What to Know about MD Anderson's Mays Clinic Cancer Care
A Guide to Care at the Mays Clinic
Navigating a cancer diagnosis is one of life’s most challenging journeys. If your treatment plan includes visits to the Mays Clinic at MD Anderson Cancer Center, you are entering one of the world's most advanced outpatient facilities. Unlike the main hospital building, which focuses heavily on inpatient care and surgery, the Mays Clinic is a hub for specialized outpatient services, including the renowned Breast Center, diagnostic imaging, and radiation oncology.
However, the sheer size of the Texas Medical Center can be overwhelming. From finding the correct parking garage to securing a comfortable place to stay for weeks or months, the logistics can add unnecessary stress to your treatment.
At Luxurway, we specialize in providing private, fully furnished homes for MD Anderson patients. We understand that after a long day of appointments, you need more than a hotel room, you need a home. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Mays Clinic, ensuring your focus remains where it belongs: on your health and recovery.
Featured Luxury Homes Near MD Anderson
Handpicked private estates ideal for extended stays near the Texas Medical Center.
Table of Contents
Mays Clinic at a Glance (Quick Reference)
For patients in a rush, here are the essential facts you need to know before you head out the door.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Address | 1220 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 |
| Main Functions | Outpatient care, Breast Center, Diagnostic Imaging, Radiation Oncology, Cancer Prevention. |
| Best Parking | Mays Clinic Garage (Entrance 5 on Bertner Ave) or Valet (Entrance 7). |
| Connected Buildings | Connected via Skybridge to the Main Building and Duncan Building. |
| Best Housing | Luxurway Private Rentals (1–3 miles away). Avoids high-traffic hotel lobbies. |
What is the Mays Clinic?
The Lowry and Peggy Mays Clinic, opened in 2006, is a separate building from the Main Building (Alkek Hospital), though they are connected via a skybridge system. It was designed specifically to separate outpatient services from inpatient hospital activities, creating a more streamlined and less clinical environment for patients coming in for daily treatments or consultations.
Architecture Designed for Healing
The Mays Clinic is known for its "Tree Sculpture" in the lobby and ample natural light. The design philosophy was to create a calming atmosphere that reduces the "hospital feel." You will find:
The Tree of Life: A massive sculpture in the atrium that serves as a common meeting point.
Compassionate Amenities: The site includes a café, a pharmacy, and the "Place ... of wellness" which offers complementary therapies like yoga and massage for patients.
How it Differs from the Main Building
Main Building (1515 Holcombe): Primarily for surgeries, inpatient stays (overnight), and emergency care.
Mays Clinic (1220 Holcombe): Primarily for diagnostics (CT/MRI), chemotherapy infusions, radiation therapy, and clinic appointments.
Key Departments and Services
The Mays Clinic houses several critical centers. Knowing which building your appointment is in is vital, as walking from the Main Building to the Mays Clinic can take 15–20 minutes for those with limited mobility.
1. The Nellie B. Connally Breast Center
One of the largest centers within the Mays Clinic, this department offers multidisciplinary care for breast cancer patients. It allows patients to see surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists often in a single visit, reducing the need for multiple trips.
2. Diagnostic Imaging Center
If your schedule says "DI" or "Imaging," you will likely be here. This center is equipped with state-of-the-art MRI, CT, and PET scan machines.
Tip: Imaging appointments can run long. Bring a sweater (it is often cold) and a book or tablet.
3. Radiation Oncology
Located on the lower levels, this department uses advanced linear accelerators for precision radiation therapy. Because radiation treatments often require daily visits for 4–6 weeks, convenience and parking become major factors in your daily routine.
4. Cancer Prevention Center
Focused on screening and early detection, this center is for individuals who may have a high genetic risk or need preventive check-ups.
Navigating the Mays Clinic: Parking & Valet
Parking in the Texas Medical Center is notorious for being confusing. The Mays Clinic has its own dedicated parking infrastructure, which is distinct from the Main Building’s "Garage 10."
