Marshfield Clinic Opens Regional Cancer Center in Iron Mountain

Marshfield Clinic Health System continues to make significant investments in our community, and growing healthcare services in the Upper Peninsula. Most recently, with the addition of a new state-of-the-art Cancer Center that opened its doors for patients on July 15. 

When the Dickinson County Healthcare System joined Marshfield Clinic Health System in 2022, a five-year, $26 million capital investment in a regional cancer center was part of its commitment to the U.P. Improving patient experience and bringing care closer to home for its patients was and remains a priority. Health care providers and staff at Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson have been providing exceptional cancer care to Dickinson County and the surrounding areas for more than two decades. In the past year, the cancer care team has treated more than 1,000 cancer patients from 68 zip codes.

Credit: Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson

In June 2023, the healthcare system and local construction company Gundlach Champion broke ground on the $10.6 million dollar facility. Gundlach Champion hired 16 subcontractors for the cancer center build, using local businesses where it best served the project. Local contractors include B&B Electric, Markell Roofing, Energy Control & Design, Midwest Asphalt, Iron Mountain Acoustic, and Brunette & Son (Escanaba). Additionally, many needed materials and supplies were sourced locally at Hometowne Lumber, Miller Products, Champion Concrete, Midway Rentals & Sales, and UP Concrete Pipe. 

Credit: Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson

Darrin Pursley, Project Manager, Gundlach Champion shared, “This was a very important project for Gundlach Champion, it meant a lot to our community and our project team. As with any project we do our best to source materials and hire subcontractors locally, and on this project, we had some great local partners. From some of our most key subcontractors to suppliers of miscellaneous lumber, it was a true community-wide effort. Every time we drive past the Cancer Center, I tell my boys that their dad built that (with an army of others), and I know that’s a conversation being had in a lot more pickup trucks than just mine. To me it’s that shared sense of pride that makes a project special.”

From groundbreaking to completion, the project took just under a year. 

Credit: Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson

The Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation’s was engaged to assist with raising additional capital for the new facility. Building and furnishing costs rose, increasing the project budget by several million dollars. A capital campaign was launched with a goal of $3 million. To date, the campaign has successfully raised $2.75 million of its $3 million goal, a testament to the generosity of our residents and local businesses. A public phase of the campaign will be launched in the next several weeks, and it will give everyone in the community an opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community project.

Consistent with Marshfield’s mission, the new Cancer Center focuses on patient-centered care. The 8,600-square-foot addition brings chemotherapy infusion, radiation oncology, and oncology clinical care under one roof, offering the highest level of service to patients and families undergoing treatment. It will enable new opportunities for providers to collaborate on treatment plans. The expansion of the Cancer Center will also bring Marshfield Clinic Health System’s Cancer Research program to Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson. 

Credit: Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson

“Establishing a new regional cancer center at Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson represents a significant milestone in providing comprehensive care and patient-centered care of individuals battling cancer,” said Dr. Gustavo Morel, MMC-D oncologist. “The new Cancer Center will serve as a beacon of hope and support, providing a comprehensive, holistic approach to cancer care, including clinical trials close to home.”

The new facility has a dedicated entrance and enhances the patient’s experience offering, increased privacy, elevated comforts, and amenities. The new cancer center includes: 

• 11 infusion suites, including 1 shared infusion suite for those patients who may be on the journey with a friend or family member
• 5 exam rooms
• 1 procedure room
• Private gown waiting area for radiation oncology patients
• A boutique with educational items as well as wearables and comfort items
• A nourishment area

Approximately 2,000 square feet of the radiation department was also renovated to provide a more cohesive experience.

“By bringing all essential services under one roof and incorporating patient-centric amenities, this center will strive to alleviate the burden of cancer treatment, enhance patient experience, and foster a compassionate healing environment,” added Michelle Morel, PA, cancer team member.

Overall, these improvements increase capacity for chemotherapy by 45% and cancer patient capacity by 56%. 

The Marshfield Clinic Research Institute is partnering with the cancer team at MMC-D to bring cutting-edge clinical trials and cancer research to Dickinson County.

The MMC-D employs 30 cancer care team members and is currently recruiting another oncologist. 

“Cancer is far-reaching and has most likely directly or indirectly impacted each of us,” said Jill Steckbauer, Gift Officer with Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation. “I am so grateful to work on the Dickinson Cancer Center project. This is a fantastic area, filled with people who show kindness and compassion. The overwhelming generosity and welcoming spirit in the community have made the campaign so successful thus far. Thank you!” 

If you are interested in donating to the capital campaign, please visit www.marshfieldclinic.org/giving/donate. To learn more about the Cancer Center and capital campaign, please contact Jill Steckbauer, gift officer with Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation, at 715-393-2514 or steckbauer.jill@marshfieldclinic.org.