Virginia Oncology Associates’ staff celebrated the opening of what the cancer treatment center's oncologist described as its “new and improved” location with a ribbon cutting Thursday evening.
The cancer treatment center is now open at 905 Thunder Road, Suite 250, on the second floor of the medical office building at the Sentara Albemarle Regional Health Campus. It formerly was located on North Road Street near the current Sentara Albemarle Medical Center.
Virginia Oncology staff were joined by residents, local elected leaders and members of the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the opening of the practice's new and more spacious location.
Medical oncologist Dr. Julia Schaefer-Cutillo said Virginia Oncology has been in Elizabeth City for about 30 years.
“We have been here but this is the new and improved Virginia Oncology Associates of Elizabeth City,” she said. “As you can see, we’ve expanded and the reason we’ve expanded is because we’re taking care of more patients, more family, more friends.
“Not only can you get your cutting-edge cancer care here, you can get any treatment that you would get at any big cancer center,” she said.
According to Schaefer-Cutillo, residents may one day be able to undergo clinical trials at the new treatment center site. The trials would allow patients to be treated with new drugs that they “might not normally be able to get,” she said.
“Not only are you getting cutting-edge cancer care here in Elizabeth City, you’re closer to home, you don’t have to travel, but you are getting the best and most compassionate care,” the doctor said.
Also in attendance was state Rep. Bill Ward, R-Pasquotank.
“We’re really pleased to be able to be here to support this ribbon cutting, grand opening-slash-great thing that is happening here in Pasquotank County,” Ward said. “We’re so pleased to see this expansion of healthcare and something that’s been direly needed in our area for a long time.”
Ward thanked Virginia Oncology for relocating to Sentara Health’s new health campus, which remains under construction.
He also complimented the center’s many features, including large infusion room, pharmacy, lab, exam rooms and office space.
“I mean, look around. Look at this place, it’s fantastic,” Ward said. “All these infusion sites are just wonderful.”
Ward commented on how Virginia Oncology once treated his mother.
“My mother was a cancer patient that went to the old site over by the old hospital. It was about as big as this little closet over here,” Ward said jokingly. “We’re so pleased to see this and we’re so glad to support this operation.”
Representing the city of Elizabeth City at the ribbon cutting was 2nd Ward Councilor Rose Whitehurst.
“On behalf of the city of Elizabeth City, we’re encouraged to see the continued commitment to growth and expansion of our healthcare services that bring quality healthcare to our residents,” Whitehurst said.
Sam Davis, representing the Pasquotank Board of Commissioners at Thursday's event, also thanked Virginia Oncology for relocating to the Sentara health campus.
“We welcome Virginia Oncology and we’re so thankful to have you,” he said.
Dana Rabon, chair of the Chamber Board of Directors, thanked everyone for attending Thursday's event and taking time to tour the new facility. She especially thanked Virginia Oncology officials.
“This is very exciting and much needed in our community,” she said. “We appreciate so much you guys being a part of our Chamber and part of this community.”
Also present Thursday to help cut the ribbon was Teresa Watson, president of Sentara Albemarle Medical Center.
The Sentara Albemarle Regional Health Campus remains under construction at the corner of Halstead Boulevard Extended and Thunder Road. Sentara officials have said the campus was designed with a patient-first focus and one immediate change residents may notice is in the parking lot design.
The medical office building is part of Sentara’s 135-acre campus. When completed, the campus will also feature an emergency room, outpatient surgery facility and a 235,000 square-foot 90-bed inpatient hospital, all located at the opposite end from the medical office building and with their own parking space.
Sentara officials are eyeing August 2025 as an opening date for the new hospital.
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