At Ma-Su Valley Cancer Center our Advanced Oncology Associates providers recognize the impact of cancer on individuals, families and the community. We strive to empower all to live well through compassion, education, resources and hope. Integrative care is offered at Mat-Su Valley Cancer Center. Our Board Certified Naturopath Oncologists, help patients using a multi-layered approach to integrative care.
For more information on our services please call us and allow us to answer any and all questions you may have.
BOARD CERTIFIED NATUROPATHIC ONCOLOGIST
Dr. Shauna Birdsall joined our team at Advanced Oncology Associates (AOA) in 2019. Shauna provides integrative cancer support for patients undergoing cancer treatment as well as those who have completed their cancer therapy. Her extensive experience in integrative oncology enables patients access to up-to-date information on “alternative” and integrative cancer therapies that have been researched worldwide. Dr. Birdsall primarily works out of AOA’s Providence Cancer Center and Peninsula Radiation Oncology Center.
The goal is to provide support to thrive during treatment and rebuild after and for those living with cancer, to optimize health and improve one’s quality of life.
Dr. Birdsall’s background:
Shauna has practiced integrative cancer care as the sole focus of her practice since 2000. Dr. Birdsall graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine as a naturopathic physician in Oregon and then completed a residency at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Illinois. Dr. Birdsall was among the first in the nation to be board certified in Naturopathic Oncology in 2007. Dr. Birdsall has published multiple articles, research abstracts, and posters at national conferences. She frequently speaks at conferences to healthcare professionals and enjoys giving talks to patient groups. She is dedicated to supporting patients through cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Dr. Birdsall is strongly committed to providing individualized, compassionate, evidence-based care to empower and provide hope to cancer patients. In 2019, Dr. Birdsall joined Advanced Oncology Associates and the team at Avante Medical Center, providing integrative cancer support for patients undergoing cancer treatment as well as those who have completed their treatment. She works collaboratively with each patient’s team of healthcare providers and focuses on educating her patients to best navigate their integrative medicine options. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and Bernese Mountain dog, horseback riding, traveling, and cooking.
NUTRITION SPECIALIST
Danielle K, MS, CNS, LN is a Board-Certified Nutrition Specialist from BCNS and a State of Alaska Licensed Nutritionist. She has worked in OBGYN, urology, oncology, and family medicine fields over the last 8 years. She enjoys working with a variety of ailments, helping find a balance between the best dietary measures and a patient’s life.
Danielle’s background:
Danielle graduated from the University of Bridgeport Connecticut with a Master of Science in Human Nutrition.
Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and minor in Athletic Training. Danielle continues her education by attending conferences yearly on a wide variety of nutrition topics.
When she is not helping patients, she is outside enjoying the many Alaskan outdoor activities. Her favorite activities are hiking, gardening, and working agility with her dog.
PALLIATIVE CARE DIRECTOR
Rachel was born on a homestead in the mountains of northern California, but has lived a nomadic lifestyle, living in 15 cities in 4 countries. She completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Linfield College in Portland, Oregon, and her master’s degree at Graceland University in Missouri, becoming a family nurse practitioner in 2016.
She was drawn to palliative care because of the emphasis on quality of life and relief of suffering while undergoing treatment. While providing palliative care at Salem Health in Oregon an opportunity to move to Anchorage presented itself in 2020, where Rachel instantly felt at home among Alaska’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife. When not providing exceptional patient care, she enjoys baking, biking, reading, hiking, and exploring Alaska with her St. Bernard and Great Dane dogs. She will be covering all the clinics – Alaska Cyberknife Center, Anchorage Radiation Oncology Center, Mat-Su Valley Cancer Center, Peninsula Radiation Oncology Center, and Southeast Radiation Oncology Center.
Palliative Care – Supporting You Through Treatment
Palliative care is specialized, supportive medical care that is focused on improving quality of life for patients with cancer, many who are also going through active treatment. It can be provided at any stage of illness and in collaboration with other forms of cancer treatment. Our provider will focus on relief of suffering from pain and other symptoms, both physical and psychosocial. Research shows that early integration of palliative care can improve quality of life, decrease depression and anxiety, increase patient and family satisfaction with care, and even extend survival. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us today or talk to your doctor.