(Jupiter, Fla.) – July 12, 2022 – Jupiter Medical Center has been nationally recognized as an approved NPF Center of Excellence for Pancreas Cancer by the National Pancreas Foundation. NPF Centers are awarded after a rigorous audit review to determine that an institution’s focus is on multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatic cancer, treating the “whole patient” with a goal of the best possible outcomes and an improved quality of life. There are only 77 Centers of Excellence nationwide with this designation, and Jupiter Medical Center is one of seven centers in the state of Florida.

“We are honored that the excellent outcomes of our high-volume Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology Program was a key component to being recognized,” said Dr. Shanel Bhagwandin, Medical Director of the program. “The NPF Center designation distinguishes Jupiter Medical Center’s Anderson Family Cancer Institute as an institution that provides the best and most innovative care possible.”

An approved NPF Center must meet the criteria developed by a task force of invited subject matter experts and patient advocates. The criteria include having the required expert physician specialties such as gastroenterologists, pancreas surgeons, and interventional radiologists, along with more patient-focused programs such as a pain management service, psychosocial support, and more.

“We are thrilled to expand our NPF Centers of Excellence Program to better serve the needs of patients suffering from pancreas disease,” said David Bakelman, CEO of the National Pancreas Foundation. “The NPF Centers of Excellence Program is one of the pillars of NPF, and we look forward to working with our current and new Centers.”

“Access to specialists in the field of pancreatic cancer is one of the limitations to an accurate diagnosis, personalized work-up, and compassionate expert care,” continued Dr. Bhagwandin. “As a world-class health care center, Jupiter Medical Center continues to expand its technology, capacity, and partnerships to ensure greater accessibility to patients who need our expertise. Paired with our exciting expansion news, we know we will continue to increase our ability to care for more patients in our region and beyond.”

Earlier this year Jupiter Medical Center revealed plans for its new Surgical Institute. The 90-000-square-foot space is slated to open in 2023 with 16 state-of-the-art operating rooms and two hybrid rooms in a dedicated facility. Additionally, the independent, nonprofit hospital system recently announced a partnership with UF Health to advance the organizations’ complementary missions of providing the best of academic and community medicine. Among other highlights, the partnership could also open up fast access to a large array of clinical trials.

For more information about Jupiter Medical Center, visit jupitermed.com, call (561) 263-2234 or follow Jupiter Medical Center on Twitter @JupiterMedCtr or on Facebook @ and Instagram @jupitermedicalcenter. For more information about the National Pancreas Foundation, visit www.pancreasfoundation.org.

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About Jupiter Medical Center

Top rated in the region for quality, safety and patient experience, Jupiter Medical Center is the leading destination for world-class healthcare in Palm Beach County and across the Treasure Coast. Jupiter Medical Center’s state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies enable its award-winning physicians to provide a comprehensive continuum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. Jupiter Medical Center’s specialty centers of excellence include: orthopedics, comprehensive cancer care, cardiovascular care, neurosciences, and women and children’s services. For more information about Jupiter Medical Center, please call 561-263-2200 or visit www.jupitermed.com.

About The National Pancreas Foundation

Founded in 1997, the National Pancreas Foundation provides hope for those suffering from pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer through funding cutting-edge research, advocating for new and better therapies and providing support and education for patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. The NPF is the only foundation dedicated to patients suffering from all forms of pancreas disease. For more information visit: www.pancreasfoundation.org

Media Contacts

Meredith Westheimer, Moore Agency for Jupiter Medical Center:

meredithw@themooreagency.com

David Bakelman, CEO, National Pancreas Foundation: david@pancreasfoundation.org