Cardio-Oncology Center recognized for excellence

The Washington University Cardio-Oncology Center of Excellence at Siteman Cancer Center has been recognized by a leading international group.

The center received designation as a Center of Excellence at the highest level, Gold, after a recent review by the International Cardio-Oncology Society (IC-OS). The distinction recognizes an “exceptionally high concentration of expertise” and the delivery of care “to afford the best patient outcomes possible,” according to the IC-OS.

Applying for the designation is voluntary, and designated cardio-oncology centers are re-evaluated every three years.

“This recognition, built upon years of preparation and concerted care for our patients, is a testament to the excellent team we have here,” said Joshua Mitchell, MD, interim director of the Cardio-Oncology Center of Excellence and a Washington University cardio-oncologist at Siteman. “We are as committed as ever to delivering the best possible patient outcomes.”

Cardio-oncology is a relatively new medical discipline focused on optimally treating any associated heart conditions in patients who have been treated for cancer, or are currently being treated for cancer.

Among other efforts, IC-OS Centers of Excellence at the Gold level must:

• Demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach to patient care
• Treat a high number of patients
• Include physician-scientists who regularly publish in peer-reviewed journals and/or present at academic, medical and scientific conferences
• Be active in the education of current and future cardio-oncologists

Mitchell; Keith Stockerl-Goldstein, MD, a Washington University bone marrow transplant specialist and medical oncologist at Siteman; and Molly Rater, ANP, a nurse-practitioner in cardio-oncology, led the application process.