, New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive hospital network, is proud to announce that 

Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center

 the #1 hospital in New Jersey according to its 

, making it the only New Jersey hospital with the #1 adult and children’s hospital rankings. Hackensack University Medical Center is home to the 

Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center

, which was named the best cancer center in New Jersey, ranking among the top 50 cancer centers nationwide. 

Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center

 was also ranked a top hospital on New Jersey’s Best Hospitals list at #4, and is also the #1 children’s hospital in the state.

Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute

 is also ranked #33 in the nation for rehabilitation, ranking in the top 50 for the sixth year in a row.

 is incredibly proud to have the top hospital in New Jersey once again and two hospitals ranked in the top four in New Jersey by U.S. News and World Report,” said 

Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, chief executive officer, Hackensack Meridian

. “As New Jersey’s largest health network, we are committed to providing patients with the highest quality, life-changing care. This recognition underscores the dedication of our world-class team members who work tirelessly to provide exceptional, compassionate care year after year.”

In addition to being ranked the top hospital in New Jersey, Hackensack University Medical is ranked #5 overall in the New York Metropolitan area. Hackensack University Medical Center was also recognized for 17 high-performing procedures and conditions. Hackensack University Medical Center is nationally ranked in eight specialties:

Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery (#41)

– only New Jersey hospital nationally ranked in this specialty

Geriatrics (#34) – only NJ hospital nationally ranked in this specialty

“As New Jersey’s top hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center will continue to advance quality care for all of our patients,” said 

Mark Sparta, president, north region, Hackensack Meridian

. “With world-class team members and cutting-edge technology, we are elevating the patient experience by delivering personalized, exceptional care, and we look forward to meeting the growing needs of the communities we serve. ”

 is ranked in the top five in New Jersey, coming in at #4, marking the 12th straight year the Neptune hospital has been ranked in New Jersey’s top ten hospitals, every year US News has done state rankings. Additionally, Jersey Shore University Medical Center is home to the #1 children’s hospital in New Jersey. Jersey Shore University Medical Center is also ranked #18 overall in the New York Metropolitan area. The hospital is also recognized for having the best Obstetrics and Gynecology program in New Jersey (ranked #35 nationally) and is high performing in specialties including Orthopedics, Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery, Geriatrics, and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery.

 hospitals earned recognition for 52 high-performing procedures and conditions across 11 of its hospitals–the most of any health system in New Jersey:

Hackensack University Medical Center (17)

Jersey Shore University Medical Center (11)

Raritan Bay Medical Center & Old Bridge Medical Center (3)

“Our innovative approach to healthcare delivery and commitment to improving patient outcomes is at the core of what we do at Hackensack Meridian 

Jose Azar, MD, executive vice president and chief quality officer, Hackensack Meridian

. “We will continue to raise the bar and pioneer new standards of excellence in care, ensuring we provide the best healthcare experience for our patients. Congratulations to all team members and physicians for this outstanding recognition of their dedication to clinical excellence and compassionate care for every patient, every day.”

 are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive quality care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.

Articles

U.S. News & World Report named Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center the #1 hospital in New Jersey on its annual Best Hospitals list.

U.S. News & World Report Once Again Ranks Hackensack University Medical Center the 1 Hospital in New Jersey

WASHINGTON (May 2, 2024) — The National Cancer Institute (NCI), a part of the National Institutes of Health, has awarded its most prestigious designation — “comprehensive cancer center” status — to Georgetown University‘s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center in recognition of its high-impact research, community outreach and cancer care.

The NCI’s comprehensive cancer center designation, awarded by way of a competitive, rigorous, peer-reviewed “cancer center support grant,” was first received by Georgetown Lombardi 50 years ago. In addition, Hackensack Meridian Health’s John Theurer Cancer Center was renewed by the NCI as Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center’s research consortium partner – a consortium that exponentially amplifies the work of both cancer centers. More than 6.5 million people live in the areas served by both cancer centers.

Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia recognized Georgetown Lombardi members for their dedication to the community, research and patient care, and the University’s partnership with its academic health system partner, MedStar Health.

