Our Story
Our Story Begins with a Simple Belief
The Southwest Institute for Infusion Therapy and Cancer Care (SWIT-PCa) was founded on a simple belief: every patient and caregiver deserves practical, trustworthy education that extends beyond the walls of the hospital. Too often, individuals preparing for prostatectomy or recovering at home have questions that arise only after discharge. SWIT-PCa was created to bridge that gap by providing free, evidence-informed educational resources that help patients and caregivers prepare with confidence, recover safely, and navigate the prostate cancer journey together.
As a nonprofit organization, SWIT-PCa is committed to improving patient outcomes through education, patient safety, advocacy, and community outreach. By combining clinical expertise with real-world patient and caregiver experiences, we strive to make complex medical information understandable, practical, and accessible to everyone.
Founder
Dr. Ann Plohal, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CRNI
About the Founder
Meet Our Founder
Following her husband's diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer, Dr. Ann Plohal recognized how many questions patients and caregivers faced after leaving the hospital. That experience inspired the expansion of the Southwest Institute for Infusion Therapy and Cancer Care (SWIT-PCa) to provide practical, evidence-informed education that helps families navigate recovery with greater confidence.
Dr. Plohal is a nationally recognized nursing leader, researcher, educator, and patient safety advocate with more than four decades of healthcare experience. She has served as President of the Infusion Nurses Society, contributed to national standards of practice, published peer-reviewed research, and led numerous quality improvement initiatives throughout her career.
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.