Page 21 - Healthcare Heroes 2022

Dr. Philip Glynn addresses those gath- ered to an- nounce the creation of a palliative- care unit to honor the late restaurateur and serial entrepre- neur Andy Yee.
A Compelling Story
As he conducted a tour of the Caritas Center, Glynn talked with recognizable pride in his voice about what has been accomplished at that facility. Formerly a provider of radiation treatment, it is now a true cancer center, he said, noting that it now includes a large treatment space with more than 30 infusion bays, an oncology pharmacy, laboratory space, and other facilities. Overall,
the center provides care that may include cancer surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical trials that provide patients with access to
HEALTHCARE HEROES OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
“The second summer I was there, I was hooked. I said, ‘this is what I want to do,’” he recalled. “It was a great experience; it all became something that I wanted to be part of.”
Glynn earned a degree in psychology at BC, attended Columbia University for pre-med, and earned his medical degree in Italy after failing
to gain admission to schools in this country (and learning Italian). After residency at St. Raphael Hospital in New Haven, he completed a medical oncology fellowship at Baystate Medical Center. Initially, he had visions of becoming a primary- care physician in a rural setting, but during residency, several role models in oncology steered him toward that specialty. He went into private practice, first in Agawam and then Springfield, while also serving as director of Medical Oncology at Noble Hospital and the Noble VNA and Hospice Service.
In 2012, he joined Mercy Medical Center and the Sister Caritas Cancer Center as director of Medical Oncology. In that role, he wears many hats and is responsible for all aspects of the program, including cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, state-of-the-art treatment and services, counseling, and rehabilitation. He also assists
with the implementation of new initiatives, such as cancer survivorship, navigation, community outreach, and clinical research and clinical-trial participation.
He is also a provider, seeing several patients
a day and guiding them through their own individual journeys that generally begin with three basic questions regarding their cancer: ‘what is
Staff Photo
new treatments.
In many respects, the expansion and evolution of the cancer center is the culmination of a career spent in oncology, one that was inspired by many factors and several role models.
Early on, however, Glynn wasn’t sure if he was a good enough student or if he would work hard enough to pursue a career a health career.
Two summers working as an orderly at an Appalachian hospital in West Virginia while
he was attending Boston College eventually convinced him that he would.
TrinityHealthOfNE.org
Mercy Medical Center is proud to recognize this year’s Healthcare Heroes and their commitment to the community.
We are especially proud to congratulate our healthcare hero Philip Glynn, M.D., Director of Medical Oncology, Mercy Medical Center. Thank you for your contributions to our ministry and your dedication to our Mission!
271 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 • 413-748-9000
2022 HEALTHCARE HEROES
2022 A21