For Immediate Release: Sept. 1, 2011

Grady Cancer Center Physician Honored by Commission On Cancer

Dr. Sheryl Gabram Receives Cancer Liaison Physician Outstanding Performance Award

Contact: Jennie Olshaske
Phone: (404) 616-7084
E-mail: JOlshaske@gmh.edu

Sheryl Gabram, M.D., recently received an Outstanding Performance Award for going above and beyond the scope of the normal duties of serving as a Cancer Liaison Physician (CLP) between the Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady Health System and the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC). As a Cancer Liaison, Dr. Gabram is serving a three-year appointment and is among a national network of more than 1,600 volunteer physicians who are responsible for providing leadership and direction to establish, maintain, and support their facility's cancer program. Cancer Liaison Physicians are an integral part of cancer programs accredited by the CoC.

In 2010, Grady's Cancer Center was accredited by the CoC. Awarded with commendation for receiving a perfect score, the accreditation recognizes Grady's commitment to provide the best cancer diagnosis and treatment in compliance with established Commission on Cancer standards. Dr. Gabram is the deputy director of the Grady Cancer Center and director of its Avon Breast Center.

As a Cancer Liaison Physician, Dr. Gabram, is responsible for spearheading CoC initiatives within the hospital's cancer program; collaborating with local agencies; and facilitating quality improvement initiatives utilizing data submitted to the CoC's National Cancer Database (NCDB). The NCDB currently contains patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment, and outcomes information for over 21 million malignant cancers diagnosed and treated at hospital cancer programs in the United States. The CoC collects data from its accredited cancer programs and provides tools these programs can use to facilitate the analysis of patterns of diagnosis and treatment.

Twenty Cancer Liaison Physician Outstanding Performance Awards were recently given to recognize liaison physicians' work in developing and/or implementing an idea(s) that improved the quality of care delivered at their facility; directly contributing to the accreditation status of the cancer program; exceeding the expectations set forth for CLPs to strengthen the cancer program; demonstrating leadership and support for cancer control activities in the community and with the American Cancer Society (ACS); or serving as a role model for other staff and exhibiting characteristics that make them a physician champion for the cancer program.

About Grady Health System
Grady Health System is one of the largest public health systems in the United States. Grady consists of the 953-bed Grady Memorial Hospital, six neighborhood health centers, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation Center, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, which is operated as a Children's affiliate.

With its nationally acclaimed Emergency Department and Burn Center, Grady has the premier level I trauma center in the region and serves as the 911 ambulance provider for the city of Atlanta. The state's only Poison Center is housed at Grady as well.

The Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center , Grady Diabetes Center, Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, and the Avon Breast Health Center are also notable components of the health system. Additionally, Grady's Ponce de Leon Center was named one of the top three HIV/AIDS outpatient clinics in the country.

Other key services include Grady's Regional Perinatal Center and its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Primary Care Center, dedicated 60 Plus services for older adults, Teen Services, and the Rape Crisis Center. Nationally ranked in one specialty, Grady was named one of Atlanta's Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

About the Commission on Cancer
Established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons, 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 quality 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.

The CoC provides the public with information on the resources, services, and cancer treatment experience for each CoC-accredited cancer program. This information is shared with the public on the Cancer Programs page of the American College of Surgeons website at http://www.facs.org/cancer/index.html and through the American Cancer Society National Cancer Information Center at 1-800-ACS-2345.

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