Breastfeeding may reduce a woman’s risk of developing diabetes, with a prospective cohort study showing a strong, inverse association between lactation duration and risk of diabetes.

In a report published in the Jan. 16 online edition of JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers analyzed data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development Study in Young Adults (CARDIA), which followed 1,238 women aged 18-30 for 30 years, with multiple assessments of glucose tolerance over the course of the study.

copyright lokisurina/Thinkstock

SOURCE: JAMA Intern Med. 2016 Jan 16. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2017.7978.

Breastfeeding may reduce a woman’s risk of developing diabetes, with a prospective cohort study showing a strong, inverse association between lactation duration and risk of diabetes.

In a report published in the Jan. 16 online edition of JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers analyzed data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development Study in Young Adults (CARDIA), which followed 1,238 women aged 18-30 for 30 years, with multiple assessments of glucose tolerance over the course of the study.

copyright lokisurina/Thinkstock

SOURCE: JAMA Intern Med. 2016 Jan 16. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2017.7978.

Breastfeeding may reduce a woman’s risk of developing diabetes, with a prospective cohort study showing a strong, inverse association between lactation duration and risk of diabetes.

In a report published in the Jan. 16 online edition of JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers analyzed data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development Study in Young Adults (CARDIA), which followed 1,238 women aged 18-30 for 30 years, with multiple assessments of glucose tolerance over the course of the study.

copyright lokisurina/Thinkstock

SOURCE: JAMA Intern Med. 2016 Jan 16. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2017.7978.

Photo courtesy of Baxalta

The European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorization for rurioctocog alfa pegol (Adynovi).

Rurioctocog alfa pegol (formerly BAX 855) is a pegylated, full-length, recombinant factor VIII product built on a previously licensed recombinant factor VIII product (Advate).

Rurioctocog alfa pegol is now EC-approved for on-demand and prophylactic use in patients age 12 and older with hemophilia A.

With the EC’s approval, Shire is authorized to market rurioctocog alfa pegol in all member states of the European Union as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

The marketing authorization for rurioctocog alfa pegol is based on outcomes from three phase 3 trials—a study of adolescents and adults, a trial of patients undergoing surgical procedures, and a study of pediatric patients.

Trial of adolescents/adults

This study included 137 patients, ages 12 to 58, with previously treated hemophilia A.  They were assigned to either twice-weekly prophylaxis (40-50 IU/kg, n=120) or on-demand treatment (10-60 IU/kg, n=17) with rurioctocog alfa pegol. One hundred and twenty-six patients completed the study.

Patients who received prophylaxis had a 90% reduction in annualized bleeding rate (ABR) compared to those who received on-demand treatment. The median ABR was 1.9 in the prophylactic arm and 41.5 in the on-demand arm.

There were 7 adverse events (occurring in 6 patients) that were considered possibly related to rurioctocog alfa pegol. These included diarrhea, nausea, headache, and flushing.

These results were published in Blood in July 2015.

Perioperative study

This study included 15 patients with severe hemophilia A who were undergoing surgical procedures (11 of them major and 4 minor).

The patients received rurioctocog alfa pegol at varying doses and schedules, depending on each patient’s pharmacokinetic profile for major procedures or rurioctocog alfa pegol incremental recovery for minor procedures.

Intra-operative and peri-operative hemostatic efficacy of rurioctocog alfa pegol was deemed “excellent” for all 15 patients. The “excellent” rating meant that blood loss was less than or equal to that expected for the type of procedure performed in a non-hemophilic population.

Post-operatively (day 1 after the procedure), hemostatic efficacy was rated “good” for 1 procedure and “excellent” for the rest. The “good” rating meant that post-operative blood loss was up to 50% more than expected for the type of procedure performed in a non-hemophilic population.

There were no treatment-related adverse events or signs of immunogenicity in this trial.

Results were published in Haemophilia in June 2016.

Pediatric trial

This study included 66 patients, ages 1 to 11, who had previously treated hemophilia A. They received twice-weekly prophylaxis with rurioctocog alfa pegol (50 ± 10 IU/kg) for at least 6 months or 50 exposure days, whichever occurred last.

The median ABR was 2.0, and 38% of patients did not have any bleeding episodes.

None of the patients developed inhibitory antibodies, and there were no treatment-related adverse events.

Results from this trial were presented at the World Federation of Hemophilia 2016 World Congress in July 2016 and published in Haemophilia in November 2016.

Photo courtesy of Baxalta

The European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorization for rurioctocog alfa pegol (Adynovi).

Rurioctocog alfa pegol (formerly BAX 855) is a pegylated, full-length, recombinant factor VIII product built on a previously licensed recombinant factor VIII product (Advate).

Rurioctocog alfa pegol is now EC-approved for on-demand and prophylactic use in patients age 12 and older with hemophilia A.

With the EC’s approval, Shire is authorized to market rurioctocog alfa pegol in all member states of the European Union as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

The marketing authorization for rurioctocog alfa pegol is based on outcomes from three phase 3 trials—a study of adolescents and adults, a trial of patients undergoing surgical procedures, and a study of pediatric patients.

Trial of adolescents/adults

This study included 137 patients, ages 12 to 58, with previously treated hemophilia A.  They were assigned to either twice-weekly prophylaxis (40-50 IU/kg, n=120) or on-demand treatment (10-60 IU/kg, n=17) with rurioctocog alfa pegol. One hundred and twenty-six patients completed the study.

Patients who received prophylaxis had a 90% reduction in annualized bleeding rate (ABR) compared to those who received on-demand treatment. The median ABR was 1.9 in the prophylactic arm and 41.5 in the on-demand arm.

There were 7 adverse events (occurring in 6 patients) that were considered possibly related to rurioctocog alfa pegol. These included diarrhea, nausea, headache, and flushing.

These results were published in Blood in July 2015.

Perioperative study

This study included 15 patients with severe hemophilia A who were undergoing surgical procedures (11 of them major and 4 minor).

