The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons has granted Three-Year Approval with Commendation to the cancer program at the Regional Medical Center.

A facility receives a Three-Year Approval with Commendation following the on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor, during which the facility demonstrates a commendation level of compliance with one or more standards that represent the full scope of the cancer program, including cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, research, community outreach and quality improvement. In addition, a facility receives a compliance rating for all other standards.

An integral part of RMC's cancer program is the H. Filmore Mabry Center for Cancer Care, an outpatient treatment facility featuring intensity modulated radiation therapy, chemotherapy and clinical trials. The Mabry Center is under the leadership of Dr. Chris Brunson, director of medical oncology, and Dr. Hugh Merriman, director of radiation oncology.

RMC's Cancer Committee, a team of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians and social workers, meets quarterly to review and evaluate the overall cancer program with a goal of assuring that the best comprehensive care is being offered to patients. Additionally, Cancer Conferences for physicians and ancillary staff members are held monthly -- cancer cases are presented, and the physician group reviews these cases and learns about the latest treatments available.

Established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons, the CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education and the monitoring of comprehensive, quality care. Its membership includes Fellows of the American College of Surgeons and 40 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of cancer care.

Receiving care at a CoC-approved cancer program ensures that a patient will have access to comprehensive care; a multispecialty team approach; information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options; access to cancer-related information, education and support; a cancer registry that collects data and offers lifelong patient follow-up and ongoing monitoring; and quality care close to home.

Through a partnership with the American Cancer Society, the CoC provides the public with information on the resources, services and cancer treatment experience for each CoC-approved cancer program. This information is available online at www.cancer.org and by calling 1-800-ACS-2345.

For more information about the Commission on Cancer, visit www.facs.org/cancer/index.html.

Special to The T&D

You must be logged in to comment.