Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center
Stored: Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center
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Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center (WFBCCC) is an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center within Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, established in 1974 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to lead cancer research, treatment, and education across a 58-county region spanning North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Recognized as one of 57 NCI-designated comprehensive centers nationwide, WFBCCC integrates over 400 physicians and researchers across nine locations, offering more than 250 clinical trials, treating 17,000+ patients annually, and earning accolades like Newsweek’s 2023 “America’s Best Cancer Hospitals” for its cutting-edge care and focus on disparities.
Mission
The Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center aims to advance cancer care through groundbreaking research, translating discoveries into innovative therapies, and reducing cancer burden via prevention, education, and outreach, particularly targeting regional health disparities. It strives to elevate hope and healing by integrating clinical excellence with community engagement and multidisciplinary training.
Parent organization
The Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center operates under Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, an academic health system, within Advocate Health, the fifth-largest nonprofit health system in the U.S.
Legislation
WFBCCC was not created by specific legislation but gained NCI designation in 1974 under the National Cancer Act of 1971, which expanded cancer research and center funding, achieving comprehensive status in 1990.
Partners
WFBCCC collaborates with:
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine for research and education
- Atrium Health Levine Cancer for integrated cancer services
- NCI-designated Cancer Centers for national trials
Number of employees
WFBCCC employs approximately 2,700 staff within Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s clinical system, including over 400 physicians and researchers dedicated to cancer care and research.
Organization structure
WFBCCC is structured into four research programs:
- Cancer Prevention and Control addresses disparities and prevention.
- Neuro-Oncology focuses on brain tumors.
- Cancer Genetics and Metabolism explores genetic mechanisms.
- Signaling and Biotechnology develops new therapies.
Leader
The Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center is headed by an Executive Director, currently Ruben A. Mesa, MD, FACP, appointed in 2021.
Divisions
The divisions include:
- Clinical Services for oncology care across specialties.
- Research Programs for advancing cancer science.
- Outreach and Education for community health initiatives.
List of programs
WFBCCC oversees:
- mPATH Digital Navigator Program - https://www.wakehealth.edu/specialty/c/cancer/mPATH
- Cancer Prevention and Control Research
- Brain Tumor Center of Excellence
- Precision Medicine Initiatives
Last total enacted budget
WFBCCC’s budget isn’t separately detailed; it’s part of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s funding within Advocate Health, with NCI grants contributing $1.3M annually to research.
Staff
WFBCCC’s ~2,700 staff include 400+ physicians and researchers, with 120 clinicians in specialties like hematology, oncology, and surgical oncology, managing over 17,000 patients yearly.
Funding
WFBCCC is funded through NCI grants, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist revenue, and philanthropy; it provided $611.2M in community benefits in FY 2021, including research and care.
Services provided
WFBCCC offers comprehensive cancer care (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation), over 250 clinical trials, precision medicine, patient navigation, and survivorship programs.
Regulations overseen
WFBCCC does not oversee regulations but adheres to NCI and FDA standards for research and care.
Headquarters address
The headquarters address, as listed on Google Maps, is 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
History
Founded as an NCI Cancer Center in 1974, WFBCCC achieved comprehensive status in 1990, pioneering innovations like cobalt therapy (1957) and ultrasound for prostate cancer (1969). It joined Atrium Health in 2020, enhancing its regional impact.
External links
- Official Website
- wikipedia:Atrium_Health_Wake_Forest_Baptist_Comprehensive_Cancer_Center
- NCI Profile