The patients received rurioctocog alfa pegol at varying doses and schedules, depending on each patient’s pharmacokinetic profile for major procedures or rurioctocog alfa pegol incremental recovery for minor procedures.

Intra-operative and peri-operative hemostatic efficacy of rurioctocog alfa pegol was deemed “excellent” for all 15 patients. The “excellent” rating meant that blood loss was less than or equal to that expected for the type of procedure performed in a non-hemophilic population.

Post-operatively (day 1 after the procedure), hemostatic efficacy was rated “good” for 1 procedure and “excellent” for the rest. The “good” rating meant that post-operative blood loss was up to 50% more than expected for the type of procedure performed in a non-hemophilic population.

There were no treatment-related adverse events or signs of immunogenicity in this trial.

Results were published in Haemophilia in June 2016.

Pediatric trial

This study included 66 patients, ages 1 to 11, who had previously treated hemophilia A. They received twice-weekly prophylaxis with rurioctocog alfa pegol (50 ± 10 IU/kg) for at least 6 months or 50 exposure days, whichever occurred last.

The median ABR was 2.0, and 38% of patients did not have any bleeding episodes.

None of the patients developed inhibitory antibodies, and there were no treatment-related adverse events.

Results from this trial were presented at the World Federation of Hemophilia 2016 World Congress in July 2016 and published in Haemophilia in November 2016.

Photo courtesy of Baxalta

The European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorization for rurioctocog alfa pegol (Adynovi).

Rurioctocog alfa pegol (formerly BAX 855) is a pegylated, full-length, recombinant factor VIII product built on a previously licensed recombinant factor VIII product (Advate).

Rurioctocog alfa pegol is now EC-approved for on-demand and prophylactic use in patients age 12 and older with hemophilia A.

With the EC’s approval, Shire is authorized to market rurioctocog alfa pegol in all member states of the European Union as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

The marketing authorization for rurioctocog alfa pegol is based on outcomes from three phase 3 trials—a study of adolescents and adults, a trial of patients undergoing surgical procedures, and a study of pediatric patients.

Trial of adolescents/adults

This study included 137 patients, ages 12 to 58, with previously treated hemophilia A.  They were assigned to either twice-weekly prophylaxis (40-50 IU/kg, n=120) or on-demand treatment (10-60 IU/kg, n=17) with rurioctocog alfa pegol. One hundred and twenty-six patients completed the study.

Patients who received prophylaxis had a 90% reduction in annualized bleeding rate (ABR) compared to those who received on-demand treatment. The median ABR was 1.9 in the prophylactic arm and 41.5 in the on-demand arm.

There were 7 adverse events (occurring in 6 patients) that were considered possibly related to rurioctocog alfa pegol. These included diarrhea, nausea, headache, and flushing.

These results were published in Blood in July 2015.

Perioperative study

This study included 15 patients with severe hemophilia A who were undergoing surgical procedures (11 of them major and 4 minor).

The patients received rurioctocog alfa pegol at varying doses and schedules, depending on each patient’s pharmacokinetic profile for major procedures or rurioctocog alfa pegol incremental recovery for minor procedures.

Intra-operative and peri-operative hemostatic efficacy of rurioctocog alfa pegol was deemed “excellent” for all 15 patients. The “excellent” rating meant that blood loss was less than or equal to that expected for the type of procedure performed in a non-hemophilic population.

Post-operatively (day 1 after the procedure), hemostatic efficacy was rated “good” for 1 procedure and “excellent” for the rest. The “good” rating meant that post-operative blood loss was up to 50% more than expected for the type of procedure performed in a non-hemophilic population.

There were no treatment-related adverse events or signs of immunogenicity in this trial.

Results were published in Haemophilia in June 2016.

Pediatric trial

This study included 66 patients, ages 1 to 11, who had previously treated hemophilia A. They received twice-weekly prophylaxis with rurioctocog alfa pegol (50 ± 10 IU/kg) for at least 6 months or 50 exposure days, whichever occurred last.

The median ABR was 2.0, and 38% of patients did not have any bleeding episodes.

None of the patients developed inhibitory antibodies, and there were no treatment-related adverse events.

Results from this trial were presented at the World Federation of Hemophilia 2016 World Congress in July 2016 and published in Haemophilia in November 2016.

Photo by Esther Dyson

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it is taking new steps to improve public access to clinical trial information.

The agency is launching a pilot program to evaluate whether releasing portions of clinical study reports (CSRs) will improve public access to drug approval information.

The FDA is also planning to add NCT numbers to FDA materials to make it easier to match listings on ClinicalTrials.gov to FDA communications.

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, noted that, when a drug is approved, the FDA releases certain information the agency used when reviewing the new drug application (NDA).

This includes summaries written by medical reviewers that capture their assessment of the data, the proposed labeling or other requirements, and other data supporting safe and effective use. This information is included in the drug approvals database, Drugs@FDA.

Dr Gottlieb said these summaries are packaged in a format that can sometimes make it difficult for external audiences to extract all of the detailed clinical evidence that supported the FDA’s approval decisions.

Therefore, the agency is launching a pilot program to evaluate whether disclosing certain information included in CSRs will provide stakeholders with more details on the clinical evidence supporting a drug application and more transparency into the FDA’s decision-making process.

The FDA plans to select up to 9 recently approved NDAs whose sponsors will provide portions of CSRs from trials that were submitted to the FDA.

The CSRs will be posted on a new web page on the FDA’s website that describes the pilot program, in addition to appearing on Drugs@FDA along with the drug’s approval information.

The pilot will begin this month. The FDA will soon begin contacting sponsors to see if they are interested in participating in the pilot.

The agency will provide participating sponsors with additional information to ensure their understanding of the process. The FDA also promises to protect patient privacy, trade secret, and confidential commercial information in the CSRs it releases.

Once the pilot program is complete, the FDA will seek public feedback through a Federal Register notice and docket for public comments.

To augment the CSR pilot, the FDA is adding NCT numbers to materials for future drug approvals.

The agency believes this will make it easier to associate listings on ClinicalTrials.gov with FDA communications about specific drugs, including product labeling and advisory committee meeting materials.

