The STARS volunteer board of directors helps welcome oncologist Dr. Gary Shi to town. From left, Aimee Peterson, Nina Machado, Ginger Rolf, Shi, Gretchen Carlson, Nancy Swensen, Phyllis Swensen.

Amador STARS announced Wednesday that the county will have its own oncologist beginning this November. Dr. Gary Shi was introduced to Cancer Support Group members at their monthly meeting and was met by comments such as "you're filling a real need" and "you're very welcome here."

Shi said he was excited to "serve the community and serve cancer patients and their families," noting that serving both groups is a complex service.

The county has not had its own oncologist for the past two and a half years, forcing patients to drive to the valley to receive cancer treatments. An oncologist usually comes to the area once or twice a week to meet with patients, STARS director Ginger Rolf said, but having one that practices in Amador County will "be a real bonus."

Patients will still have to go to the valley to receive radiation treatment, but chemotherapy what really makes patients feel ill, according to Rolf. "(Now) there will be less pressure on patients and families to go to the valley and drive back not feeling well," she said.

Shi, along with wife Yinghong and son Emory, plan to relocate from Florida to Amador County in October. He is currently looking for a place to live, most likely in Sutter Creek, he said, as well as a place to put his practice. He is excited to come to the area and begin his work.

"It's beautiful (here)," he said. "I love California and the culture."

Shi was recruited by Sutter Amador Hospital with strong encouragement from STARS, which has been working to get an oncologist in the county and met with him last spring.

"(His) being caring, wanting to be involved in the community and having a family sold us immediately," Rolf said.