PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center has hired Dr. Jennie Crews, a practicing oncologist, as the new medical director for its integrated care center, set to open in December.

Crews is the founding director of the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center in North Carolina. She will officially join PeaceHealth on April 6.

“The PeaceHealth vision and values align with what is important to me,” Crews said, in an April 4 press release. “I am excited to develop and lead this new cancer center and continue practicing as a medical oncologist.”

Crews has more than 15 years of clinical experience in oncology and hematology in both private practice and academics.

She is a graduate of Duke University Medical School, where she completed her residency training in internal medicine, followed by a clinical and research fellow in hematology and oncology.

The new integrated enter will house all PeaceHealth outpatient cancer services including registration and appointments, coordinated specialty services, education, support and consultation. Currently, PeaceHealth provides cancer treatment in several locations including its main campus, the Cordata south campus and in a building two blocks east of the main campus.

“I look forward to joining an exceptional team, as we all work to deliver healing and hope in this wonderful new center,” said Dr. Crews.

Crews said the Bellingham community is a good fit for her and her husband, Phil.

“We are both marathon runners, we enjoy great food and love the cultural and recreational activities that this region offers, including boating and kayaking,” she said.