Photo by Esther Dyson

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it is taking new steps to improve public access to clinical trial information.

The agency is launching a pilot program to evaluate whether releasing portions of clinical study reports (CSRs) will improve public access to drug approval information.

The FDA is also planning to add NCT numbers to FDA materials to make it easier to match listings on ClinicalTrials.gov to FDA communications.

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, noted that, when a drug is approved, the FDA releases certain information the agency used when reviewing the new drug application (NDA).

This includes summaries written by medical reviewers that capture their assessment of the data, the proposed labeling or other requirements, and other data supporting safe and effective use. This information is included in the drug approvals database, Drugs@FDA.

Dr Gottlieb said these summaries are packaged in a format that can sometimes make it difficult for external audiences to extract all of the detailed clinical evidence that supported the FDA’s approval decisions.

Therefore, the agency is launching a pilot program to evaluate whether disclosing certain information included in CSRs will provide stakeholders with more details on the clinical evidence supporting a drug application and more transparency into the FDA’s decision-making process.

The FDA plans to select up to 9 recently approved NDAs whose sponsors will provide portions of CSRs from trials that were submitted to the FDA.

The CSRs will be posted on a new web page on the FDA’s website that describes the pilot program, in addition to appearing on Drugs@FDA along with the drug’s approval information.

The pilot will begin this month. The FDA will soon begin contacting sponsors to see if they are interested in participating in the pilot.

The agency will provide participating sponsors with additional information to ensure their understanding of the process. The FDA also promises to protect patient privacy, trade secret, and confidential commercial information in the CSRs it releases.

Once the pilot program is complete, the FDA will seek public feedback through a Federal Register notice and docket for public comments.

To augment the CSR pilot, the FDA is adding NCT numbers to materials for future drug approvals.

The agency believes this will make it easier to associate listings on ClinicalTrials.gov with FDA communications about specific drugs, including product labeling and advisory committee meeting materials.

Photo by Esther Dyson

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it is taking new steps to improve public access to clinical trial information.

The agency is launching a pilot program to evaluate whether releasing portions of clinical study reports (CSRs) will improve public access to drug approval information.

The FDA is also planning to add NCT numbers to FDA materials to make it easier to match listings on ClinicalTrials.gov to FDA communications.

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, noted that, when a drug is approved, the FDA releases certain information the agency used when reviewing the new drug application (NDA).

This includes summaries written by medical reviewers that capture their assessment of the data, the proposed labeling or other requirements, and other data supporting safe and effective use. This information is included in the drug approvals database, Drugs@FDA.

Dr Gottlieb said these summaries are packaged in a format that can sometimes make it difficult for external audiences to extract all of the detailed clinical evidence that supported the FDA’s approval decisions.

Therefore, the agency is launching a pilot program to evaluate whether disclosing certain information included in CSRs will provide stakeholders with more details on the clinical evidence supporting a drug application and more transparency into the FDA’s decision-making process.

The FDA plans to select up to 9 recently approved NDAs whose sponsors will provide portions of CSRs from trials that were submitted to the FDA.

The CSRs will be posted on a new web page on the FDA’s website that describes the pilot program, in addition to appearing on Drugs@FDA along with the drug’s approval information.

The pilot will begin this month. The FDA will soon begin contacting sponsors to see if they are interested in participating in the pilot.

The agency will provide participating sponsors with additional information to ensure their understanding of the process. The FDA also promises to protect patient privacy, trade secret, and confidential commercial information in the CSRs it releases.

Once the pilot program is complete, the FDA will seek public feedback through a Federal Register notice and docket for public comments.

To augment the CSR pilot, the FDA is adding NCT numbers to materials for future drug approvals.

The agency believes this will make it easier to associate listings on ClinicalTrials.gov with FDA communications about specific drugs, including product labeling and advisory committee meeting materials.

Photo from Tesaro

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Tesaro, Inc., have updated the prescribing information for Varubi® (rolapitant) injectable emulsion to include a new warning about the risk of allergic reactions.

Varubi injectable emulsion is a substance P/neurokinin receptor antagonist approved to prevent delayed nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy in adults.

Since Varubi injectable emulsion gained FDA approval, there have been reports of anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, and other serious hypersensitivity reactions to the drug, some of which required hospitalization.

Now, the labeling for Varubi injectable emulsion has been changed to include information about these events. The changes include modifications to the CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS, and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections of the label.

Since Varubi injectable emulsion was introduced to the US market in late November 2017, at least 7000 doses of the drug have been administered to patients receiving emetogenic chemotherapy in the US, according to Tesaro.

Anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, and other serious hypersensitivity reactions have occurred during or soon after the infusion of Varubi. Most reactions have occurred within the first few minutes of administration.

The FDA has advised that patients who are hypersensitive to any component of Varubi injectable emulsion (including soybean oil) do not receive the drug. And patients with known allergies to legumes or other related allergens should be monitored closely.

The FDA said healthcare professionals should be vigilant for signs of hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis in all patients receiving Varubi injectable emulsion, both during administration and afterward.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives, flushing, itching, abdominal cramping, abdominal pain, vomiting, back pain, chest pain, hypotension, and shock.

If anaphylaxis or any other serious hypersensitivity/infusion reaction occurs, Varubi injectable emulsion should be stopped immediately and permanently. The patient should receive appropriate medical management, including epinephrine and/or antihistamines.

To ensure patients and healthcare professionals are aware of the label update to Varubi injectable emulsion, Tesaro has issued a Dear Healthcare Professional letter. In addition, the updated prescribing information has been posted on the Varubi website.

For any questions about the use of Varubi injectable emulsion or to report adverse events related to the drug, contact Tesaro’s medical information department at 1-844-4-TESARO (1-844-483-7276).

Adverse events related to Varubi should also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

Photo from Tesaro

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Tesaro, Inc., have updated the prescribing information for Varubi® (rolapitant) injectable emulsion to include a new warning about the risk of allergic reactions.

Varubi injectable emulsion is a substance P/neurokinin receptor antagonist approved to prevent delayed nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy in adults.

