Carol G. Simon Cancer Center Named One of Best Oncology Programs in the U.S.

Atlantic Health System’s Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, located at Morristown Medical Center and Overlook Medical Center in Summit was recognized by  Becker’s Hospital Review  as a top oncology program in the nation .  

Becker's Hospital Review features up-to-date business and legal news and analysis relating to hospitals and health systems across the country.

In January 2012, Becker's Hospital Review released  "70 Hospitals with Great Oncology Programs," and included Atlantic Health’s Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at the top of the national list.  According to Becker’s online, “These hospitals are on the cutting edge of cancer treatment, prevention and research, and the Becker's Hospital Review editorial team selected them based on clinical accolades, quality care and contributions to the field of oncology. They have demonstrated innovation in treatments and services, patient-centered care, and the achievement of clinical milestones and groundbreaking discoveries.”

Both Overlook and Morristown are accredited by The Joint Commission and is a Major Clinical Research Affiliate of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Atlantic Health System is the primary academic and clinical affiliate in New Jersey of Mount Sinai School of Medicine and The Mount Sinai Hospital.

The Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at both campuses has earned

1. Accreditation in Radiation Oncology by the American College of Radiology;
2. Certification by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine; and
3. Recognition as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.

Overlook is the proud recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award and Three Year Approval with Commendation by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and is the only medical center in the tri-state region with a Prostate Navigate Program for comprehensive treatment decision-making and planning and its Breast Center is a recipient of the Outreach Award from BMW and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Morristown Medical Center is rated a  Best Regional Hospital in nine specialties, including cancer, by U.S. News & World Report.

“We know we have an outstanding oncology program,” says Louis Schwartz, M.D., of Short Hills, and chair of radiation oncology at Overlook Medical Center.

“We devote our resources to research and patient care and invest heavily in groundbreaking technology.  Our physicians, physicists and technologists are usually the first in the region to be trained in the use of new, specialized technology and, as a result, are the first ones to acquire computer software and machinery for high-tech cancer care beyond the research setting,” adds Dr. Schwartz. 

The CyberKnife, MEG, a magnetoencephalogram, and PET/CT are just a few examples of medical technology that came to Overlook Medical Center before any other institutions in New Jersey (PET/CT), the tri-state area (CyberKnife) or the east coast (MEG). 

“The CT/LINAC, an image-guided radiation technology (IGRT), was invented by my colleague, Dr. Uematsu, in Japan and me,” says James Wong, M.D., of Morristown, and chair of radiation oncology at Morristown Medical Center. “As a result, our hospital was the first in the world to have this type of image guided radiation.  And now, we’re the only hospital in the Northeast U.S. to have RealART Real-Time Treatment Planning to enhance our arsenal of IGRT products,” adds Dr. Wong.

The patients of the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center have access to research, technology and patient care services across both sites in Summit and Morristown.  For more information, go to www.atlantichealth.org/simon or call the physician referral line at 800-247-9580.  You can also visit both medical centers on facebook for regular updates.