Markey Cancer Center earned the National Pancreatic Foundation Center designation

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 5, 2023) — The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center has been recognized by the National Pancreas Foundation (NPF) as an approved NPF Center of Excellence.

The appointment was made after a rigorous audit review to determine that the institution’s focus is on the multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatic cancer, treating “the whole patient” with a focus on the best outcome and better quality of life.

“We are honored to receive the NPF designation, which highlights Markey’s commitment to multidisciplinary medicine and providing the best and most innovative patient care,” said Joseph Kim, MD, chief surgical oncologist at Markey Cancer Center UK. “This recognition is also a testament to the dedication of our entire pancreatic cancer team in providing excellent patient care.”

Approved NPF centers must meet criteria developed by a task force consisting of subject matter experts and invited patient advocates. The criteria include having the requisite expert doctor specialties such as gastroenterologists, pancreatic surgeons, and interventional radiologists, along with more patient-focused programs such as pain management services, psychosocial support and more.

The UK HealthCare Digestive Health Program has also recently been recognized as an NPF Center for the treatment of pancreatitis. The two UK designations are listed among 171 NPF Centers across the country.

“We are excited to expand our NPF Centers of Excellence Program to better serve the needs of patients with pancreatic 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.”

For more information about the National Pancreas Foundation, please visit www.pancreasfoundation.org.

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