Uvalde Memorial Hospital has secured a temporary medical oncologist for the Kate Marmion Regional Cancer Center through February 2027 while the hospital searches for a permanent replacement for Dr. Matthew R. Peterson.

Dr. Hilal M. Fanasch Dr. Hilal M. Fanasch began seeing patients Aug. 17, the first business day after Peterson's Aug. 14 departure, and will provide coverage Monday through Wednesday.

The hospital has been recruiting for a permanent medical oncologist for several months but does not have a definitive timeline for filling the position, UMH marketing and public relations manager Sammi Raley told the Leader-News.