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GBMC Oncology Program Receives
American College of Surgeons Recognition

Commission On Cancer Grants Hospital Three-Year Approval With Commendation   

BALTIMORE, Md. – August 9, 2006 – Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s oncology program has received a “Three-Year Approval With Commendation” from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.  GBMC was commended, among other areas, for its “impressive” involvement in clinical trials and “very active outreach program.”

This marks the second prestigious recognition for GBMC’s oncology program, following last month’s announcement that GBMC was ranked among the top 50 in the country according to the U.S. News & World Report "America's Best Hospitals" list, making GBMC the only acute care community hospital in Maryland ranked in any specialty.

“On behalf of all of our medical and professional staff, I am extremely pleased to again be recognized for the greater care we provide to our cancer patients,” said Gary Cohen, M.D., medical director of GBMC’s Cancer Center. An estimated 80 percent of all newly diagnosed cancer patients nationwide are treated in a cancer facility approved by the Commission on Cancer (CoC).

Established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons (ACoS), 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 monitoring of comprehensive, quality care.  Its membership includes Fellows of the ACoS and 40 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of cancer care.

“Being granted the highest possible approval is another example of the quality, university-level care we are providing,” said Laurie Mead, GBMC’s vice president of oncology. “Our state-of-the-art equipment is second to none and offering a multidisciplinary team approach ensures the best treatment options for patients.” 

GBMC’s cancer program underwent a rigorous on-site and paperwork evaluation by the CoC and complied with all 36 standards, receiving commendation in five areas.  Among the areas noted were the hospital’s clinical trials program, which in calendar year 2005 enrolled 128 patients in 58 different trials, and its screening program, which in FY 2006 offered 13 screenings for 231 individuals.  GBMC also maintains a cancer registry and database.

About GBMC
GBMC includes Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC), Central Maryland’s leading community hospital; Hospice of Baltimore, which provides comfort and care to patients with life-limiting illnesses; the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Community Health Center, which offers comprehensive health and family services to the residents of East Baltimore; and the GBMC Foundation, which supports the GBMC mission by managing fundraising efforts.  The 292-bed Medical Center, located on a beautiful suburban campus, serves nearly 22,000 inpatients annually and provides approximately 50,000 emergency room visits. For more information, go to www.gbmc.org.

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