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UNC is the only academic medical center to earn the honor in North Carolina.


UNC is the only academic medical center to earn the honor in North Carolina.

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Lawrence Marks, MD

August 19, 2019

The American Society for Radiology Oncology has awarded its highest level of accreditation to the UNC Medical Center’s Department of Radiation Oncology. UNC is the only academic medical center to earn the honor in North Carolina. McCreary Cancer Center at Caldwell UNC Health Care also has obtained the accreditation.

The ASTRO Accreditation Program for Excellence (APEx®) establishes standards of performance derived from research findings and consensus practice guidance for radiation oncology, and it supports continued quality improvement in radiation therapy practices. The accreditation recognizes centers that have made an investment and commitment in systems, personnel, and policies and procedures to ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care.

“The APEx criteria are quite rigorous, and this accreditation speaks to our faculty and staff’s commitment to providing our patients with the best and safest care possible,” said Lawrence Marks, MD, chair of the UNC Department of Radiation Oncology and the Dr. Sidney K. Simon Distinguished Professor of Oncology Research. “It is a true point of pride for our program.”

APEx accreditation was established to promote the creation and implementation of appropriate systems, consistent processes and documented policies pertaining to radiation oncology care and services. It also focuses on the entire radiation oncology team, with an emphasis on understanding each team member’s role in the patient care process. The accreditation is for four years.

“Earning accreditation required a team effort, but I am especially grateful to Dr. Alison Amos, Kathy Burkhardt, Tim Roten, Phillip Cubbage, Dr. Robert Adams, and Dr. Bhisham Chera for their leadership of this two year process,” said Marks. “I am also most grateful to our entire department whose longstanding support of our quality improvement activities has enabled us to create and maintain a wonderful collaborative and open culture.”