“Georgetown Lombardi has defined excellence in cancer research,” DeGioia said. “We’re grateful that the excellence of our faculty and staff has been recognized by the NCI and to have an extraordinary partner in MedStar Health. Georgetown Lombardi and MedStar Health, working with Hackensack Meridian Health, have made important contributions to medical research and clinical care, transforming the lives of the patients and families that we serve.”

DeGioia added, “Over the years, our clinicians and researchers have brought together three elements: high-impact research, community outreach and engagement, and patient-centered cancer care. Everything they do is aimed at preventing, treating and curing cancer, and ensuring that this care reaches those who need it most.”

In New Jersey, clinical care and research is provided at Hackensack Meridian 

 and at its network of clinics and hospitals throughout the state.

“This grant is a testament to our shared commitment to discover innovations that change our understanding of cancer and ultimately, lead to the best care possible,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO, Hackensack Meridian 

. “Our extraordinary teams are delivering tomorrow’s cures today and transforming health care. We are honored to lead research that benefits residents across the state of New Jersey and partner with Georgetown Lombardi as part of this tremendous Comprehensive Cancer Consortium.”

In 1971, the National Cancer Act was signed, establishing the NCI’s cancer centers program. In 1974, Georgetown Lombardi received its first comprehensive cancer center designation. Fifty years later, in the spring of 2023, the cancer center submitted its latest renewal, leading to a daylong site visit by a committee of “peers” on Sept. 12. The committee recommended continued NCI designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center Consortium.

“This highly coveted grant requires considerable virtuosity in laboratory and translational research, clinical research, population science research, community outreach and engagement, and in training the next generation of cancer researchers and clinicians,” says Louis M. Weiner, MD, who has served as director of Georgetown Lombardi since 2007.

The comprehensive cancer center status has a significant impact for people in Washington, DC, with MedStar Health, via designated affiliate hospitals, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center, including the most advanced cancer therapies and technologies, and tailoring services and educational outreach made available in collaboration with historically medically underserved populations.

Ken Samet, President and Chief Executive Officer of MedStar Health, said, “MedStar Health has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Georgetown University playing a pivotal role in caring for patients across the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan region and beyond. This partnership grants our patients unmatched access to a multidisciplinary team of experts, clinicians, and researchers, collectively leading the transformation of cancer detection and treatment.Our patients benefit from personalized care delivered by physicians pioneering breakthrough advancements in diagnostics, technologies, and therapeutics through innovative clinical trial research. The MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute allows us to make clinical trials more broadly available bringing innovative therapies from the laboratory to the patient bedside throughout the regions we serve.”

Care is delivered by exceptional fellowship-trained clinicians who lead clinical studies that offer access to advanced treatments. Researchers also train the next generation of scientists and clinicians in clinics and laboratories.

Weiner says recent work at Georgetown Lombardi with John Theurer and MedStar Health has shifted the paradigm in cancer in numerous ways, including conducting clinical trials that have changed the way melanoma is treated, modeling research that impacts breast cancer screening recommendations, and developing a medical-legal partnership that leverages the law to address health-harming legal needs.

“Since 2013, our collaboration with Georgetown Lombardi has been centered on research aimed at preventing, treating, and curing cancers through the fusion of scientific breakthroughs, expert patient care, education excellence, and community engagement,” stated Andre Goy, chairman of the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center. “The NCI's renewal of our consortium illustrates the power of our combined programs and empowers us to continue to reduce the burden of cancer across our communities, improve patient outcomes, and move the needle in the field, as well as train the cancer experts of tomorrow. None of this could have been possible without the dedication of our fantastic team members across our consortium.”

Georgetown Lombardi prioritizes outreach and engagement into vulnerable communities to reach people historically underserved in New Jersey and Washington, DC, especially wards 6, 7 and 8, areas that have had some of the highest cancer death rates in the country.

In Washington, cancer education, screening and cancer care navigation is provided by its flagship community center, the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention.