Self-Parking: The Mays Clinic Garage
Entrance: Entrance 5, located on Bertner Avenue (not Holcombe Blvd).
Navigation: From Holcombe Blvd, turn onto Bertner Ave. Look for the signs for "Mays Clinic / Garage."
Cost: Rates vary by duration, typically capped at around $12–$15 per day (prices subject to change).
Best For: Patients who are mobile and want to save money compared to valet.
Valet Parking
Entrance: Entrance 7, accessible via the driveway off Holcombe Blvd or Pressler St.
Cost: Slightly higher than self-parking (approx $15–$25), but often worth it for patients with low energy or mobility issues.
Tip: Flat-rate parking cards (SmartChips) are available at the parking office for long-term patients, offering significant savings.
Read More: MD Anderson Places to Stay, Facilities, Parking for Visitors
Preparing for Your First Visit
Your first appointment at the Mays Clinic will likely be a consultation or a diagnostic day. To ensure it runs smoothly, preparation is key.
What to Bring Checklist
Medical Records: Physical copies of discs/scans if they haven't been digitally transferred yet.
Medication List: A printed list of all current dosages.
Comfort Items: The clinic is kept cool to protect equipment. Bring a warm blanket or hoodie.
Snacks/Water: While there are cafes (like the bistro on Floor 2), appointments can run late, and having water on hand is essential.
Notebook: You will receive a lot of information. Write down questions before you enter the room.
The "MyChart" App
MD Anderson uses MyChart for all schedules and test results. Download this app before you arrive. It frequently updates with "Wayfinding" maps that can guide you turn-by-turn inside the building.
Read More: Tips for your MD Anderson visit as a patient or family member
Where to Stay: Housing Options Near Mays Clinic
If your treatment at the Mays Clinic involves daily radiation or regular chemotherapy, you may be in Houston for several weeks or months. Choosing the right accommodation is just as important as choosing the right doctor.
While directories like Joe’s House list various hotels and discounted motels, many patients find that extended stays in hotels lack the privacy, space, and sanitation required for immunocompromised individuals.
Why Luxurway is the Preferred Choice for Mays Clinic Patients
Luxurway offers private, fully furnished single-family homes and spacious apartments specifically curated for medical patients. Here is how we compare to standard hotel options:
1. Proximity to Mays Clinic
Our properties are located in the immediate vicinity of the Texas Medical Center (Braeswood, Rice Village, Museum District). Most are a short 5–10 minute drive to the Mays Clinic valet drop-off.
Avoid the Highway: Our locations allow you to take surface streets, avoiding the stress of Houston freeway traffic.
2. Private Kitchens for Dietary Needs
Chemotherapy often changes your appetite or requires strict dietary restrictions.
Hotels: Mini-fridges and microwaves limit your ability to eat healthy.
Luxurway: Full gourmet kitchens allow caregivers to prepare fresh, specific meals that aid in recovery.
3. Immune-Friendly Environments
In a hotel, you share elevators, lobbies, and HVAC systems with hundreds of travelers.
Luxurway: You rent a private home. No shared lobbies, no crowded elevators, and control over your own environment. This is critical for patients with low white blood cell counts.
4. Space for Caregivers
Treatment is rarely a solo journey. Family members need space to work, relax, and sleep without disturbing the patient. Our homes feature multiple bedrooms, private backyards, and spacious living areas.
Comprehensive Support for Your Mays Clinic Visit
The Mays Clinic at MD Anderson represents the pinnacle of cancer care, designed to make outpatient treatment as effective and comfortable as possible. By understanding the layout, planning your parking strategy, and securing the right environment for your rest and recovery, you can remove the logistical burdens of your journey.
Your focus should be on healing. Let us handle the housing.
If you want a private, furnished home for an extended stay in Houston, explore current availability:
Parking at MD Anderson
This video provides a visual guide to the parking options at MD Anderson, which is helpful for first-time visitors trying to navigate the complex garage system near the Mays Clinic.