Shore Cancer Center, part of Shore Medical Center and a member of the Penn Cancer Network, has been re-accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) with zero deficiencies. The CoC, a voluntary quality program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), focuses on maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety in Oncology Programs. Members of the Shore Cancer Center team gathered recently to celebrate this accomplishment, including Dr. James Pond, Cancer Committee Chair, and Kimberly Kaczmarski pictured holding the reaccreditation poster, who spearheaded the CoC accreditation process.
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, where they receive treatment matters. Shore Medical Center is reminding the community that nationally recognized cancer care is available close to home after its Shore Cancer Center, a member of the Penn Cancer Network, once again earned reaccreditation from the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) with zero deficiencies.
Awarded every three years, CoC accreditation is one of the nation's most respected recognitions for cancer programs. To earn reaccreditation, programs must demonstrate excellence across 37 rigorous standards that evaluate every aspect of cancer care, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, survivorship, quality improvement, and patient outcomes. Receiving reaccreditation with zero deficiencies means Shore Cancer Center met or exceeded every standard during its comprehensive review.
The achievement reflects the collaborative work of physicians, nurses, radiation therapists, pharmacists, imaging specialists, pathologists, patient navigators, social workers, rehabilitation professionals, and many others who work together to provide coordinated, patient-centered care.
"Commission on Cancer accreditation is about much more than meeting standards; it's about continually challenging ourselves to provide the highest level of care for every patient we serve," said Mei Gavrell, BA, R.T.(R), Administrative Director of Diagnostic Imaging Services and Oncology at Shore Medical Center. "Receiving reaccreditation with zero deficiencies demonstrates our commitment to quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement, and reflects the dedication of every member of our cancer care team."
The reaccreditation process was led by Kimberly Kaczmarski, MBA, ROCC, RT(R)(T)(CT), Manager of Radiation Oncology, and Dr. James Pond, Pathologist and Chair of Shore Medical Center's Cancer Committee. Their leadership helped coordinate the extensive review process and ensure the Cancer Center continued to meet the Commission on Cancer's high standards for quality and patient care.
As a member of the Penn Cancer Network, Shore Cancer Center combines nationally recognized clinical expertise with the convenience of receiving comprehensive cancer care close to home. Patients have access to advanced diagnostic imaging, radiation oncology, infusion therapy, multidisciplinary treatment planning, nurse navigation, rehabilitation services, survivorship resources, and ongoing support throughout every stage of their cancer journey.
"This recognition reflects the extraordinary teamwork that takes place behind every patient's care," Gavrell added. "From diagnosis through treatment and survivorship, our team is committed to delivering compassionate, coordinated, high-quality care so patients can receive the treatment they need close to the people and places they love."
For more information about Shore Cancer Center and its comprehensive cancer services, visit shoremedicalcenter.org/centers/cancer or call 609-653-3585.
