Shore Medical Center inks affiliation agreement with The Cancer Institute of New Jersey

Shore Medical Center is pleased to announce it has entered into an affiliation agreement with The Cancer Institute of New Jersey - the state's only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Shore and its nationally-recognized Cancer Center become the 16th member of the CINJ Network and the first in Atlantic County to provide patients facing a cancer diagnosis with access to The Cancer Institute of New Jersey's state-of-the-art clinical and research capabilities.

As an affiliate, Shore Medical is able to offer its patients enrollment in Cancer Institute of New Jersey clinical trials while having them receive care and treatment locally at the Somers Point facility. Shore's patients also will receive access to community education, outreach and other services provided by The Cancer Institute of New Jersey that complement the medical center's comprehensive cancer program.

"Shore is proud to become an affiliate of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey," said Shore President and CEO Ron Johnson. "This groundbreaking organization has a demonstrated history of clinical and research excellence, so members of our community can feel confident that they are receiving the very best in cancer care. This partnership represents the natural evolution of Shore as the premier cancer care provider in southern New Jersey."

"The Cancer Institute of New Jersey is proud to welcome Shore Medical Center into our statewide network of hospitals that provides patients access to the very latest clinical trials and cancer care right in their own communities," said Cancer Institute of New Jersey Director Robert S. DiPaola, M.D. "Shore's Cancer Center has distinguished itself as a leader in providing exceptional cancer care, and we look forward to working closely with the Shore team in delivering cutting-edge therapies to patients in southern New Jersey and beyond."

One third of all newly diagnosed cancer patients in New Jersey choose The Cancer Institute of New Jersey or one of its affiliate hospitals for treatment.

"Through this affiliation with the state's National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, I am pleased that we are expanding our exceptional cancer resources to the southern part of our state," said New Jersey Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd, M.P.H. "By pairing Shore's cancer program with The Cancer Institute of New Jersey's vast clinical and research capabilities, residents in this region will now have access to a wider array of cancer care resources."

As one of Shore Medical Center's six Centers of Excellence, the Cancer Center's
state-of-the-art radiation and medical oncology programs, under the respective direction of Dr. Vasthi Wilson and Dr. Julianne W. Childs, enable patients to receive all of their care and treatment under one roof. Since 1987, the Cancer Center has been recognized by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer for meeting that organization's stringent standards for patient care.

The Cancer Center at Shore Medical Center was conceived, designed and built specifically to support the special needs of cancer patients, their families and friends. It represents the new face of 21st century cancer care, featuring a comprehensive approach combining exceptional clinical treatment with patient comfort and convenience. A highlight of the Cancer Center's multi-disciplinary approach to patient care is the weekly roundtable sessions which bring together surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, nurses and nurse navigators to determine a patient's best treatment plan.

In July of 2012, the Cancer Center introduced the Advanced Pulmonary Diagnostic Center. Under the direction of leading pulmonologist Dr. Bennett Ojserkis, it is the first center in southern New Jersey to address the growing number of patients being diagnosed with lung nodules and abnormal findings in the chest. The center offers a one-stop approach to providing patients with a fast, convenient, comprehensive and minimally invasive way to have their nodules evaluated and monitored by the region's most passionate and highly skilled pulmonary team.

"As the Cancer Center grows, we are committed to exploring every avenue in order to provide the best possible care for our patients and their families," said Cancer Program Administrative Director Donna Cericola, B.S.N., R.N., O.C.N. "In The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, we have found a partner perfectly aligned with our patient-centered philosophy, and are excited about the future of cancer care in our region."

The affiliation became effective late last month.