The Ralph Lauren Center was established in 2023, building on a 15-year foundation laid by its predecessor, the Capital Breast Cancer Center. It offers a dynamic patient navigation model that supports early detection (screening), diagnostic, treatment and preventative measures for breast, prostate, colorectal, lung and other cancers. The center also provides tailored community outreach, engagement and educational programming to vulnerable populations east of the Anacostia River.

“Our impact is ultimately determined by how well we address the cancer needs of our medically underserved neighbors,” says Weiner. He notes the 60% reduction in cancer deaths in the DC region over the past 20 years due to many factors and helped by the presence of a comprehensive cancer center in the community.

To help amplify the benefits of improved treatments, Weiner says the cancer center, along with its consortium partner, John Theurer, has exponentially expanded its community outreach and education efforts.

“In fact, in the last five years, despite the isolating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 34,000 people have participated in our community events,” Weiner says.

In New Jersey, the John Theurer Cancer Center Cancer Community Outreach and Engagement (CCOE) mission is to address critical gaps in cancer prevention, early detection and education efforts in both community-based and clinically based research in its catchment area, while ensuring a health equity lens is forefront in all activities. CCOE provides health and research-related education, connects the community to cancer screening and prevention resources, and navigates community members to and through the health care system.

The CCOE works in tandem with the Cancer Prevention Precision Control Institute (CPPCI) at the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI). The CPPCI is dedicated to leveraging innovative behavioral science and health communication methodologies to address cancer disparities, community outreach and engagement, and improved health outcomes across the cancer care continuum.

One of the hallmark programs of the CCOE program is the Community-2-Care program, which is a comprehensive, evidence-based program that can be tailored for the audience to specific screen-detectable cancers (breast, cervical, colorectal and lung) and includes cancer risk assessment, SDOH assessment and linkage to resources, cancer-specific education, and tailored navigation. The CCOE program has received grant funding from both Gilead Sciences and the Merck Foundation to support these efforts broadly.

An additional measurement of the cancer centers’ success is the level of research funding. In 2023, the cancer center's peer-reviewed grants for research had increased by 64% since 2018, the last time the cancer center competed for the designation, with total cancer-related funding now exceeding $35M.

“This grant funding doesn’t include the NCI cancer center support grant, nor grants for training education to train scientists or funding for clinical trials,” Weiner explains.

Training grants have more than tripled, and grants with multiple principal investigators have increased by more than 50%. More than a quarter of the cancer center’s 1,000+ research publications were in high-impact journals.

“This has happened with the deep commitment and strong support of Georgetown University, Hackensack Meridian 

The CCSG grant officially begins May 1 and covers five years. Weiner says typically, cancer centers reapply for their redesignation every four to five years; the external pressure ensures expedience to obtain goals set through a strategic planning process.

“We remain focused on the major aspects of the cancer continuum, from cancer prevention and early detection to effective treatments to survivorship,” Weiner says. “We’ll focus on new cancer targets and new drug development, such as immunotherapy and cell therapies like CAR-T treatment — both of which are already revolutionizing treatment for some cancers. We’ll explore the role of the microbiome and cancers occurring in younger people. And as we continue to make huge strides in treatment, there is a growing need to support cancer survivorship.”

Weiner says other areas of focus include tobacco control, cancer and aging, and cancer and global health.

“I could not be prouder to have the privilege of leading this cancer center, and am grateful to so many colleagues,” Weiner concludes.

The National Cancer Institute has awarded “comprehensive cancer center” status to Georgetown University‘s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Georgetown’s Cancer Center Awarded Top Designation by National Cancer Institute; Comprehensive Cancer Center Consortium Includes Hackensack Meridian’s John Theurer Cancer Center

Surgeons affiliated with Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center’s Advanced Lung and Airway Center successfully performed the first robotic resection of malignant thymoma, a cancer of the thymus gland, followed by installation of heated chemotherapy into the chest. This is the first time this surgery has been performed in the State of New Jersey.

