National Commission on Cancer Approves Marin Cancer Institute; Recognizes Program With Nine out of Nine Possible Commendations
The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons has awarded three-year approval status and nine out of nine possible commendations to the Marin Cancer Institute, the community cancer program operated by Marin General Hospital since 1992.
A nationally recognized organization that surveys cancer programs, the CoC calls approval a way to ensure that patients will receive comprehensive care, a team approach to best-treatment options, information about ongoing clinical trials, and most importantly quality care close to home.
Only about 25 percent of the country’s 1,500 cancer programs are presently approved by the CoC. Receiving nine out of nine possible commendations makes the Institute eligible for a CoC Outstanding Achievement Award, an honor bestowed on only 2 percent of approved programs, said Dr. Lloyd Miyawaki, Medical Director of the Marin Cancer Institute. Outstanding Achievement Awards will be announced by the CoC next March.
“CoC approval acknowledges that a cancer program has the highest quality standards, as well as expertly trained staff and a caring and supporting environment,” said Linda Tavaszi, Executive Director, Physician Services and the Marin Cancer & Heart Institutes at Marin General Hospital. “All of these factors contribute to positive clinical outcomes and to the physical and emotional well-being of the patient and family.”
The areas in which the CoC recognized the Marin Cancer Institute with the nine commendations were:
• Cancer Committee Leadership.
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• Cancer Data Management and Cancer Registry Operations (two commendations).
• Clinical Management (two commendations).
• Research.
• Community Outreach.
• Professional Education and Staff Support.
• Quality Improvement.
“These commendations speak to the caliber of care we provide and the environment in which we treat our patients,” Miyawaki said. “We pride ourselves not only on our university-level expertise, but on forming personal relationships with our patients in a setting that is close to home and convenient.”
The CoC‘s approval followed an all-day session at the Institute May 15. Two physician surveyors of the CoC met with about 40 Marin Cancer Institute team members, including MCI’s Cancer Committee.
According to the Commission, “Approval by the CoC is given only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to the highest level of quality cancer care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance.”
Chuck Prosper, CAO of Marin General Hospital, said, “We know that the Marin Cancer Institute is one of the finest programs of its kind, where the very latest in diagnostic tools and treatment options are combined with a caring, personal approach. The CoC's approval is an unbiased, third-party confirmation of this quality – a mark of excellence. It also underscores the professionalism and dedication of all the physicians, staff and volunteers who care for our cancer patients.”
The Commission on Cancer is a consortium of professional organizations in the field of cancer dedicated to improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients through the setting of standards, prevention, research, education and the monitoring of comprehensive, quality care.
The Marin Cancer Institute is a leader in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, supportive care and follow-up of all forms of cancer. Complementary therapies are also offered. Two of the Institute’s signature programs are its Breast Health Program and Prostate Cancer Program. Patients come from throughout the Bay Area and the nation.