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The fight against cancer requires support from every corner — from loved ones to the healthcare professionals guiding them through treatment. As physician assistants in the inpatient acute leukemia unit at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center’s— Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital, Cedarville graduates Brooke Cole and Adrianna Gardilcic-Landrum are helping patients navigate some of the most challenging moments of their lives with compassion, expertise and clarity.

Cedarville graduates begin careers at James Cancer Hospital

According to the National Cancer Society, cancer mortality rates in the United States have declined 34% in the last 35 years, and hospitals such as the James in Columbus play a critical role in advancing research and saving lives. The James is the third largest cancer hospital in the United States and is distinguished by its reputable cancer research and quality patient care.

Cole and Gardilcic-Landrum are 2025 graduates of Cedarville’s inaugural physician assistant (PA) program. Shortly after they completed their degrees, the James hired them for its leukemia care team.

“Leukemia was not necessarily a specialty that was on my radar post-graduation, but I am thankful it crossed my path,” said Gardilcic-Landrum. “Acute leukemia is certainly a very heavy field to work in, but I have learned so much and have met some of the kindest patients I could ask for.”

Cedarville physician assistant graduates serve patients with acute leukemia

For Cole, working at the James fulfills a long-held professional goal.

“I worked at the James as a patient care associate during my undergrad years at Ohio State, so I always knew I wanted to come back to serve the oncology population,” said Cole. “I was born and raised in Columbus and felt it was only right to give back to the city that raised me.”

As inpatient physician assistants, Cole and Gardilcic-Landrum manage several patients for daily hospital rounds. They also collaborate with a team that includes a doctor, a patient care resource manager, social workers and pharmacists to coordinate patients’ future care.

How Cedarville prepared graduates for oncology and patient care

Their work is far from mechanical. Beyond clinical responsibilities, they are supporting patients through life-altering diagnoses and treatments. Cole credits Cedarville with preparing her to care for patients holistically.

“Cedarville prepared us for this role by teaching us to meet patients where they are and acknowledging that everyone has different needs,” said Cole. “This allows us to be better providers because we have the understanding that we are working for a bigger purpose.”

Through their work at the James, they are contributing to worldwide efforts to reduce the devastation that cancer brings. Their compassion and dedication reflect a commitment to serve others and care for patients well.

�۶�app graduates bring compassion to cancer care

“Cedarville not only prepared me well academically but also prepared me to be a light to those facing a difficult and dark world,” said Gardilcic-Landrum. “I have been so encouraged by the patients I’ve been able to encounter and the ways I’ve been able to practice empathy and care for them. Cedarville prepared me to see each patient as a whole [person] and care for them in that way.”

About �۶�app

�۶�app, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.