Sylvester Designated by Florida as a Cancer Center of Excellence for the Third Time

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has again met the high standards set forth by the State of Florida to be designated a Cancer Center of Excellence.

Sylvester is one of four institutions in the state, and the only one in South Florida, to have earned this honor three times. Since the program’s inception in 2015, Sylvester has been recognized as a Cancer Center of Excellence, meeting the rating standards created by a joint committee of members from the Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council and the Biomedical Research Advisory Council, two advisory groups mandated by the Florida Legislature.

“On behalf of the physicians, scientists, nurses and staff at Sylvester, we are honored to receive this designation, which speaks to our continuing commitment to provide exceptional cancer care. Each day, we strive to make discoveries that generate new cures for cancer, prolong the lives of our patients and improve the quality of life for those undergoing treatment and those surviving with a cancer diagnosis,” said Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D.

The Cancer Center of Excellence designation recognizes hospitals, treatment centers, and other providers who follow evidence-based strategies for prevention, detection and control of cancer. The designation also recognizes centers that provide training to help clinicians and clinician-scientists provide high quality care for cancer patients in Florida.

Other goals of the program include attracting the best cancer care providers to the state, and providing an outstanding patient experience, so that Florida will be widely recognized nationally as a preferred destination for quality cancer care and research.

“Sylvester attained national recognition when we earned National Cancer Institute designation in July 2019. There are only two NCI-designated cancer centers in Florida and Sylvester is the only one in South Florida,” said Barbara Vance, Ph.D., assistant vice president and associate director of administration.

In a letter announcing the renewal of Sylvester’s designation, Courtney F. Coppola, chief of staff of the Florida Department of Health, wrote, “I congratulate you on this important achievement, which reflects your organization’s commitment to excellence by providing quality, comprehensive and patient-centered coordinated care.” She also commended Sylvester for “dedication in providing excellence that will benefit the health of all people in Florida.”

Tags: Cancer Center of Excellence, Dr. Barbara Vance, Dr. Stephen Nimer, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center