Since Varubi injectable emulsion gained FDA approval, there have been reports of anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, and other serious hypersensitivity reactions to the drug, some of which required hospitalization.

Now, the labeling for Varubi injectable emulsion has been changed to include information about these events. The changes include modifications to the CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS, and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections of the label.

Since Varubi injectable emulsion was introduced to the US market in late November 2017, at least 7000 doses of the drug have been administered to patients receiving emetogenic chemotherapy in the US, according to Tesaro.

Anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, and other serious hypersensitivity reactions have occurred during or soon after the infusion of Varubi. Most reactions have occurred within the first few minutes of administration.

The FDA has advised that patients who are hypersensitive to any component of Varubi injectable emulsion (including soybean oil) do not receive the drug. And patients with known allergies to legumes or other related allergens should be monitored closely.

The FDA said healthcare professionals should be vigilant for signs of hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis in all patients receiving Varubi injectable emulsion, both during administration and afterward.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives, flushing, itching, abdominal cramping, abdominal pain, vomiting, back pain, chest pain, hypotension, and shock.

If anaphylaxis or any other serious hypersensitivity/infusion reaction occurs, Varubi injectable emulsion should be stopped immediately and permanently. The patient should receive appropriate medical management, including epinephrine and/or antihistamines.

To ensure patients and healthcare professionals are aware of the label update to Varubi injectable emulsion, Tesaro has issued a Dear Healthcare Professional letter. In addition, the updated prescribing information has been posted on the Varubi website.

For any questions about the use of Varubi injectable emulsion or to report adverse events related to the drug, contact Tesaro’s medical information department at 1-844-4-TESARO (1-844-483-7276).

Adverse events related to Varubi should also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

Photo from Tesaro

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Tesaro, Inc., have updated the prescribing information for Varubi® (rolapitant) injectable emulsion to include a new warning about the risk of allergic reactions.

Varubi injectable emulsion is a substance P/neurokinin receptor antagonist approved to prevent delayed nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy in adults.

Since Varubi injectable emulsion gained FDA approval, there have been reports of anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, and other serious hypersensitivity reactions to the drug, some of which required hospitalization.

Now, the labeling for Varubi injectable emulsion has been changed to include information about these events. The changes include modifications to the CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS, and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections of the label.

Since Varubi injectable emulsion was introduced to the US market in late November 2017, at least 7000 doses of the drug have been administered to patients receiving emetogenic chemotherapy in the US, according to Tesaro.

Anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, and other serious hypersensitivity reactions have occurred during or soon after the infusion of Varubi. Most reactions have occurred within the first few minutes of administration.

The FDA has advised that patients who are hypersensitive to any component of Varubi injectable emulsion (including soybean oil) do not receive the drug. And patients with known allergies to legumes or other related allergens should be monitored closely.

The FDA said healthcare professionals should be vigilant for signs of hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis in all patients receiving Varubi injectable emulsion, both during administration and afterward.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives, flushing, itching, abdominal cramping, abdominal pain, vomiting, back pain, chest pain, hypotension, and shock.

If anaphylaxis or any other serious hypersensitivity/infusion reaction occurs, Varubi injectable emulsion should be stopped immediately and permanently. The patient should receive appropriate medical management, including epinephrine and/or antihistamines.

To ensure patients and healthcare professionals are aware of the label update to Varubi injectable emulsion, Tesaro has issued a Dear Healthcare Professional letter. In addition, the updated prescribing information has been posted on the Varubi website.

For any questions about the use of Varubi injectable emulsion or to report adverse events related to the drug, contact Tesaro’s medical information department at 1-844-4-TESARO (1-844-483-7276).

Adverse events related to Varubi should also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in association with Pfizer, Inc., has begun accepting nominations for the 2018 Surgical Volunteerism and Humanitarian Awards. These annual awards recognize surgeons who have made significant contributions to communities in need of surgical aid, be that through organized volunteer activities or through the dedication of a significant portion of their surgical career to the underserved or a retirement characterized by surgical outreach.

Submit nominations today at www.facs.org/ogb/award-winners/nominations. All nominations must be received by February 28, 2018. For more information, contact ogb@facs.org or visit the awards web page.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in association with Pfizer, Inc., has begun accepting nominations for the 2018 Surgical Volunteerism and Humanitarian Awards. These annual awards recognize surgeons who have made significant contributions to communities in need of surgical aid, be that through organized volunteer activities or through the dedication of a significant portion of their surgical career to the underserved or a retirement characterized by surgical outreach.

Submit nominations today at www.facs.org/ogb/award-winners/nominations. All nominations must be received by February 28, 2018. For more information, contact ogb@facs.org or visit the awards web page.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in association with Pfizer, Inc., has begun accepting nominations for the 2018 Surgical Volunteerism and Humanitarian Awards. These annual awards recognize surgeons who have made significant contributions to communities in need of surgical aid, be that through organized volunteer activities or through the dedication of a significant portion of their surgical career to the underserved or a retirement characterized by surgical outreach.

Submit nominations today at www.facs.org/ogb/award-winners/nominations. All nominations must be received by February 28, 2018. For more information, contact ogb@facs.org or visit the awards web page.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is now accepting applications for the 2019–2021 Clinical Scholar in Residence positions. Applications are due April 1.

The ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence Program is a two-year on-site fellowship in surgical outcomes research, health services research, and health care policy. It was initiated in 2005 to advance the College’s quality improvement initiatives and to offer opportunities for residents to work on ACS Quality Programs. More specifically, ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence perform research relevant to ongoing projects in the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care.
 

About the program

The primary objective of the fellowship is to address issues in health care quality, health policy, and patient safety, with the goal of helping the ACS Clinical Scholar in Residence prepare for a research career in academic surgery. The ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence have worked on projects and research using data from the ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, the National Cancer Database, the National Trauma Data Bank^®, the Surgeon Specific Registry, and the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program and have been involved in guideline development and accreditation programs. Scholars are assigned to the appropriate group within the ACS based on their interests and the College’s needs.

