Experienced Medical Oncologists, New Services Available at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at Opelousas General Health System

(OPELOUSAS and BATON ROUGE, La.) – Opelousas General Health System (OGHS) and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (Mary Bird Perkins) have announced that two long-time oncologists, Bryan Bienvenu, M.D. and David Hanson, M.D., FACP are now accepting patients at the Cancer Center located on OGHS’ South Campus, 3983 I-49 S. Service Rd.

The Cancer Center is also in the initial phases of offering new resources, including patient navigation, genetic services, telehealth palliative care services, a clinical trials program and the adoption of a new electronic medical records system - all to enhance cancer care in St. Landry Parish and surrounding Acadiana communities.

In January 2023, Mary Bird Perkins and OGHS engaged in a partnership agreement to expand and enhance cancer care resources. Through this partnership, patients can access Louisiana’s largest team of cancer care specialists through Mary Bird Perkins –conveniently located close to home. Patients can rest assured knowing that they will be under the care of some of the most knowledgeable and experienced oncologists in the region.

“The combination of Opelousas General’s long history of serving Acadiana’s healthcare needs combined with Mary Bird Perkins’ 100 percent focus on cancer is the best solution for delivering the highest level of cancer care,” said Kenneth Cochran, RN, DSc, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer, Opelousas General Health System.” “With Drs. Bienvenu and Hanson and the staff that has been in place at the Cancer Center for years providing care, patients will see a collaboration of innovation, enhanced oncology practices, and leading-edge medicine combined with compassionate care.”

Bienvenu received his medical degree from Louisiana State University Medical School in New Orleans. He attended undergraduate school at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where he completed his coursework in three years and was named a General College Distinguished Scholar. He completed his internship and residency at Earl K. Long Medical Center in Baton Rouge, where he earned the Lange Medical Publications Award. He chose to continue his training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York with a Medical Oncology Fellowship. At Memorial Sloan Kettering, he focused on the clinical development of new therapeutic agents in phase I and early phase II clinical trials. Bienvenu was previously named one of the “Best Doctors” in America.

Hanson is board certified in medical oncology and internal medicine. He received his undergraduate degree in biological science at the University of Denver in where he graduated summa cum laude and is a member of the American Osteopathic Association. He then received his Medical Degree at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in where he graduated with honors.

Hanson completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Colorado Health Science Center (UCHSC) where he received the Lange Award for outstanding performance in internal medicine. He chose to continue his work at UCHSC, completing a Fellowship in hematology and oncology. Hanson was named Fellow in the American College of Physicians, as well as being

named one of the “Best Doctors” in America. In 1994, Hanson was Senior Consultant of Hematology and Oncology services at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He has more than 25 years of clinical, programmatic and administrative leadership, extensive clinical research experience and was significantly involved in the National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Center Program and is a leader in the NCI Community Oncology Research Program.

“Cancer patients and their families are at the forefront of every decision we make at Mary Bird Perkins,” said Jonas Fontenot, PhD, MBA, Chief Executive Officer, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “St. Landry Parish has the highest cancer mortality rate in the Acadiana region and is among the top 10 parishes in Louisiana with the highest cancer death rate, according to the Louisiana Tumor Registry. We know that if we want to make a real difference in reversing these health outcomes, we must provide the community with every treatment and support service in our toolbox. Together, with Opelousas General Health System, we are advancing the fight against cancer.”

In the near future, patients will be able to access patient navigation services where certified professionals are able to guide patients and their families throughout the cancer journey. Genetic services and telehealth palliative care services, a new clinical trials program and more will be added to the service line offerings over the next year.

About Opelousas General Health System
Since 1957, Opelousas General Health System has been dedicated to the provision of quality health care through its strong commitment and high standards. Central to the success of OGHS's commitment for excellence is the presence of an outstanding and highly qualified staff of physicians, nurses, technologists and other personnel who provide professional treatment in a caring environment. Serving as the region's referral medical center, OGHS is a 197-bed, full service medical center, and the area's most comprehensive community health care facility offering a wide range of medical specialties and state-of-the-art technology. Visit us at www.opelousasgeneral.com

About Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is a regional cancer care organization that has been fighting cancer for more than 50 years. The cancer care organization provides care at 10 centers in Baton Rouge, Covington, Gonzales, Hammond, Houma, Opelousas, Slidell, and Natchez, Mississippi, and its service area encompasses southeast Louisiana and southwest Mississippi regions. Mary Bird Perkins has a strategic affiliation with OneOncology and the largest radiation and medical oncology groups from across the area including exclusive partnerships with Southeastern Louisiana Radiation Oncology Group, which provides radiation therapy throughout Mary Bird Perkins’ service areas, Northshore Oncology Associates, serving St. Tammany and Washington Parishes, specifically the communities of Covington and Slidell and Louisiana Hematology Oncology Associates, which services the Greater Baton Rouge area. For more information, please visit www.marybird.org.