NEWS
West Virginia University School of Medicine
National Cancer Institute Designation — Research and Innovation That Will Benefit the Entire State
The National Cancer Institute leads cancer research across the country and recognizes cancer centers with an official NCI designation , the highest federal rating a cancer center can achieve . This designation is awarded to cancer centers that are leading in innovative research and treatments and is the gold standard for cancer programs .
According to Wright , NCI designation will allow the WVU Cancer Institute to expand beyond the traditional model of diagnosis and treatment to a more integrated and comprehensive approach with a stronger emphasis on cancer prevention , especially in underserved populations .
Economic Impact for West Virginia
Reimagining Cancer Care in West Virginia : WVU Cancer Institute Receives $ 50 Million Investment to Fund Expansion of Research and Treatments
West Virginia University ’ s ( WVU ) efforts to reimagine and expand cancer care received a $ 50 million boost as Governor Jim Justice joined WVU academic and health system leaders to announce state surplus funding that will support investment to attain National Cancer Institute ( NCI ) designation — a first for West Virginia .
Justice made the announcement at WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital flanked by WVU President E . Gordon Gee ; WVU Health System President and CEO Albert L . Wright , Jr .; WVU Health Sciences Chancellor and Executive Dean Clay Marsh , MD ; and WVU Cancer Institute Director Hannah Hazard-Jenkins , MD , FACS .
The funding was included in House Bill 2024 as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget passed by the West Virginia Legislature . These dollars will be used for comprehensive research programs , faculty , and facilities that will directly lead to innovative approaches in cancer prevention , diagnosis , and treatment for all West Virginians .
Cancer and Its Impact on West Virginia ’ s Residents
Cancer is a devastating disease that affects one in 10 adults in the state . West Virginia has the highest cancer death rate in the United States , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , in part due to high tobacco usage , lack of access to nutritious foods , limited physical activity , and environmental influences such as poverty . Cancer occurrence and death rates in the state are well above the national average for nearly all types of cancer .
According to the NCI , cancer is one of the critical issues causing economic and financial burden . Globally , the total annual economic cost of cancer is estimated at approximately $ 1.16 trillion , according to the Union for International Cancer Control . West Virginia cancer-related medical costs are more than 2.4 times the national average .
By working toward enhanced access to cancer care and programs in West Virginia , additional research staff and personnel infrastructure , and a future statewide , comprehensive NCI-designated Cancer Institute , the health and well-being of the people in the state affected by cancer will continue to improve by reducing cancer occurrence rates and improving long-term cancer survival rates .
Image : WVU Photo . From left : Clay Marsh , MD , WVU Health Sciences chancellor and executive dean ; E . Gordon Gee , WVU president ; Albert Wright , Jr ., WVU Health System president and CEO ; Hannah Hazard- Jenkins , MD , FACS , WVU Cancer Institute director ; and West Virginia Governor Jim Justice celebrate a $ 50 million state investment in the WVU Cancer Institute on June 15 , 2023 . Babydog , Governor Justice ’ s dog , is also pictured .
WVU Establishes Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Names Founding Chair
The West Virginia University School of Medicine has taken its first steps in the formation of a new department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation by announcing John Alm , DO , MHA , as chair , effective September 29 , 2023 .
Dr . Alm joins the team from the University of Kansas Medical Center where he serves as vice chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation ( PM & R ).
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