Focus translates intentions into tangible results. Throughout 2023, our efforts concentrated on innovation, accessibility and patient-centered care. As the 71st NCI-designated cancer center, we made meaningful strides on behalf of the community, reaffirming our mission to lead the way to improved cancer outcomes.
Along these lines, UHealth – University of Miami Health System’s IT and health information experts secured a CIO 100 Award for the third consecutive year. This recognition came from efforts to enhance our Game Changer vehicles with wireless Epic electronic medical record system capabilities to log those screened on the mobile units. This digital record bridges critical gaps in access to health information and technology, essential for advancing health equity.
Similarly, to promote equal access to timely and effective care, our lead of evidence-based survivorship supportive care, Patricia I. Moreno, Ph.D., joined a White House Cancer Moonshot briefing in April. She discussed initiatives to enhance cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment in vulnerable communities through the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) Cancer Stage Shifting Initiative.
Vulnerability was also a concern for our researchers, who contributed to a climate change commentary published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. They highlighted that all the nation’s NCI-designated cancer centers had faced climate-related disasters over the past decade, such as wildfires, floods, hurricanes, severe ice, snowstorms and extreme heat events. The researchers emphasized the need for emergency preparedness plans to help patients continue to thrive when destructive natural events occur.
Research forms the backbone of our work, and defining care is essential to unifying cancer centers nationwide through disaster preparedness or clinical trials. Our physician-researcher and chief of the Division of Hematology Leukemia Section, Mikkael Sekeres, M.D., M.S., led a workshop organized by the FDA, AACR, and ASA to help make clinical trials better and create a consensus on overall survival. This event continues the conversation on how physicians and researchers can improve care.
Improved care has been a goal for us since our inception. In 2023, we continued our commitment to the World Health Organization’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. As the first WHO partnering centre in the world, we highlighted our actions and pivotal role in overcoming health barriers to provide women with essential tools to prevent and manage the disease.
For our cancer researchers, alleviating human suffering and saving lives provides a profound sense of responsibility and compassion. When every advancement brings hope, the decision to commit is effortless.