Backus physician receives national award

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He was selected out of 1,600 cancer liaison physicians because of his outstanding leadership and guidance as a physician champion in the Backus Hospital cancer program.

The award comes from the Commission on Cancer, the same organization that recognized the Backus Cancer Center with the Outstanding Achievement Award earlier this year. The hospital also received another 3-year accreditation as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program, meaning it offers the best in cancer care, close to home for patients.

“This award recognizes physicians who go above and beyond expectations to improve and provide direction to their cancer program,” said Jon M. Greif, DO, FACS, Chair, Committee on Cancer Liaison. “You have exhibited qualities that the Commission deems critical to facilities’ success in the Commission on Cancer Approvals Program and providing high-quality cancer care,” he said.

As a Cancer Liaison Physician, Dr. Tramontozzi, a surgeon on the Backus Medical Staff, works with a grassroots network of physician volunteers willing to manage clinically related cancer activities.

He also is the essential communication connection between the local community and the Commission on Cancer, working with the American Cancer Society to bridge these groups in a seamless manner to aid the Backus cancer committee and provide for optimal care of cancer patients.

“Care of the cancer patient involves a continuum of care and a team approach,” said Dr. Tramontozzi. “This award is recognition of that commitment.”

“Physician involvement in all of our programs is crucial to this institution’s success,” said Thomas P. Pipicelli, President and Chief Executive Officer. “I wish to congratulate Dr. Tramontozzi for this recognition, and thank him and all of the excellent physicians and surgeons on our Medical Staff for their ongoing provision of quality care as part of our comprehensive cancer program.”

Roles of Cancer Liaison Physician include:

  • Serve as physician champion to increase visibility of the cancer program; serve on the hospital’s cancer committee
  • Advocate for the cancer registry
  • Promote participation in clinical trials to develop further treatment strategies
  • Use the National Cancer Data Base to study cancer care; present data to illustrate Backus cancer program successes and identify areas for improvement in care

“We are very proud of Dr. Tramontozzi receiving this award that recognizes his significant contributions to support our Cancer Program,” said John Panicek, Administrative Director, Cancer Services. “His efforts to bridge the Cancer Committee initiatives to his surgical colleagues to enable best practices have been most appreciated.”

“Being a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center requires a high level of performance in a number of areas, including physician leadership,” said Peter Shea, MD, Medical Director. “Dr. Tramontozzi’s leadership and commitment to patient-centered care are part of what makes our cancer program so successful. He is dedicated to this hospital and our community, and we are all grateful for it.”