FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dr. Steven Hightower Awarded for Outstanding Performance
(Slidell, La. –August 24, 2010)—Steven I. Hightower, M.D., a Radiation Oncologist at Slidell Memorial Hospital (SMH), was honored by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) with the Cancer Liaison Physician Outstanding Performance Award. The award recognizes Dr. Hightower for his outstanding leadership and guidance as a physician champion of SMH's cancer program.
This recognition is bestowed upon individuals who go above and beyond the regular scope of their duties in their contributions to cancer programs. Dr. Hightower and other Cancer Liaison Physicians were nominated for excellence in the following area(s):
• Improving the quality of care delivered at a CoC-approved facility
• Contributing to the accreditation status of the cancer program
• Exceeding expectations of the Cancer Liaison Physician to strengthen the cancer program
• Demonstrating cancer control leadership in the community
• Serving as a champion and role model for other staff
"Slidell Memorial congratulates Dr. Hightower on this award for his exceptional work in our Radiation Oncology Department,” said SMH CEO Bob Hawley. "He is an integral part of our team, and we are honored to work with him.”
Slidell Memorial's multi-disciplinary Oncology Program is recognized by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons as a Community Cancer Center Program, a designation achieved by less than 25 percent of all hospitals.
ABOUT the CANCER LIAISON PROGRAM
Established in 1963, the Cancer Liaison Program of the Commission on Cancer (CoC) was developed as a grassroots network of physician volunteers willing to manage clinically related cancer activities in their local institutions and surrounding communities. Cancer Liaison Physicians (CLPs) are volunteer physicians responsible for providing the leadership and direction to establish, maintain, and support their facility's cancer program.
ABOUT SMH
Slidell Memorial Hospital is a full-service 182-bed acute care not-for-profit community hospital located at 1001 Gause Blvd., in the heart of Slidell. Founded in 1959, SMH serves as a primary healthcare resource for families in St. Tammany Parish, La.; Pearl River County, Miss.; and the greater Mississippi Gulf Coast region. SMH has received the
Platinum Level 2009 Louisiana Hospital Quality Award, presented by eQHealth Solutions, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Louisiana. It is located online at
http://www.slidellmemorial.org/.
Contact:
Sam Caruso, Jr.
carusos@smhplus.org
985-649-8834
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