the ways our dedicated team is expanding services, welcoming new providers, and ensuring families have access to advanced, compassionate care close to home.
Over the past few years, the Cancer Center has transformed from a modest program into a thriving center of care, serving more patients with more services than ever before. Today, our services include a wide range of therapies including IV and oral chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy along with access to advanced treatment clinical trials and comprehensive supportive care. Patients also benefit from the convenience of both in-person and Tele-Oncology visits.
In April 2024, the Cancer Center moved into a new, dedicated space in the Good Shepherd Medical Plaza designed with comfort and healing in mind. The modern space features private infusion rooms with televisions, comfortable furnishings, and a calming atmosphere to make treatment as supportive as possible. This expansion has improved access to services and created room for continued growth, reflecting Good Shepherd’s ongoing commitment to compassionate, high-quality cancer care.
Growth continued in 2025 with the addition of two highly experienced, board-certified physicians, Dr. Cannon Milani and Dr. Farnoush Abar. Their expertise in oncology and hematology strengthens our ability to provide advanced cancer care right here in our region.
- Dr. Milani has more than 18 years of experience in hematology, oncology, and palliative medicine. He earned his medical degree from Jagiellonian University Medical College in Poland, completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Boston University, and a Hematology & Oncology Fellowship at Brown University. He is board-certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Hospice/Palliative Medicine and is recognized for his compassionate, patient-focused approach to care.
- Dr. Abar has practiced for over 20 years as a medical oncologist. She earned her medical degree from Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University, completed her Internal Medicine Residency at Oregon Health & Science University, and a Hematology & Oncology Fellowship at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She is board-certified in Medical Oncology and is highly regarded for her clear communication, clinical expertise, and dedication to supporting patients and families throughout their journey.
The Cancer Center has further strengthened its nursing team, adding an Oncology Nurse Practitioner and an Oncology Nurse Navigator to provide patients with even greater support. Working alongside our physicians, nurse practitioner, infusion nurses, and dedicated staff, this team is united, committed, and compassionate about delivering high-quality care at every step along the way.
Starting in September 2025, the Cancer Center will also expand its hours to include select Saturday appointments, giving patients and families greater flexibility in scheduling care. Chemotherapy treatments will continue during the week, while Saturday clinics will offer supportive services such as hydration, infusions, and other essential treatments.
From its launch in 2019 to today, the Good Shepherd Cancer Center has become a cornerstone of care for our region. Our mission remains clear: to ensure families in our community have access to up-to-date, high-quality cancer care without having to travel far from home.
Want to Know More?
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Cancer Center Manager, Susan Stephens, at sstephens@gshealth.org or (541) 667-3615.
Thanks,
Art Mathisen
CEO
Good Shepherd Health Care System
