The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer has named the Christus Spohn Cancer Center an Accredited Comprehensive Community Cancer Center.

Institutions that are accredited by this program represent a broad-based network of comprehensive cancer programs that offer the entire spectrum of cancer care, from prevention to rehabilitation and long-term follow up.

“To be accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center means that we are able to provide services that you will not find in other centers. The professionals on staff including our social worker, dietician, chaplain and the entire treatment team here at the Cancer Center do a phenomenal job treating not only the physical but the spiritual needs of individuals experiencing the diagnosis of cancer,” said Jeannie Keith, Director of the Christus Spohn Cancer Center.

The Christus Spohn Cancer Center earned the accreditation after an on-site, objective evaluation of the center by experienced health care professionals.

The survey team gathered extensive performance information as the basis for evaluating compliance.

By undertaking this evaluation, the Christus Spohn Cancer Center demonstrated their commitment to quality care, ongoing improvement, and public accountability for the care and services they provide.

In addition to the recent accreditation of the Cancer Center, the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer has recently appointed Kimberly Stewart, DO, as a Cancer Liaison Physician for the cancer program at Christus Spohn.

Dr. Stewart is among a national network of more than 1,600 volunteer physicians who are responsible for providing leadership and direction to establish, maintain, and support their facilities’ cancer program.

Dr. Stewart, who has a significant interest in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with malignant diseases, is a member of the multidisciplinary cancer committee at Christus Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi – Shoreline.

Cancer Liaison Physicians are responsible for spearheading Commission on Cancer initiatives within the cancer program; collaborating with agencies, such as the American Cancer Society; and facilitating quality improvement initiatives in the cancer program.

The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer has been accrediting cancer programs since the 1930s and currently only 1,400 facilities across the United States have gained accreditation for their cancer program.

Christus Spohn Cancer Center is the only accredited cancer program in the region.