Pet therapy available
for cancer patients

The Medical Center of Ocean County, Brick, is offering a fully certified pet therapy program for cancer patients, the first such program in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Part of the Medical Center’s CARES program, which stands for Cancer Adaptation, Rehabilitation and Education Services, the oncology pet therapy program allows trained, certified dogs with their handlers into the medical center’s cancer unit to visit with patients and their families. The program has been found not only to provide patients with a break from their normal routine, but also to be a proven clinical benefit based on research which has shown that such programs promote healing.

"I think this is absolutely wonderful," said Mary Gotsill, an MCOC cancer patient from Point Pleasant. "It’s such a nice relief to meet face to face with this loving creature who is only there to give you a smile. They don’t have any needles or tests; they are just going to lick your face a little."

To become certified, the dogs go through a seven-week course to prepare them for patient interaction. During that time they become accustomed to such conditions as unfamiliar hospital equipment, unexpected noises and being touched by strangers for extended periods of time. The dog’s vaccinations and health are routinely monitored and recorded to ensure safety.

Additionally, a patient’s physician must sign an order to confirm the patient’s eligibility, allowing the pet into their room.

"This is truly a wonderful program, both from a clinical and emotional perspective," said William Lerner, M.D., medical director of oncology at Medical Center of Ocean County. "There is more and more research which demonstrates how this type of program improves the outlook of cancer patients, and we are always willing to explore and implement any service that might assist our patient’s recovery and quality of life."

Jeter, a 3-year-old boxer, and Porter, a 3-year-old mastiff, make their way onto the unit once a week to the delight of not only the patients, but visitors and the unit’s nursing and clinical staff. "It is really nice for everyone," said Christy Grosso, business associate for MCOCs LIFE Fitness Outpatient Rehabilitation and Porter’s owner/handler. "Clinicians have very serious jobs to do, so anything that brings stress relief and some extra cheerfulness to the unit is a welcome addition."

MCOC piloted pet therapy earlier this year with much success at the medical center’s Shore Rehabilitation Institute in Point Pleasant, based on similar programs at other hospitals across the nation. With patient safety being the first priority, the staff took a conservative approach to implementing the program by diligently researching and developing new hospital policies and procedures to address issues such as infection control, physician approval and animal certification.

"The entire cancer rehabilitation team truly believed in this program and worked very hard to see it become a success," said Jill Marmo, manager of inpatient rehabilitation services at MCOC, as well as Jeter’s owner/handler. "We continually look to enhance our cancer rehab services with new quality programs such as pet therapy to ensure our patients have access to whatever they need to feel better medically, physically and psychologically."

"Pet therapy is definitely not just a ‘program of the month,’" said Barbara Rabinowitz, Ph.D., director of Oncology Services for MCOC and Meridian Health System. "This therapy has been achieving widespread acceptance from clinicians and popularity among patients nationwide, and we are thrilled to be the first offering a fully certified program in the area as part of our cancer services."

More information about pet therapy at MCOC is available by calling the Meridian Health Line at 1-800-560-9990.