Joyce Howard, RN, MS and Gerald Kozuh, MD have practiced oncology nursing and oncology medicine for 40+ years in a collaborative practice.
Their vision is to see every patient experience the best healthcare possible as they walk through their cancer diagnosis. Joyce and Gerald consider it a privilege to be part of your supportive team to provide the tools you need to unlock successful outcomes that are aligned with your values.
The system of decision mapping is used to help patients identify what their personal needs/desires are during and post treatment. This provides an effective, efficient plan of care, including:
In-person attention to specific needs
An individualized care template
Assistance in circumventing “road blocks” in your treatment plan
Discernment of second opinions as you determine your priorities
Healthcare choices today are numerous, and PONC is here to help you find your ideal healthcare experience. In oncology, this means helping you manage your cancer diagnosis while living meaningfully.
This includes:
Having a clear understanding of your diagnosis and treatment options
Maintaining ongoing access for questions regarding your healthcare
Avoidance of fragmentation in information and/or services
Offering a gamut of valuable outside resources
Improving patient engagement in care with your health care team
Feeling satisfied with your health care choices and outcomes.
Joyce Howard, RN, is a clinical nurse specialist who has practiced in adult oncology nursing for over 40 years. She initiated a partnership in a collaborative practice with Gerald Kozuh, MD, Hematologist/ Oncologist, where she has practiced for the majority of her career. Within this entity, Oncology Joint Practice Associates, they provide clinical care to patients and families experiencing a diagnosis of cancer. Numerous consulting experiences provided a history of managerial experiences in developing and overseeing cancer programs, infusion therapy sites, and other cancer related projects. Joyce received her undergrad degree from University of Illinois, and her Master degree from Northern Illinois University. Her entrepreneurial spirit continues to pursue opportunities for the ideal healthcare experience for all patients!
“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Joyce was extremely helpful explaining all the medical terminology and what medical choices were available to me. She suggested questions to ask my doctor. Those questions enabled me to participate effectively in my own treatment decisions.”
“When Joyce speaks, I hear deep understanding and perspective - not just about my disease, but also care and concern for what I'm dealing with and going through. She has a most extraordinary position in the world of oncology!”
"The diagnosis of cancer brings much fear and many questions to most people. Joyce Howard encouraged calm in my life at the time I was diagnosed with her expertise in oncology and her kind demeanor and understanding ways.”
“Joyce was extremely helpful when my mom was dealing with Colon cancer, and 10+ years later when I also had a diagnosis of Colon cancer. She helped us understand the range of possibilities of the disease and the treatment options. Her calm and confident manner was reassuring.”
“What a gift to have Joyce, an experienced oncology nurse, to help me through my cancer journey. A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. Joyce clarified the information I received and helped guide me in making informed and wise decisions!”
Joyce has been with me from the beginning of my Lymphoma diagnosis, in 1995. Having multiple cancer diagnoses over the years, she has walked me through some very difficult times. Always uplifting, informative, and providing guidance through my ‘medical ordeals’. She was an enormous advocate!
