Our Story
Advancing Healthcare. Supporting Caregivers.
SWIT-PCa was founded by Dr. Ann Plohal, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CRNI, a nationally recognized nursing leader, researcher, educator, and patient safety advocate with more than forty years of healthcare experience.
Dr. Plohal has served as President of the Infusion Nurses Society, contributed to national standards of practice, published peer-reviewed research, and led numerous quality improvement and patient safety initiatives throughout her career. Her work has focused on improving vascular access outcomes, reducing healthcare complications, advancing evidence-based practice, and educating healthcare professionals nationwide.
Following her husband's diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer, Dr. Plohal recognized a significant need for accessible education and support for patients and families navigating the prostate cancer journey. This experience inspired the expansion of the organization's mission to include prostate cancer education, awareness, survivorship, and caregiver support.
Founder
Dr. Ann Plohal, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CRNI
Who We Are
A Non-Profit Built on Knowledge and Community
The Southwest Institute for Infusion Therapy and Cancer Care (SWIT-PCa) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving patient outcomes through evidence-based education, research, and advocacy.
Our work focuses on advancing excellence in infusion therapy while expanding access to trusted information and support for individuals and families affected by prostate cancer.
Through professional education, scientific inquiry, patient resources, and community outreach, we empower healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, and advocates to make informed decisions and achieve better health outcomes.
Our Mission
Southwest Institute for Infusion Therapy and Cancer Care (SWIT-PCa) is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to improving patient outcomes through infusion therapy education, patient safety initiatives, public health outreach, and prostate cancer awareness.
Our Vision
To empower patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals with the knowledge and resources necessary to improve health outcomes, promote patient safety, and support individuals affected by chronic disease and cancer.
Our Work
Pillars of Impact
Professional Education
We advance knowledge and best practices among healthcare professionals through continuing education, research dissemination, and training programs focused on infusion therapy and prostate cancer care.
Patient/Family Education
We provide patients and families with clear, evidence-based information to help them prepare for surgery, and manage recovery with confidence.
Caregiver & Family Support
We recognize that a prostate cancer diagnosis affects the whole family. Our resources and programs support caregivers and loved ones with practical guidance throughout the journey.
What Guides Us
Our Core Values
Evidence-Based
Every program and resource we develop is grounded in current research and best practices.
Patient-Centered
We design everything with the patient and caregiver experience at the center.
Health Equity
We are committed to reaching underserved communities and reducing disparities in cancer outcomes.
Collaboration
We partner with healthcare organizations, community groups, and advocates to amplify our impact.
Integrity
We operate with transparency, accountability, and the highest ethical standards in all we do.
Compassion
We approach every interaction with empathy, recognizing the human experience behind every diagnosis.