Northern Mariana Islands Welcoms Dr. Pete Brett As First Board Certified Oncologist

Three years ago, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) welcomed Dr. Pete Brett as he became the first board-certified oncologist in the commonwealth. Under Dr. Peter Brett’s direction, the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) was able to open its dedicated Oncology Center in 2020.

Dr. Peter Brett has over 25 years of experience in cancer treatment and received his education at Stanford University School of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Peter Brett is certified in both internal medicine and medical oncology through the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Creating the CHCC Oncology Center was no easy feat. When Dr. Peter Brett arrived in the CNMI, the island had experienced pharmacists, a nursing staff, and an internist who had an interest in cancer care. After working with consultants and rigorously training his staff, Dr. Pete Brett now works with a dedicated staff of cancer treatment professionals. This includes physician assistants, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, financial counselors, and more.

Dr. Peter Brett and his team are now able to administer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and molecular targeted therapy to the nearly 55,000 residents of the CNMI. Simple surgeries can also be performed at the Oncology Center. Patients who need radiation therapy or a complex surgery are still referred off-island to cancer specialists.

One of Dr. Peter Brett’s main initiatives since arriving in Saipan has been to educate patients and families, especially on the causes of cancer and the importance of screening and early detection. In early 2022, the Oncology Center began to offer free cancer screenings to all residents of the CNMI, regardless of their insurance status. The Oncology Center is able to refer patients for screening mammograms, pap smears, HPV testing, FIT tests, low-dose screening CT chest, and tobacco/alcohol/betel nut cessation.

When Dr. Pete Brett arrived in Saipan, he was taken aback at how many residents were suffering from cancer, including many that were diagnosed with late-stage cancers. Dr. Pete Brett treats many cases of cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and mouth cancer.

Through live-streamed “Doc Talks,” as well as other outreach programs, Dr. Pete Brett hopes to educate the community on how to better care for their health, in hopes to prevent cancer diagnoses in the future. Dr. Pete Brett is passionate about his work and is glad that he has been able to make cancer treatment so much more accessible to residents of Saipan and the commonwealth. Thanks to Dr. Peter Brett, most patients can now remain on the island with their families while they receive life-saving cancer treatments.

Learn more about Dr. Pete Brett and his oncology work in Saipan.You can also follow Dr. Peter Brett on his website.