The Tate Cancer Center at UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center Earns National Recognition for Excellence in Treating Pancreatic Cancer
Glen Burnie, MD – The Tate Cancer Center at University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UM BWMC) has been recognized by the National Pancreas Foundation (NPF) as an approved NPF Academic Center of Excellence for pancreatic cancer. NPF Centers are institutions that focus on a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of pancreatic cancer, treating the "whole patient" with an emphasis on the best possible outcomes and an improved quality of life.
"We are honored that the Tate Cancer Center has been designated as NPF Center for treatment of pancreatic cancer," said Dr. Neel Vibhakar, Chief Medical Officer and Interim President and CEO of UM BWMC. "This NPF Center designation underscores the high quality, innovative care that the Tate Cancer Center provides to our community."
Approved NFP Centers of Excellence go through an extensive auditing process to determine if they meet the criteria developed by task force of pancreatic cancer experts and patient advocates. The criteria includes having required expert physician specialties such as advanced gastroenterologists, pancreas surgeons and interventional radiologists, along with more patient focused programs such as a pain management service, psychosocial support and more.
"We are thrilled to expand our NPF Centers of Excellence Program to better serve the needs of patients suffering from pancreas disease,"said David Bakelman, CEO of the National Pancreas Foundation. "The NPF Centers of Excellence Program is one of the pillars of NPF, and we are looking forward to working with our approved centers." As part of the University of Maryland Cancer Network, the Tate Cancer Center at UM BWMC joins fellow Network members, UM Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center and UM St. Joseph Medical Center's Cancer Institute, as three of the four NPF Centers of Excellence in the state of Maryland.
"I am delighted that the Tate Cancer Center was recognized by NPF as an Academic Center of Excellence for Pancreatic Cancer," said Cherif Boutros, MD, MSc, FACS, FACG, medical director of the Tate Cancer Center. "The academic designation reflects institutions that have a focus on research and clinical trials for patients with pancreatic cancer. In addition, Tate Cancer Center is a pioneer in minimally invasive cancer care in Maryland. As a NPF Center of Excellence, patients and families have assurance that their care meets the highest standards."
For more information about the Tate Cancer Center, please visit umbwmc.org/cancer.
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About University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center
Located in Glen Burnie, Maryland, UM BWMC is an acute-care facility that is part of the University of Maryland Medical System. The medical center has 285 beds and more than 3,500 team members. It also has 1,000 physicians on staff in over 50 specialties.
About The National Pancreas Foundation
Founded in 1997, the National Pancreas Foundation provides hope for those suffering from pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer through funding cutting-edge research, advocating for new and better therapies and providing support and education for patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. The NPF is the only foundation dedicated to patients suffering from all forms of pancreas disease. For more information visit: www.pancreasfoundation.org