Adena oncologist set to retire after 32 years

Longtime Adena oncologist Dr. Ralph Roach will retire later this week.

Dr. Roach has treated patients with cancer at Adena for 32 years. His last day of full-time practice will be Friday, Aug. 29.
 
During his tenure, Dr. Roach has been instrumental in helping Adena’s cancer program grow from several rooms on the hospital’s third floor to the free-standing, state-of-the-art Adena Cancer Center.
 
“The name Ralph Roach is synonymous with expertise, caring and compassion,” said Dr. John Fortney, Adena’s Chief Medical Officer. “For 32 years, he has never stopped learning or researching the most up-to-date cancer treatments, which he then shares with his patients to ensure they have the best possible opportunities when battling the disease. He has truly been an asset in the advancement of Adena’s oncology program and to the lives of countless patients and colleagues.”
 

Dr. Roach chose his retirement date more than a year ago. He selected Aug. 29 because it is his wife, Dr. Jane Roach’s birthday. By retiring, he and Jane are anxious to spend more time with their first grandchild. They are also looking forward to enjoying the outdoors by hiking and biking as often as they can and plan to continue their service to the Chillicothe community. The couple regularly works with patients at the Hope Clinic twice a month, and they do a great deal of outreach and ministering through their church community at Walnut Street United Methodist Church.
 
Dr. Roach has been preparing his staff, colleagues and patients for his retirement over the past year.

“The program is bigger than me,” he said. “I know that when I’m retired, this cancer program is in excellent hands.”

Dr. Jeffrey VanDeusen and a team of oncologists will continue to provide compassionate care for patients in the state-of-the-art Adena Cancer Center. Dr. Roach also plans to fill in there and with Adena’s Palliative Care program whenever needed.
 
A public reception to celebrate Dr. Roach and his career is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28 from 6-8 p.m. at the Adena Cancer Center, located on the campus of Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe.