The Parsons Family Health Center provides both primary and preventative healthcare for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

“When we’re able to provide [services] and it actually happens, there is a lot of gratitude shown by the patients,” Whisler said.

The services go beyond primary and preventive healthcare. The Parsons Family Health Center provides patients with behavioral health services and substance abuse therapy.

“We meet their healthcare needs because we’re a healthcare facility, but we also have a unique opportunity to be able to meet some of their social needs, housing needs and get them connected to benefits,” Whisler said.

The Parsons Family Health Center is a big proponent of forming partnerships with other healthcare providers in the community.

“We couldn’t do the work without our partners,” Whisler said. “We can’t be all things to all people.

“We have areas of specialties, but colon cancer screenings is not one of those and we have gaps to fill thorough community partnerships,” Whisler continued.

Dr. Elizabeth McConnell at McConnell Colorectal Center in Phoenix is one of their partners.

McConnell’s team is starting to get referrals from The Parsons Family Health Center for patients in need of colon cancer screenings.

“Colon cancer is something we see quite a bit in this population because preventive care screenings are often neglected,” Whisler said. “They have barriers like cost and disconnection with the healthcare community.”

“This screening or diagnostic colonoscopy of course would help us be able to give the information back to [The Parsons Family Health Center],” said Meryl Salit, McConnell Colorectal Center practice administrator. “We can see if the person needs to have any follow-up with Dr. McConnell or another physician.

“If they’re having problems, the doctor might recommend change in diet, lifestyle or they might need surgery,” Salit continued.

McConnell wants to give everyone the same chances when it comes to taking care of their health.

“The doctor has always wanted opportunities to [help] people who don’t normally have access to her care,” said Salit. “She supports nonprofits and educating people on colon cancer.”

A response Whisler likes to hear from community partners.

“When we meet partners in the community who want to give back and are excited to treat the community we work within, we’re excited to partner with them,” Whisler said. “We truly couldn’t do the work that we do without our partners.”

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One Arizona woman was living that life until she met Dr. Elizabeth McConnell at McConnell Colorectal Center in Phoenix.

“I really couldn’t leave the house because I never knew when I needed a bathroom.”

The patient didn’t realize diet could be the answer she was searching for year after year.

“I didn’t pay attention to what I was eating because I always thought I was eating healthy.” “When I got to see Dr. McConnell, which was within 48 hours after calling her office, she immediately got my records from my primary care physician.

“She did an exam and then told me I think we can control this problem with diet,” the patient continued.

McConnell gave her a packet of information on modifications she could make to her diet.

This included going towards a more plant-based diet and getting rid of dairy, sugar, white flour and red meat.

“It made all the difference in the world, even though I had read about going towards a more plant-based diet for years, I never really considered giving up my steaks,” she said.

Since incorporating more fruits, vegetables, turkey and fish into her diet, the patient said she has lost six pounds and doesn’t worry about whether there is a bathroom nearby anymore.

“I like Dr. McConnell’s holistic approach because she started with nutrition in my treatment process,” she said. “I also felt she wanted to partner with me in finding a solution to my problem.”

The patient couldn’t feel healthier these days.

“It will take some determination, but if you follow the diet recommendations seriously and read up on what the doctor is telling you to do, you will understand better why things function normally.”

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The da Vinci Robot is a new alternative to using endoscopic and laparoscopic instruments, which can be inserted through small incisions. The da Vinci Robot can perform more complicated surgeries that are too difficult for the laparoscopic approach. Using the da Vinci Robot, the surgeon creates smaller incisions (8mm or 1/3 inch) resulting in less scarring, blood loss and pain. Patients experience fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and quicker return to daily activities.

The da Vinci Robot-assisted surgery also provides more precision than most laparoscopic surgery, partly because it gives the surgeon 3-D versus 2-D images. This allows the surgeon to more accurately target surgical areas, causing less threat to surrounding tissues and organs. From a console next to the patient, the surgeon guides surgical instruments from hand grips, which remotely operate multiple arms. The 3-D images are displayed above the surgeon’s head and magnified 10 times actual size. This not only helps the surgeon see the tiniest details of the patient’s anatomy but it also gives the illusion that the tips of the instruments are an extension of the control grips.

Dr. McConnell performs colon and rectal surgery assisted by the da Vinci Robot at Arrowhead, Baptist and John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital. Please contact the McConnell Colorectal Center for more information on this surgical method that improves clinical outcomes that are redefining standards of care.

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Healthy Living – Good health is directly related to colon health, screening, and prevention

Preventative Screening – Screening and surveillance, especially for those patients who are at high risk, allows for early detection and cure for patients with colon polyps or colorectal cancers

Convenient Locations – We have a number of convenient locations throughout the Phoenix valley dedicated to serving you

We Serve Phoenix Arizona Cities Including

• Phoenix
  Glendale
  Mesa
  Chandler
  Tempe
  Gilbert
  Queen Creek
  Apache Junction

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• The Top Five Excuses for putting-off a Colonoscopy: Busted!  Read on!!

1. It Won’t Happen To Me.

Many people think that just because cancer has not run in their family that they will not be at risk. Colon cancer is one of the top three deadliest cancers in the United States.

More than genetics, high fat diets and an unhealthy lifestyle are actually the biggest factors in an increased risk of colorectal cancer. With that said, you can still be at risk even if it doesn’t run in the family.

2. It Will Pass.

Many people have digestive issues and like to blame it on other factors. Some try changing their diet or going gluten free for a period of time to see if symptoms go away, and while your bowel issues may be due to a dietary habit, you won’t know for sure unless you actually get checked.

The longer you go without being checked, hoping that the symptoms will just “go away” the more you are increasing your risk for having a polyp turn into something worse, like colon cancer. If you have any abnormal digestion issues, consult a gastroenterologist before trying to self-diagnose. Having a professional opinion might actually save your life.

3. I am Afraid of the Cleanse.

Yes, we know all about it, the colon cleansing process can be intimidating. But trust us, it is not nearly as bad as it seems. In fact, we actually had one of our own patients put together a video of the process before her last colonoscopy. Check out this video to get more insight into what actually happens before, during and after the cleanse.

4. I Just Turned 50, I Still Have More Time Right?

It is highly suggested that once you turn 50 you have regular colonoscopies. But, many people wait till they are in their 60’s to get their first one. The thought of a colonoscopy can be scary for some people and so they put it off as long as possible. But, putting it off can make matters worse. Many people don’t get a colonoscopy until it is already too late.

5. I Don’t Have Any Symptoms.

Even if you do not have any symptoms, if you are older than 50, you still need to get a colonoscopy. Having a polyp in your colon may not be noticeable at all. You could still go about your daily life and have no digestion issues but still have polyps forming in your colon. You could be the most healthy person you know, but if you are over 50, you should still take the time to get a colonoscopy.

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