In addition, participants earn a master’s degree in health services and outcomes research or health care quality and patient safety during their two years at the ACS headquarters in Chicago, IL. The goal of this aspect of the program is to educate clinicians to become effective researchers in health care services and outcomes. The health services and outcomes research curriculum focuses on these issues within institutional and health care delivery systems, as well as in the external environment that shapes health policy centered on quality and safety issues.

The program takes approximately two years to complete. All coursework is done at Northwestern University’s downtown Chicago campus, one block from the ACS headquarters. The ACS also offers a variety of educational programs from which the Clinical Scholars may benefit, including the Outcomes Research Course and the Clinical Trials Course.

The ACS assigns internal mentors to meet regularly with each ACS Clinical Scholar in Residence. Scholars also have opportunities to interact with various surgeons who are affiliated with the ACS and the Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care. Mentorship is one of the most important aspects of this fellowship. Guidance and interaction with multiple individuals from diverse backgrounds will provide the best opportunity for success. In addition, a core of ACS staff statisticians and project analysts serve as invaluable resources to the ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence.
 

Past successes

Since its inception, surgical residents from throughout the U.S., including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, and Ohio, have participated in the ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence program. These individuals report excellent, productive experiences that have been useful in launching their careers in the field of academic surgery. In all, 16 scholars have completed the program and five scholars are currently participating. The ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence have demonstrated great dedication to outcomes research and the improvement of the quality of surgical care.

The ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence have presented their findings at national meetings and in high-impact, peer-reviewed publications, in addition to having contributed a great deal to the ACS Quality Programs. Furthermore, scholars have gone on to gain prestigious fellowships in several fields, including surgical oncology and pediatric surgery.
 

Apply now

The 2019–2021 scholars will begin their work July 1, 2019. Applications for these positions are due by April 1, 2018. Applicants are required to have funding from their institution or other grant mechanism.

For more information about the program and the application requirements, go to facs.org/clinicalscholars, or send an e-mail to clinicalscholars@facs.org.
 

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is now accepting applications for the 2019–2021 Clinical Scholar in Residence positions. Applications are due April 1.

The ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence Program is a two-year on-site fellowship in surgical outcomes research, health services research, and health care policy. It was initiated in 2005 to advance the College’s quality improvement initiatives and to offer opportunities for residents to work on ACS Quality Programs. More specifically, ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence perform research relevant to ongoing projects in the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care.
 

About the program

The primary objective of the fellowship is to address issues in health care quality, health policy, and patient safety, with the goal of helping the ACS Clinical Scholar in Residence prepare for a research career in academic surgery. The ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence have worked on projects and research using data from the ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, the National Cancer Database, the National Trauma Data Bank^®, the Surgeon Specific Registry, and the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program and have been involved in guideline development and accreditation programs. Scholars are assigned to the appropriate group within the ACS based on their interests and the College’s needs.

In addition, participants earn a master’s degree in health services and outcomes research or health care quality and patient safety during their two years at the ACS headquarters in Chicago, IL. The goal of this aspect of the program is to educate clinicians to become effective researchers in health care services and outcomes. The health services and outcomes research curriculum focuses on these issues within institutional and health care delivery systems, as well as in the external environment that shapes health policy centered on quality and safety issues.

The program takes approximately two years to complete. All coursework is done at Northwestern University’s downtown Chicago campus, one block from the ACS headquarters. The ACS also offers a variety of educational programs from which the Clinical Scholars may benefit, including the Outcomes Research Course and the Clinical Trials Course.

The ACS assigns internal mentors to meet regularly with each ACS Clinical Scholar in Residence. Scholars also have opportunities to interact with various surgeons who are affiliated with the ACS and the Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care. Mentorship is one of the most important aspects of this fellowship. Guidance and interaction with multiple individuals from diverse backgrounds will provide the best opportunity for success. In addition, a core of ACS staff statisticians and project analysts serve as invaluable resources to the ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence.
 

Past successes

Since its inception, surgical residents from throughout the U.S., including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, and Ohio, have participated in the ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence program. These individuals report excellent, productive experiences that have been useful in launching their careers in the field of academic surgery. In all, 16 scholars have completed the program and five scholars are currently participating. The ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence have demonstrated great dedication to outcomes research and the improvement of the quality of surgical care.

The ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence have presented their findings at national meetings and in high-impact, peer-reviewed publications, in addition to having contributed a great deal to the ACS Quality Programs. Furthermore, scholars have gone on to gain prestigious fellowships in several fields, including surgical oncology and pediatric surgery.
 

Apply now

The 2019–2021 scholars will begin their work July 1, 2019. Applications for these positions are due by April 1, 2018. Applicants are required to have funding from their institution or other grant mechanism.

For more information about the program and the application requirements, go to facs.org/clinicalscholars, or send an e-mail to clinicalscholars@facs.org.
 

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is now accepting applications for the 2019–2021 Clinical Scholar in Residence positions. Applications are due April 1.

The ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence Program is a two-year on-site fellowship in surgical outcomes research, health services research, and health care policy. It was initiated in 2005 to advance the College’s quality improvement initiatives and to offer opportunities for residents to work on ACS Quality Programs. More specifically, ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence perform research relevant to ongoing projects in the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care.
 

About the program

The primary objective of the fellowship is to address issues in health care quality, health policy, and patient safety, with the goal of helping the ACS Clinical Scholar in Residence prepare for a research career in academic surgery. The ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence have worked on projects and research using data from the ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, the National Cancer Database, the National Trauma Data Bank^®, the Surgeon Specific Registry, and the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program and have been involved in guideline development and accreditation programs. Scholars are assigned to the appropriate group within the ACS based on their interests and the College’s needs.

In addition, participants earn a master’s degree in health services and outcomes research or health care quality and patient safety during their two years at the ACS headquarters in Chicago, IL. The goal of this aspect of the program is to educate clinicians to become effective researchers in health care services and outcomes. The health services and outcomes research curriculum focuses on these issues within institutional and health care delivery systems, as well as in the external environment that shapes health policy centered on quality and safety issues.

