Wilmot Cancer Institute earns NCI designation

Of the estimated 1,500 cancer centers in the United States, the University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Institute is now one of only 73 to have a special designation from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The NCI recognition places Wilmot in the top 4 percent of cancer centers nationwide.

Summary

To meet the rigors of the NCI designation process, which are unmatched in medicine, Wilmot restructured its entire organization, developed a bold strategic plan, doubled its research funding, and adopted a workplace culture that emphasizes collaboration over individual performance. It also initiated new programs in education, training, and community outreach and went on a multiyear recruiting frenzy that brought in 30 oncology stars—many of whom were at NCI-designated centers—to lead basic and clinical research teams. These moves culminated in a demanding, monthslong evaluation process—including an on-site NCI visit—which scrutinized a 1,300-page application describing every aspect of the cancer center’s operations, leadership, strategy, and research programs.