and tissue samples. The repository of these samples, along with clinical patient information, is a rich source of data supporting current and future research in areas such as genomics and personalized treatments. Another research milestone was the launch of the Bettie and Oscar Bragg Cancer Research Endowment grants. Funds raised from the 2015 “An Evening in Orange” along with many generous donors created an endowment of over $5 million to fund meaningful research on the campus of the medical center and UTGSM. Since 2020, grants have been awarded annually following an application and peer-review process. In 2021, the Cancer Institute joined a consortium of scientists, researchers and clinicians from UTK, ORNL and the medical center to advance and collaborate on oncology-related research across the multiple sites. This collaboration is ongoing, and more detail is provided in this Annual Report. The Cancer Institute has maintained continuous accreditation as an Academic Comprehensive Cancer Program from the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) Commission on Cancer since 1980. As the ACoS has made
additional accreditations available, the Cancer Institute has pursued obtaining these accreditations such as the National Accreditation for Breast Centers achieved in 2011. The Cancer Institute applied for the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancers in 2023 and expects a survey to obtain this recognition in early 2024. In addition to these accreditations, the Cancer Institute is also recognized by the American College of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. The Radiation Oncology program achieved the American Society for Radiation Oncology Accreditation Program for Excellence (APEx) in 2021. Each of these accreditations requires compliance with many standards that emphasize a commitment to safety, dedication to high-quality patient care and a respect for patients’ rights, needs and concerns. When I came to East Tennessee in 1988, I never dreamed that I would spend my entire professional life at the medical center but after 35 years, I am still here. I have had a challenging and fulfilling career that hopefully has improved cancer care delivery at the medical center and throughout the
region. After much thought and with mixed emotions in the fall of 2023, I announced my intentions to retire in December 2024. The medical center leadership is actively searching for a candidate to fill the CI Director position who will continue the great and important work being done at the Cancer Institute to serve those with a cancer diagnosis in our community and beyond. I am humbled and grateful for the many years of help and support from the medical center and UTGSM leadership, physicians, colleagues and the entire team at UT Medical Center and the Cancer Institute. It has been a wonderful, rewarding journey and for that, I will forever be thankful.
John L. Bell, MD, FACS, FSSO Director of the Cancer Institute Professor, Surgical Oncologist
Meet the New Physicians at the Cancer Institute
J. Nathan Cantrell, MD Radiation Oncologist
Jonathan C. Delong, MD Surgical Oncologist
Michael L. Winstead, MD, DMD Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
| Cancer Institute Annual Report 4
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