The program takes approximately two years to complete. All coursework is done at Northwestern University’s downtown Chicago campus, one block from the ACS headquarters. The ACS also offers a variety of educational programs from which the Clinical Scholars may benefit, including the Outcomes Research Course and the Clinical Trials Course.

The ACS assigns internal mentors to meet regularly with each ACS Clinical Scholar in Residence. Scholars also have opportunities to interact with various surgeons who are affiliated with the ACS and the Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care. Mentorship is one of the most important aspects of this fellowship. Guidance and interaction with multiple individuals from diverse backgrounds will provide the best opportunity for success. In addition, a core of ACS staff statisticians and project analysts serve as invaluable resources to the ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence.
 

Past successes

Since its inception, surgical residents from throughout the U.S., including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, and Ohio, have participated in the ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence program. These individuals report excellent, productive experiences that have been useful in launching their careers in the field of academic surgery. In all, 16 scholars have completed the program and five scholars are currently participating. The ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence have demonstrated great dedication to outcomes research and the improvement of the quality of surgical care.

The ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence have presented their findings at national meetings and in high-impact, peer-reviewed publications, in addition to having contributed a great deal to the ACS Quality Programs. Furthermore, scholars have gone on to gain prestigious fellowships in several fields, including surgical oncology and pediatric surgery.
 

Apply now

The 2019–2021 scholars will begin their work July 1, 2019. Applications for these positions are due by April 1, 2018. Applicants are required to have funding from their institution or other grant mechanism.

For more information about the program and the application requirements, go to facs.org/clinicalscholars, or send an e-mail to clinicalscholars@facs.org.
 

The American College of Surgeons Professional Association (ACSPA) and members of its political action committee (ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC) provide nonpartisan financial support to federal lawmakers and individuals seeking office who share surgery’s perspective on health care policy issues and are well-positioned to advocate for surgery’s legislative goals. As of press time, the ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC raised more than $500,000 from more than 1,200 ACSPA members and staff, and disbursed more than $380,000 to more than 100 congressional candidates, leadership PACs, and political campaign committees.

Following are SurgeonsPAC fundraising and disbursement highlights:

• Willens Society ($25,000 or more over 10 years): 12

• Elite Donors ($2,500–$5,000): 23

• High Donors ($500–$2,499): 372

• General Donors ($100–$499): 669

• Top ACS leadership groups with 100 percent participation: Regents and Officers, Health Policy Advisory Council, Health Policy and Advocacy Group, and SurgeonsPAC Board of Directors

• Top five specialties: General, pediatric, vascular, colorectal, and plastic and reconstructive surgery

• Top states: Texas, California, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania

• Contributions disbursed in line with Congressional party ratios—58 percent to Republicans and 42 percent to Democrats

• Attended/hosted more than 200 health care industry events

• Organized eight physician community events for key surgical champions in Congress

• Facilitated more than 30 in-district check deliveries

• Supported 12 physician candidates

In addition, SurgeonsPAC co-hosted the eighth annual Specialty Physician and Dentist Candidate Workshop and 10th annual Medical and Dental PAC Forum.

To learn more about SurgeonsPAC fundraising and disbursement activities, contact SurgeonsPAC staff at surgeonspac@facs.org or 202-672-1520.
 

Note

Contributions to ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary, and all members of the ACSPA have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal Law prohibits ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC from accepting contributions from foreign nationals. By law, if your contributions are made using a personal check or credit card, ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC may only use your contribution to support candidates in federal elections. All corporate contributions to ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC will be used for educational and administrative fees of ACSPA, and other activities permissible under federal law. Federal law requires ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC to use its best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and the name of the employer of individuals who contribute more than $200 in a calendar year. ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC is a program of the ACSPA which is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Service.

The American College of Surgeons Professional Association (ACSPA) and members of its political action committee (ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC) provide nonpartisan financial support to federal lawmakers and individuals seeking office who share surgery’s perspective on health care policy issues and are well-positioned to advocate for surgery’s legislative goals. As of press time, the ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC raised more than $500,000 from more than 1,200 ACSPA members and staff, and disbursed more than $380,000 to more than 100 congressional candidates, leadership PACs, and political campaign committees.

Following are SurgeonsPAC fundraising and disbursement highlights:

• Willens Society ($25,000 or more over 10 years): 12

• Elite Donors ($2,500–$5,000): 23

• High Donors ($500–$2,499): 372

• General Donors ($100–$499): 669

• Top ACS leadership groups with 100 percent participation: Regents and Officers, Health Policy Advisory Council, Health Policy and Advocacy Group, and SurgeonsPAC Board of Directors

• Top five specialties: General, pediatric, vascular, colorectal, and plastic and reconstructive surgery

• Top states: Texas, California, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania

• Contributions disbursed in line with Congressional party ratios—58 percent to Republicans and 42 percent to Democrats

• Attended/hosted more than 200 health care industry events

• Organized eight physician community events for key surgical champions in Congress

• Facilitated more than 30 in-district check deliveries

• Supported 12 physician candidates

In addition, SurgeonsPAC co-hosted the eighth annual Specialty Physician and Dentist Candidate Workshop and 10th annual Medical and Dental PAC Forum.

To learn more about SurgeonsPAC fundraising and disbursement activities, contact SurgeonsPAC staff at surgeonspac@facs.org or 202-672-1520.
 

Note

Contributions to ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary, and all members of the ACSPA have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal Law prohibits ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC from accepting contributions from foreign nationals. By law, if your contributions are made using a personal check or credit card, ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC may only use your contribution to support candidates in federal elections. All corporate contributions to ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC will be used for educational and administrative fees of ACSPA, and other activities permissible under federal law. Federal law requires ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC to use its best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and the name of the employer of individuals who contribute more than $200 in a calendar year. ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC is a program of the ACSPA which is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Service.

