History Made at SLV Health
Dr. Penny Cooper started seeing patients last week and became the first ever full-time Oncologist at San Luis Valley Health.
Cooper, who brings over 25 years of experience as an Oncologist, is a dynamic hire for the organization, giving Valley residents and residents of the surrounding areas a full-time Oncologist that can provide their cancer care.
“This is such a wonderful opportunity for my family and me,” said Cooper. “This is such a beautiful area, and I could not be more excited to become a part of this community.”
Dr. Cooper joins SLV Health after three years at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango. Prior to that experience, Dr. Cooper spent 22 years in Indianapolis at the Indiana Oncology Hematology Associates. She has a particular interest in hematology and hematological conditions such as lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndrome.
Prior to Dr. Cooper’s hiring, SLV Health had partnered with visiting specialties like the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center to provide Oncology Services to Valley residents. That partnership lasted for many years, with Dr. Madeleine Kane seeing a majority of patients.
Rocky Mountain Cancer Center and their providers, along with Centura Health and Dr. Kane, were instrumental in helping SLV Health grow and were big supporters in bringing Dr. Cooper in to fulfill an unmet need for cancer patients.
“I have stayed in contact with Dr. Kane and will continue to do so,” stated Cooper. “She has left me with good contacts and referrals, and we will continue to work together.”
An avid bike rider, Dr. Cooper plans to get plenty of use out of Colorado’s magnificent outdoors experience. She also owns horses and has a real interest in starting a small farm.
“Dr. Cooper brings a tremendous amount of expertise to our organization,” said Konnie Martin, CEO of SLV Health. “We have fulfilled an unmet need for cancer patients to have a full-time Oncologist on our staff. We would like to thank Dr. Kane, along with Centura Health and Rocky Mountain Cancer Center for their many years of service, and we are fortunate to have someone like Dr. Cooper join the team.”
Dr. Cooper is available to see patients by contacting (719) 589-8153.