Faiz Y. Bhora, MD, FACS, professor and regional chair of surgery, co-director advanced lung and airway center and chief of thoracic surgery-central region, Hackensack Meridian Health and Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine was the lead surgeon who performed this surgery.“ The procedure involved a patient who has a malignant thymoma involving the chest. This had spread to multiple areas throughout the patient's chest. Removal of all visible tumor in a minimally invasive fashion followed by the administration of chemotherapy directly at the site of the tumor provided this patient with the best prognosis for long term survival” said Dr. Bhora. The operation was unique in that all tumor from the lining of the chest wall and from the lung was resected using the DaVinci Robot during the initial part of the operation via incisions no bigger than a few millimeters. Once the visible tumor had been removed, a cocktail of two chemotherapy drugs was heated to 41 degrees and circulated in the patient's chest for one hour using a perfusion machine in a very controlled fashion to kill all microscopic cancer cells. This is a complex technical operation that requires a team of surgeons, medical oncologists, and operative and postoperative medical providers to orchestrate and execute.

“Our elite team of thoracic surgeons including Dr Kostantinos Poulikidis and Dr Syed Shahzad Razi and highly experienced medical oncologist Dr Richard Schuman each played a critical role. It takes a team of the most highly skilled professionals to successfully perform operations of this complexity and magnitude. We are fortunate to have such a team at JFK University Medical Center where we can now offer patients the most advanced operations for cancers of the lung, esophagus, mediastinum and chest wall” says Dr Bhora. “We are delighted that our patient recovered very well and was discharged from the hospital in less than 3 days”.

“JFK University Medical Center is on its way to becoming a regional leader in outstanding thoracic surgical care provided by surgeons who are skilled in the latest techniques,” said Amie Thornton, president, chief hospital executive, JFK University Medical Center.“ Dr Bhora has been leading the way and recruiting the best talent, providing the newest, safest, and most technologically advanced surgeries to our patients, the community and the region.”

The Advanced Lung and Airway Center at JFK University Medical Center takes care of the most complex patients by providing the full spectrum of diagnostic and treatment options for both cancerous and non cancerous conditions that impact the larynx, airway and lungs. Adds Dr Bhora, “I am particularly delighted to welcome Dr Robert Lebovics, who I had worked closely with in the past and who will serve as Co-Director of The Advanced Lung and Airway Center at JFK University Medical Center.” Dr Lebovics is a national leader in the management of complex airway diseases and will partner with Dr. Bhora and a team of nationally and internationally-renowned experts who have pioneered treatments and conduct research in areas of tracheal bioengineering and 3D printing of the trachea.

About Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center

Serving residents of central New Jersey for more than 50 years, JFK University Medical Center offers a complete array of advanced services in its 498-bed facility located in Edison, NJ. With more than 1,000 affiliated physicians, this academic medical center offers a complete spectrum of advanced services including general and specialized surgery, cardiac care, maternity and pediatrics, oncology, imaging, breast center, sleep center, wound care, robotic surgery, emergency medicine, weight loss surgery, and radiology. It is home to the world-renowned JFK Neuroscience Institute that diagnoses and treats brain, spine and nervous system disorders. To learn more, visit hackensackmeridianhealth.org/JFKUMC.

Surgeons affiliated with Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center’s Advanced Lung and Airway Center successfully performed the first robotic resection of malignant thymoma, a cancer of the thymus gland, followed by installation of heated chemotherapy into the chest.

Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center Thoracic Surgeons Perform the First Robotic Resection Surgery for Malignant Thymoma with Intraoperative Installation of Heated Chemotherapy

A transformational grant to Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center from the Mike & Patti Hennessy Foundation, together with Shannon H. Pulaski, Ashley Hennessy Talamo, Michael Hennessy and Christopher Hennessy, in memory of their parents Mike and Patti Hennessy and in gratitude for the care provided by Andre Goy, M.D., M.S., chairman and director, chief of Lymphoma, and director of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research at John Theurer Cancer Center, will establish the Hennessy Institute for Cancer Prevention and Applied Molecular Medicine. To be located within a new, planned ambulatory facility in Clifton, New Jersey near Hackensack Meridian’s School of Medicine and Center for Discovery and Innovation, the Hennessy Institute’s focus will be on reducing cancer, improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.

