Oncology Health Group opens 2nd clinic, in Arecibo
Oncology Health Group has opened its second clinic in Puerto Rico, expanding hematology and oncology services to the island’s north with a new facility in Arecibo.
The 2,000-square-foot center is led by Rafael D. Betancourt-García, a hematology and oncology subspecialist with 16 years of experience. It is next to Villa Los Santos Hospital, where Betancourt has practiced for eight years. The investment was not disclosed.
“I want to serve my fellow citizens and neighbors here, where access is easy and where their post-treatment care will be more bearable with their family and friends,” said Betancourt, who was born and raised in Arecibo.
The expansion builds on the group’s presence at Auxilio Mutuo Hospital in San Juan. Both locations operate as infusion centers for administering biological therapies that treat cancer and blood disorders as well as gastric, rheumatic, dermatological and pulmonary diseases referred by other specialists.
Clinical research is central to the practice. Betancourt and his team have conducted nearly 20 trials in partnership with pharmaceutical companies including Merck, Pfizer, Sanofi, Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, AbbVie and AstraZeneca.
“The time dedicated to clinical research and my contribution to finding cures for all types of cancer will be my greatest legacy,” Betancourt said.
The Arecibo clinic employs 13 professionals, including oncology nurses, research coordinators and physicians.
“The path during cancer treatment can be difficult, but if it is carried out with a team of trained professionals, and close to the homes of our patients, the process becomes more bearable and contributes to success and healing,” said Montserrat González-Escolá, research site manager and Betancourt’s wife.
