Rush University Medical Center's Cancer Program has been awarded a 2008 Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (CoC). Rush has received this triennial award each of the two times the Medical Center has been evaluated by the CoC since the award was established.

Rush is the only Chicago cancer program to receive this year’s award, and one of only three sites in Illinois. Only 93 cancer programs nationwide received this year’s award, representing approximately 19 percent of the 478 programs the CoC surveyed. During its evaluation process, the CoC also gave its approval to the Rush cancer program, a prerequisite for the Outstanding Achievement Award. 

“Rush is proud to have received the Commission on Cancer’s approval and Outstanding Achievement Award again,” says Dr. Katherine L. Griem, radiation oncologist and chairperson of the Rush Cancer Committee. “It is a clear affirmation that we continue to provide our patients with outstanding care in their battle against cancer. At Rush, we are able to offer our patients the most advanced treatments available, including the opportunity to participate in clinical trials of the most promising new cancer therapies.”

The Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes cancer programs that strive for excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients. To receive this distinction, a cancer program must achieve a “commendation” level of compliance with selected standards that represent the full scope of the program, including leadership, data management, clinical services, research, community outreach and quality improvement. In addition, the program must receive a compliance rating in the 29 other standards used in the evaluation. The on-site evaluation is conducted by a physician surveyor once every three years.

The Commission on Cancer is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education and the monitoring of comprehensive care. Its membership includes Fellows of the American College of Surgeons and representatives of 47 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of cancer care.

Rush University Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of standard and investigational therapies for the treatment of cancer, with more than a dozen programs specializing in the treatment of specific cancers. Rush treats more than 2,500 patients for cancer annually. In addition to providing state-of-the art clinical care that includes the option to participate in clinical trials of experimental cancer treatments, Rush offers a wide range of complementary treatments, such as nutritional counseling, and a patient navigator service to help guide patients through care.