“A gift of this magnitude is a game-changer for Hackensack Meridian 

 and our already renowned cancer care program,” says Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO of Hackensack Meridian 

 “But beyond that, it helps us to fulfill a promise that we have made to our communities to transform health care and to be the leader of positive change, ensuring that everyone has access to the best health care possible. In this case, it means literally helping to prevent people from getting cancer, or if they have already had it, to improve their chances of survival by reducing or diagnosing recurrence very early. We are filled with gratitude to the Hennessy family for their generosity, foresight and trust in our abilities.”

With cancer rates anticipated to increase by more than 50% in the next 25 years, accelerating this work is key, particularly in areas with limited testing options like for pancreatic or ovarian cancers, where the survival rates from early diagnosis is 90% versus five or 10% when detected late. Leveraging technology, genomics, wellness, molecular medicine and digital therapeutics to change the way cancer is viewed can reduce the burden of cancer in terms of treatment plans and costs, as well as improve outcomes for patients.

“This is a tremendous gift that will help us build on Applied Molecular Medicine to prevent cancer or its recurrence - in what I call ‘Pre-and Post-Cancer Care,’” says Dr. Goy. “One of the most promising fields in cancer care is toward prevention, as over one half of cancers are lifestyle related; to early detection, as two-thirds of cancer diagnoses and deaths have no screening test; and to prevention of cancer recurrence because patients do not die the first time, but die of recurring disease. The overarching goal is to reduce the burden of cancer across our communities and help people at risk reduce such risk and therefore, their anxiety.”

The Hennessy Institute will have a team of experts and navigators to develop a seamless, easy to use platform, and to empower patients from within their ecosystem. In addition to focusing on early detection through tests like liquid biopsies and genomics, and detecting early relapse to enhance survivorship, the Institute will partner with patients to help mitigate risk factors, including reducing BMI, increasing activity and focusing on nutrition and overall wellness. A third component will measure against efficacy in an effort to demonstrate success and enhance financial coverage and reimbursement for cancer prevention initiatives.

“We know that early detection is key to defeating cancer,” says Shannon H. Pulaski, executive director at the Mike & Patti Hennessy Foundation. “But for individuals who may be at an increased risk for certain types of genetically-linked cancers, the process of undergoing testing, tracking and monitoring changes and reducing your chances of being diagnosed with the disease is a cumbersome process. My family and I were motivated to make this transformational gift in the hopes that it will help to save lives before, during and after cancer, and we are humbled to be able to create this opportunity for those in need. We also would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Goy for his compassionate care and outstanding leadership in this burgeoning field.”

The Hennessy Institute will also address health inequities in cancer research and prevention by securing grants for those unable to pay the out-of-pocket costs associated with this type of advanced medicine. Furthermore, one of the goals is to present the data collected from the Institute to the insurance industry to demonstrate the benefit of cancer prevention both in terms of costs for payers and patients, as well as the health benefits associated with preventative medicine.

“There is a really deep deficit in cancer screenings in underserved communities,” says Dr. Goy. “This significant grant will help to close that gap, improve lives and make it affordable so that everyone has access to preventative care. We are grateful to the Hennessy family for making all of this possible.”

To learn more about how you can support oncology at Hackensack Meridian 

The family of Mike and Patti Hennessy made a transformational gift in their memory to establish the Hennessy Institute for Cancer Prevention and Applied Molecular Medicine.

John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center

Articles

U.S. News & World Report Once Again Ranks Hackensack University Medical Center the 1 Hospital in New Jersey

Georgetown’s Cancer Center Awarded Top Designation by National Cancer Institute; Comprehensive Cancer Center Consortium Includes Hackensack Meridian’s John Theurer Cancer Center

Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center Thoracic Surgeons Perform the First Robotic Resection Surgery for Malignant Thymoma with Intraoperative Installation of Heated Chemotherapy

Groundbreaking Grant to John Theurer Cancer Center Will Establish the Hennessy Institute for Cancer Prevention and Applied Molecular Medicine