The American College of Surgeons Professional Association (ACSPA) and members of its political action committee (ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC) provide nonpartisan financial support to federal lawmakers and individuals seeking office who share surgery’s perspective on health care policy issues and are well-positioned to advocate for surgery’s legislative goals. As of press time, the ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC raised more than $500,000 from more than 1,200 ACSPA members and staff, and disbursed more than $380,000 to more than 100 congressional candidates, leadership PACs, and political campaign committees.

Following are SurgeonsPAC fundraising and disbursement highlights:

• Willens Society ($25,000 or more over 10 years): 12

• Elite Donors ($2,500–$5,000): 23

• High Donors ($500–$2,499): 372

• General Donors ($100–$499): 669

• Top ACS leadership groups with 100 percent participation: Regents and Officers, Health Policy Advisory Council, Health Policy and Advocacy Group, and SurgeonsPAC Board of Directors

• Top five specialties: General, pediatric, vascular, colorectal, and plastic and reconstructive surgery

• Top states: Texas, California, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania

• Contributions disbursed in line with Congressional party ratios—58 percent to Republicans and 42 percent to Democrats

• Attended/hosted more than 200 health care industry events

• Organized eight physician community events for key surgical champions in Congress

• Facilitated more than 30 in-district check deliveries

• Supported 12 physician candidates

In addition, SurgeonsPAC co-hosted the eighth annual Specialty Physician and Dentist Candidate Workshop and 10th annual Medical and Dental PAC Forum.

To learn more about SurgeonsPAC fundraising and disbursement activities, contact SurgeonsPAC staff at surgeonspac@facs.org or 202-672-1520.
 

Note

Contributions to ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary, and all members of the ACSPA have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal Law prohibits ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC from accepting contributions from foreign nationals. By law, if your contributions are made using a personal check or credit card, ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC may only use your contribution to support candidates in federal elections. All corporate contributions to ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC will be used for educational and administrative fees of ACSPA, and other activities permissible under federal law. Federal law requires ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC to use its best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and the name of the employer of individuals who contribute more than $200 in a calendar year. ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC is a program of the ACSPA which is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Service.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2018 Nominating Committee of the Fellows (NCF) and the Nominating Committee of the Board of Governors (NCBG) will be selecting nominees for leadership positions in the College.

The 2018 NCF will select nominees for the three Officer-Elect positions of the ACS:

• President-Elect

• First Vice-President-Elect

• Second Vice-President-Elect

The 2018 NCBG will select nominees for pending vacancies on the Board of Regents to be filled at Clinical Congress 2018. Nominations are open to surgeons of all specialties, but particular consideration will be given this nomination cycle to those in the following specialties:

• Burn and critical care surgery

• Gastrointestinal surgery

• General surgery

• Surgical oncology

• Transplantation

• Trauma

• Vascular surgery

For information only, the members of the Board of Regents who will be considered for reelection in 2018 are (all MD, FACS) John L. D. Atkinson, James C. Denneny III, Timothy J. Eberlein, Henri R. Ford, Enrique Hernandez, L. Scott Levin, Linda Phillips, Anton A. Sidawy, Beth H. Sutton, and Steven D. Wexner.

Visit the Bulletin website at http://bit.ly/2l69j2Y for a list of criteria for each nominating committee, as well as further details on how to submit a nomination and the nomination process. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 23, 2018.

Nominations may be submitted to officerandbrnominations@facs.org. If you have any questions, contact Emily Kalata, Staff Liaison for the NCF and NCBG, at 312-202-5360 or ekalata@facs.org.
 

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2018 Nominating Committee of the Fellows (NCF) and the Nominating Committee of the Board of Governors (NCBG) will be selecting nominees for leadership positions in the College.

The 2018 NCF will select nominees for the three Officer-Elect positions of the ACS:

• President-Elect

• First Vice-President-Elect

• Second Vice-President-Elect

The 2018 NCBG will select nominees for pending vacancies on the Board of Regents to be filled at Clinical Congress 2018. Nominations are open to surgeons of all specialties, but particular consideration will be given this nomination cycle to those in the following specialties:

• Burn and critical care surgery

• Gastrointestinal surgery

• General surgery

• Surgical oncology

• Transplantation

• Trauma

• Vascular surgery

For information only, the members of the Board of Regents who will be considered for reelection in 2018 are (all MD, FACS) John L. D. Atkinson, James C. Denneny III, Timothy J. Eberlein, Henri R. Ford, Enrique Hernandez, L. Scott Levin, Linda Phillips, Anton A. Sidawy, Beth H. Sutton, and Steven D. Wexner.

Visit the Bulletin website at http://bit.ly/2l69j2Y for a list of criteria for each nominating committee, as well as further details on how to submit a nomination and the nomination process. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 23, 2018.

Nominations may be submitted to officerandbrnominations@facs.org. If you have any questions, contact Emily Kalata, Staff Liaison for the NCF and NCBG, at 312-202-5360 or ekalata@facs.org.
 

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2018 Nominating Committee of the Fellows (NCF) and the Nominating Committee of the Board of Governors (NCBG) will be selecting nominees for leadership positions in the College.

The 2018 NCF will select nominees for the three Officer-Elect positions of the ACS:

• President-Elect

• First Vice-President-Elect

• Second Vice-President-Elect

The 2018 NCBG will select nominees for pending vacancies on the Board of Regents to be filled at Clinical Congress 2018. Nominations are open to surgeons of all specialties, but particular consideration will be given this nomination cycle to those in the following specialties:

• Burn and critical care surgery

• Gastrointestinal surgery

• General surgery

• Surgical oncology

• Transplantation

• Trauma

• Vascular surgery

For information only, the members of the Board of Regents who will be considered for reelection in 2018 are (all MD, FACS) John L. D. Atkinson, James C. Denneny III, Timothy J. Eberlein, Henri R. Ford, Enrique Hernandez, L. Scott Levin, Linda Phillips, Anton A. Sidawy, Beth H. Sutton, and Steven D. Wexner.

Visit the Bulletin website at http://bit.ly/2l69j2Y for a list of criteria for each nominating committee, as well as further details on how to submit a nomination and the nomination process. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 23, 2018.

