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Welcome to the John Muir Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program. We understand that this may be a stressful and overwhelming time for you and your family. We are here to guide you through the process of treatment and answer any questions you may have, while delivering expert and compassionate care for your child.

What is the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program?

Our program is dedicated to treating children having blood disorders or cancer with the latest and most comprehensive care available.

What Do You Treat?

Our services include the treatment of:

• blood disorders
• blood cancers
• childhood cancers
• solid tumors (malignant and benign)
• immune system deficiencies and immune failure
• follow-up monitoring of children, adolescents and young adults at risk for recurrence/ relapse of a prior hematology/oncology condition.

We have also expanded our clinical capabilities to provide expert care close to home including:

• postoperative recovery care
• chemo-certified nurses
• administration of chemotherapy, infusions and transfusions
• management of common patient reactions to therapy including hypotension, fever, neutropenia, mucositis, nausea, etc.
• psychosocial support and developmental care

We understand that you and your child may have lots of questions and concerns. That is why we encourage families to be active partners in care, working together to best meet the needs of your child.

Located at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, we are available toll-free at 1(877) 507-2855 or (925) 941-4144 to answer questions, help with scheduling and locating community resources for you. Above all, we are here for you and your family.

Who Will be Treating My Child?

Our program includes the expertise and medical management of the following physicians:

Caroline A. Hastings, MD
Dr. Hastings received her MD from the University of California, Davis in 1986 and then completed her residency in pediatrics at Children's Hospital & Research Center in Oakland. She went on to complete a fellowship to sub-specialize in Pediatric Hematology Oncology at that same institution and joined the staff in 1992. She has a special interest in acute lymphocytic leukemia and is involved in national clinical trials for high-risk leukemia and relapse. Dr. Hastings also has a special interest in Neuro-Oncology and brain tumors and has developed outreach programs to bring special care to children with blood diseases and cancer to their communities, including a large program in Reno, Nevada.

Alison T. Matsunaga, MD
Dr. Matsunaga received her MD from UCLA. She is currently a hematologist at Children's Hospital in Oakland where she also directs the Hemophilia and Thrombosis Treatment Center. Dr. Matsunaga is also an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco. Her professional interests include Von Willenbrand's disease, bleeding disorders, anemia, white blood cell deficits and platelet disorders.

W. Byron Smith, MD
Dr. Smith received his MD from the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center. He has been a member of John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek medical staff for more than 25 years, providing comprehensive medical care to children with cancer and blood disorders. Dr. Smith's interests include pediatric blood disorders and cancers, complex diagnostic problems, and family focused care, allowing time for patient and parent questions and educating patients on their level of understanding.

Joseph C. Torkildson, MD, MBA
Dr. Torkildson joined the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Medical Group in Oakland and assumed the position of Director for the Neuro-Oncology Program at Children's Hospital & Research Center in Oakland after a 25 year career in the United States Navy. In addition to developing an integrated model of pediatric neuro-oncology care that has tripled the number of patients served, Dr. Torkildson has been active in expanding his medical practice outreach in Reno. His interests include treatment of brain tumors, palliative care for children, providing emotional support to children and their families, and decreasing the long term consequences of cancer therapy.

We believe in providing expert hematology/oncology care that is comprehensive and includes a compassionate team of health professionals. From the nurse navigators who will help guide you through the treatment process to the staff administering medications, we realize that care is best received when everyone is comfortable with the treatment plan.

Who May I Contact for More Information?

• To make an appointment for your child to be seen by one of our specialists, call (925) 941-4144 or toll-free 1(877) 507-2855.
• Our nurse navigators will walk you through what to expect at your first appointment and what to bring along, if anything.

Directions to John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus

We are located on the third floor of the John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus ,next to the inpatient pediatric unit.

As you approach the parking garage (parking is free), you may turn left at the stop sign past the John Muir statue at the next stop sign to proceed to the patient drop-off area, or go straight ahead into the garage to park. If needed, you may obtain a wheelchair at the Welcome Center, located next to the free valet parking.

Directions to the Registration Area: Enter the facility through the temporary main entrance, near the Welcome Center. Proceed down the hallway almost to the end and take the hallway to the left, walking past the elevators. Proceed down this hallway past the laboratory and turn left at the second lighted exit sign after the lab. The admissions/registration area will be straight ahead on the left, past the Gift Shop. The registration clerk will direct you to our clinic after you register.

If you get lost, please call the center at (925) 941-4144 or toll free at 1(877) 507-2855 and we will help guide you to your destination.