History of The Center
The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders was founded in 1990
by Dr. William Jordan, Dr. Greg Friess, Dr. Unamarie Clibon, and Dr. Michael Ross.
The Founders
The Founding
The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders was founded in 1990 by Dr. William Jordan, Dr. Greg Friess, Dr. Unamarie Clibon, and Dr. Michael Ross. The partnership came about over dinner with Dr. Allen Brady who had been tasked by Harris Methodist to begin a cancer program for the hospital. After a few more meetings, the four physicians decided to combine practices as Oncology Hematology Consultants, PA. This collaboration was the first of its kind in North Texas because the physicians were a mix of MDs and DOs. This was an opportunity to create a new model of medical practice, a community-academic partnership that would raise standards of care.
Unamarie Clibon, MD
William Jordan, DO
Greg Friess, DO
Michael Ross, MD
The Founding
The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders was founded in 1990 by Dr. William Jordan, Dr. Greg Friess, Dr. Unamarie Clibon, and Dr. Michael Ross. The partnership came about over dinner with Dr. Allen Brady who had been tasked by Harris Methodist to begin a cancer program for the hospital. After a few more meetings, the four physicians decided to combine practices as Oncology Hematology Consultants, PA. This collaboration was the first of its kind in North Texas because the physicians were a mix of MDs and DOs. This was an opportunity to create a new model of medical practice, a community-academic partnership that would raise standards of care.
The Founders
Unamarie Clibon, MD
William Jordan, DO
Greg Friess, DO
Michael Ross, MD
The Early Years
They soon moved into a small office in the hospital. Starting with no money, Dr. Jordan took on the dual role of doctor and chief administrator. Dr. Ross kept the books on his home computer. Eventually, they hired a bookkeeper and few employees.
By 1995 the practice had expanded to three more locations. Each Tuesday the partners would invite other healthcare workers in the community to discuss a case in a “tumor board” style meeting. During the early ’90s the Moncrief Cancer Center was built and endowed a grant from MD Anderson. Oncology / Hematology physicians were asked to join and moved their office there for around 4 years. A new name came with the move, Texas Cancer Care.
Building a Home
As the practice continued to grow, it was decided that another name change was in order to The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. With the name change, it was decided that the practice needed a place to call home permanently. The search began for land and property that we could build a premiere community cancer center. In the early 2000s we found the perfect location in the heart of Fort Worth’s Medical District, 800 W. Magnolia Ave.
We gathered a group of patients and asked them what they would like to see in a cancer center. Things we didn’t think of like, mirrors in exam rooms to adjust their wigs to no phone ringing in the lobby, to the piano playing as you walked in. These were all things that we use to create the “premiere” cancer center in the region.
Groundbreaking and Grand Opening
We hosted a grand celebration for our groundbreaking in February of 2004. Doctors, their families, members of the press, and the community gathered together to begin this exciting new chapter for The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
A year later The Center’s main campus opened to patients with an incredible Grand Opening Celebration. We invited former First Lady Barbara Bush to give the keynote address. She shared the story of her daughter, Robin, that she lost to leukemia at the age of three. It was a fantastic day for The Center to be surrounded and supported by the community that helped build this new home.
The Center Today
Mission Statement
The mission of The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders is to care for every patient as we would a cherished member of our family.
Vision Statement
The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders will create the premier community cancer center in the region ensuring the patient’s journey includes integrated access to all components of the continuum of cancer care.
Core Values
COMPASSION • RESPECT • COMMITMENT • EXCELLENCE
Providing appropriate medical treatment Addressing patient needs and concerns Valuing each person’s dignity Providing access to superior clinical care, breakthrough research and innovative technology.
“Here at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, I have the most advanced medical treatment to offer my patients. But there is more to cancer than the physical aspects. We also offer you a wide range of emotional and spiritual support. We want to help our patients in every aspect of care.”
