Connecticut Sun names Backus oncologist MVP
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The stands were filled with pink shirts and boas as Dinesh Kapur, MD, was honored with a special Most Valuable Player award at the Connecticut Sun game Sept. 7.
The game honored cancer survivors and brought attention to the Backus Foundation's Breast Health Initiatives.
"I didn't know exactly what was going to happen. It was a pleasant surprise to be honored in this way," Dr. Kapur said. "It's a team effort, providing progressive cancer care, because everyone is pulling together in same direction. This type of event brings a lot of visibility and support to our program."
Dr. Kapur serves as Medical Director of Cancer Services at Backus Hospital and is in private practice at Eastern Connecticut Hematology and Oncology in Norwich.
Under Dr. Kapur's direction, Backus has been designated as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program and received the American College of Surgeons Outstanding Achievement Award. Backus is the first hospital in Connecticut and one of just 67 facilities nationwide to earn this distinction for excellence in cancer care.
He has been instrumental in ensuring that the latest clinical trials are available to eastern Connecticut patients, meaning that they can get the latest in cancer care at their community hospital without having to drive long distances for new, promising treatments.
Dr. Kapur credits the staff at the hospital, including staff, nurses, doctors, surgeons, radiologists and more, as well as the staff at ECHO. "Everyone takes pride in the fact that we have a good cancer program," he said.
He said there also has been a lot of effort in promoting the cancer program in the community by volunteers, such as the Breast Cancer Survivors Committee.
"It is great for patients to have such support within the community as well," he said.
Almost 8,000 people attended the nationally televised game. Unfortunately, the Connecticut Sun lost 85-73 to the San Antonio Silver Stars. But it was a win for the partnership between the basketball team and the Backus Foundation's Breast Health Initiatives, which were showcased throughout the game.