Meadville Medical Center/Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute Announce Chief of Oncology Services

Meadville, PA - Meadville Medical Center (MMC) announces Brian Karlovits D.O. to Chief of Oncology Services for Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute (YGBOI) at Meadville Medical Center. This is a new position that will assist the oncology center in new directions and growth for the oncology services in the region.

Dr. Karlovits joined the Radiation Department at YGBOI in 2019. Dr. Karlovits, a Pittsburgh native, is board-certified in radiation oncology. He received his medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, Mo., completed his internship in transitional medicine at the Naval Medical Center, San Diego, and graduated from the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute, Pensacola, FL, as a Naval Flight Surgeon. He completed his residency in radiation oncology at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. He specializes in a variety of radiation treatment techniques, including image guided intensity modulated radiotherapy (IGRT/IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and stereotactic ablative or body radiotherapy (SABR/SBRT). He previously worked at the Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC Shadyside where he was clinical director of radiation oncology.

Dr. Karlovits along with Eric Svenson, MD, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology work very well together. Dr. Karlovits' expertise and motivation combined with Dr. Svenson's experience and calm demeanor have meshed into leading an effective and smooth Radiation Department. Dr. Karlovits paved the way to start up a SABR/SBRT program in 2019. This service enhanced oncology care and services at YGBOI. This service brings in referrals from the surrounding area. The Radiation team is very excited to soon provide this treatment and others on their new state-of-the-art Varian TrueBeam Linear Accelerator and PerfectPitch robotic treatment table. This new machine and table will allow for faster and more accurate and precise treatment delivery and the capability to treat moving targets during respiration and use deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) to reduce heart and lung dose in treatment of some breast and other cancers.

"Dr. Karlovits has been a leader in adding services and a driving force to get research going in Meadville. His commitment and direction have proven to be effective in our Radiation Department and throughout the cancer center. In addition, he serves as our Cancer Liaison to the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC), and was instrumental in YGBOI's recent CoC reaccreditation. He is an exemplary spokesperson for our physicians and our cancer care team. He is a natural at problem solving in clinical situations and in the administrative setting," stated Betsy Brown, Director of Oncology Services YGBOI.

Dr. Karlovits will continue to see patients in the same manner and volume that he has been. In his new role, he will provide administrative leadership for Oncology physicians and provide peer review in clinical and billing applications. For treatment at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute UPMC, Highmark, and all other insurances are accepted. For more information or questions, please call 814-373-2335.