Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca

September 4, 2008 (Ithaca, NY) – Cayuga Medical Center is proud to announce that Charles Garbo, MD, oncology specialist and chairman of the Cayuga Medical Center Cancer Committee recently received the prestigious “Cancer Liaison Outstanding Performance Award”. This award recognizes physicians who go above and beyond expectations to improve and provide direction to their cancer program.

Dr. Garbo is one of 55 physicians nationwide to achieve this recognition. It is only given to physicians that the Commission on Cancer (CoC) deems critical to facilities’ success in the CoC Approvals Program and providing high-quality cancer care. It is a significant milestone for a physician to receive this award.

According to the Commission on Cancer, Garbo has demonstrated exceptional leadership in all five of their nomination criteria. Moreover, as a compassionate caregiver and tireless patient advocate, he inspires those around him. He is recognized for his outstanding leadership and guidance as a physician champion in the Cayuga Medical Center Cancer Program.

Some of Dr. Garbo’s accomplishments have included his close work with the newly developed Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes to bring their services on site, both at his office and at Cayuga Medical Center Radiation Medicine. This immediate, easy access to cancer education and local support services helps cancer patients and their families navigate the cancer care network. He has also been a key player in developing and building the Cancer Resource Room at Cayuga Medical Center.

Dr. Garbo has also taken a lead role in Cayuga Medical Center’s certification process with the American College of Surgeons, which resulted most recently in certification with commendations. He works closely with the entire CMC cancer care team, including the certified tumor registrar, to ensure that Cayuga Medical Center meets or exceeds ACS cancer care standards.

Cayuga Medical Center is affiliated with prestigious health care organizations including Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY, the Rochester Heart Institute, Cornell University’s Weill Medical College in New York City, and Mayo Clinic Laboratories. For more information on services available at the medical center and its satellite campuses, please visit cayugamed.org or call (607) 274-4498.