September 4, 2015
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, along with the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, has been nationally recognized among only 30 hospitals in the United States, and is the only adult hospital in Ohio, to earn designation as a Pancreas Center of Excellence by the National Pancreas Foundation (NPF). NPF Centers must pass a rigorous audit review to determine the hospital’s focus on multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
“We are proud of this major achievement that demonstrates we are one of the most comprehensive pancreatic disorders clinics in the country,” said Dr. Darwin Conwell, director of the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. “We congratulate Dr. Phil Hart, director of pancreatic disorders, and Dr. Tanios Bekaii-Saab, director of gastrointestinal oncology at Ohio State James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, who lead this multidisciplinary program.”
Criteria for being named an NPF Center include: having the required physician specialties such as gastroenterologists, pancreas surgeons, interventional radiologists and a gastrointestinal pathologist; patient support services such as pain management, nutrition and psychosocial support and access to clinical trials.
“Our center is even more robust than the minimal NPF requirements, housing a unique multidisciplinary pancreatic disorders clinic that includes gastrointestinal oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology and advanced abdominal imaging,” Conwell said.
“NPF Center designation helps distinguish institutions whose focus is on patient-centered care. These institutions seek to advance research and lead the way for heightened awareness of pancreatitis and related conditions,” said Dr. Christopher E. Forsmark, a member of the NPF Task Force that developed the criteria for designation.
Conwell said, over time, more hospitals will work to achieve this level of excellence and improve pancreatic disease management across the nation, while helping to preserve value and ensure quality and safety.
“We’re grateful to the entire team of health care providers and researchers who work together to improve the lives of our patients and families suffering with pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer,” Conwell said.”
The NPF is a patient advocacy group and the only foundation dedicated to patients living with all forms of pancreas disease.
For a complete list of NPF Centers, go to: https://www.pancreasfoundation.org/patient-information/npf-centers/.
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Media Contact: Marti Leitch
Wexner Medical Center Media Relations
614-293-3737