Nominations may be submitted to officerandbrnominations@facs.org. If you have any questions, contact Emily Kalata, Staff Liaison for the NCF and NCBG, at 312-202-5360 or ekalata@facs.org.
 

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education is offering fellowships in surgical ethics with the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, University of Chicago, IL. The MacLean Center will prepare two surgeons for careers that combine clinical surgery with scholarly studies in surgical ethics beginning with a five-week, full-time course in Chicago in July and August 2018. From September 2018 to June 2019, fellowship recipients will meet weekly for a structured ethics curriculum. In addition, fellows will participate in an ethics consultation service and complete a research project. For additional information about this fellowship, contact Patrice Gabler Blair, MPH, Associate Director, ACS Division of Education, at pblair@facs.org.

Application materials are due March 1, 2018.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education is offering fellowships in surgical ethics with the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, University of Chicago, IL. The MacLean Center will prepare two surgeons for careers that combine clinical surgery with scholarly studies in surgical ethics beginning with a five-week, full-time course in Chicago in July and August 2018. From September 2018 to June 2019, fellowship recipients will meet weekly for a structured ethics curriculum. In addition, fellows will participate in an ethics consultation service and complete a research project. For additional information about this fellowship, contact Patrice Gabler Blair, MPH, Associate Director, ACS Division of Education, at pblair@facs.org.

Application materials are due March 1, 2018.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education is offering fellowships in surgical ethics with the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, University of Chicago, IL. The MacLean Center will prepare two surgeons for careers that combine clinical surgery with scholarly studies in surgical ethics beginning with a five-week, full-time course in Chicago in July and August 2018. From September 2018 to June 2019, fellowship recipients will meet weekly for a structured ethics curriculum. In addition, fellows will participate in an ethics consultation service and complete a research project. For additional information about this fellowship, contact Patrice Gabler Blair, MPH, Associate Director, ACS Division of Education, at pblair@facs.org.

Application materials are due March 1, 2018.

The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has granted its mid-year 2017 Outstanding Achievement Award to a select group of 16 accredited cancer programs throughout the U.S. Award criteria are based on qualitative and quantitative surveys conducted in the first half of 2017. A list of these award-winning cancer programs is available at www.facs.org/quality-programs/cancer/coc/info/outstanding/2017-part-1.

The purpose of the award is to raise the bar on quality cancer care, with the ultimate goal of increasing awareness about quality care choices among cancer patients and their loved ones. In addition, the award is intended to fulfill the following goals:

• Recognize those cancer programs that achieve excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients

• Motivate other cancer programs to work toward improving their level of care

• Facilitate dialogue between award recipients and health care professionals at other cancer facilities for the purpose of sharing best practices

• Encourage honorees to serve as quality care resources to other cancer programs

“More and more, we’re finding that patients and their families want to know how the health care institutions in their communities compare with one another,” said Lawrence N. Shulman, MD, FACP, Chair of the CoC. “They want access to information in terms of who’s providing the best quality of care, and they want to know about overall patient outcomes. Through this recognition program, I’d like to think we’re playing a small but vital role in helping them make informed decisions on their cancer care.”

The 16 award-winning cancer care programs represent approximately 6 percent of programs surveyed by the CoC January 1–June 30, 2017. “These cancer programs currently represent the best of the best when it comes to cancer care,” added Dr. Shulman.

The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has granted its mid-year 2017 Outstanding Achievement Award to a select group of 16 accredited cancer programs throughout the U.S. Award criteria are based on qualitative and quantitative surveys conducted in the first half of 2017. A list of these award-winning cancer programs is available at www.facs.org/quality-programs/cancer/coc/info/outstanding/2017-part-1.

The purpose of the award is to raise the bar on quality cancer care, with the ultimate goal of increasing awareness about quality care choices among cancer patients and their loved ones. In addition, the award is intended to fulfill the following goals:

• Recognize those cancer programs that achieve excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients

• Motivate other cancer programs to work toward improving their level of care

• Facilitate dialogue between award recipients and health care professionals at other cancer facilities for the purpose of sharing best practices

• Encourage honorees to serve as quality care resources to other cancer programs

“More and more, we’re finding that patients and their families want to know how the health care institutions in their communities compare with one another,” said Lawrence N. Shulman, MD, FACP, Chair of the CoC. “They want access to information in terms of who’s providing the best quality of care, and they want to know about overall patient outcomes. Through this recognition program, I’d like to think we’re playing a small but vital role in helping them make informed decisions on their cancer care.”

The 16 award-winning cancer care programs represent approximately 6 percent of programs surveyed by the CoC January 1–June 30, 2017. “These cancer programs currently represent the best of the best when it comes to cancer care,” added Dr. Shulman.

The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has granted its mid-year 2017 Outstanding Achievement Award to a select group of 16 accredited cancer programs throughout the U.S. Award criteria are based on qualitative and quantitative surveys conducted in the first half of 2017. A list of these award-winning cancer programs is available at www.facs.org/quality-programs/cancer/coc/info/outstanding/2017-part-1.

The purpose of the award is to raise the bar on quality cancer care, with the ultimate goal of increasing awareness about quality care choices among cancer patients and their loved ones. In addition, the award is intended to fulfill the following goals:

• Recognize those cancer programs that achieve excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients

• Motivate other cancer programs to work toward improving their level of care

• Facilitate dialogue between award recipients and health care professionals at other cancer facilities for the purpose of sharing best practices

• Encourage honorees to serve as quality care resources to other cancer programs

“More and more, we’re finding that patients and their families want to know how the health care institutions in their communities compare with one another,” said Lawrence N. Shulman, MD, FACP, Chair of the CoC. “They want access to information in terms of who’s providing the best quality of care, and they want to know about overall patient outcomes. Through this recognition program, I’d like to think we’re playing a small but vital role in helping them make informed decisions on their cancer care.”

The 16 award-winning cancer care programs represent approximately 6 percent of programs surveyed by the CoC January 1–June 30, 2017. “These cancer programs currently represent the best of the best when it comes to cancer care,” added Dr. Shulman.