Ronald Locke, M.D., of Hickory, N.C., recently received the Cancer Liaison Physician Outstanding Performance Award for 2008 from the American College of Surgeons/Commission on Cancer. Dr. Locke was one of 36 physicians nationwide and the only physician in North Carolina to receive the award.

Dr. Locke, who practices with Carolina Surgery and Cancer Center, was eligible for the award due to his role as Cancer Liaison Physician (CLP) for Catawba Valley Medical Center. The Cancer Liaison Physician program is a joint venture between the American Cancer Society and the American College of Surgeons/Commission on Cancer (ACoS/CoC) designed to impact and improve cancer outcomes on the community level. Nationwide, more than 1,600 cancer liaison physicians have been appointed by their hospital cancer teams to spearhead Commission on Cancer initiatives in their cancer programs.

According to the Commission on Cancer, the national Cancer Liaison Physician Outstanding Performance Award was established to recognize individual physicians exhibiting excellence in the following areas:

• Improving the quality of care at CoC-approved facilities
• Significantly contributing to the approval status of the cancer program
• Exceeding CLP expectations to strengthen the cancer program
• Demonstrating cancer control leadership in the community
• Serving as a champion and role model for other staff.

Dr. Locke was nominated by Debbie Poovey, CTR, Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Cancer Registry operations coordinator. According to Poovey, “Dr. Locke is a strong force in Catawba Valley Medical Center’s successful cancer program, and we are grateful to have him on our team. He has been a significant factor in the development and approval of the Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Since 2000, when the program was conceived, Dr. Locke has supported and advised on any cancer program issues that have arisen.

“Dr. Locke participates in community screening programs and speaks at community educational conferences sponsored by Catawba Valley Medical Center,” Poovey continued. “He also works closely with our community outreach coordinator and our local chapter of the American Cancer Society. What he continues to accomplish for our patients, our staff, our medical center, and our community inspired me to nominate him for this award.”

“While I am very honored to receive this award, it would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment exemplified by the entire team at CVMC’s Comprehensive Cancer Center,” said Dr. Locke. “Our efforts to continually advance and improve cancer outcomes are truly a collaborative effort. Personally, I appreciate the opportunity to serve as a Cancer Liaison Physician, because it allows me to stay abreast of the latest knowledge in the field and bring that knowledge back to our community.”

“Dr. Ron Locke has long played a key role in the development and advancement of Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Comprehensive Cancer Center,” said J. Anthony Rose, Catawba Valley Medical Center CEO. “Ron has dedicated countless hours to providing direction and support for our cancer programs and committees. We commend him for this well-deserved honor and are proud that he is such an integral part of our team.”

In 1922, the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) came together to establish a cooperative venture focused on establishing standards for cancer clinics. The Commission on Cancer (CoC), now a part of the Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care, has had a longstanding relationship with the American Cancer Society, including the National Cancer Database, Cancer Liaison Program, and the Facility Information Profile System.

Current membership of the Cancer Liaison Program includes 64 State chairs, who are appointed by each ACoS local chapter. State Chairs serve as leaders for CoC programs and initiatives at the state or regional level. There are more than 1,600 cancer liaison physicians who serve in both CoC-approved and non-approved cancer programs. These individual cancer liaison physicians are appointed by their hospital cancer committees and are charged with spearheading CoC initiatives in their cancer program.

Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) is a not-for-profit, public healthcare system providing and promoting the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of the public in addition to serving as a center for health education, wellness services, preventative medicine and acute care. Twice recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet facility, CVMC was recently named as a “Distinguished Hospital for An Outstanding InPatient Experience” by J.D. Power and Associates as well as a Hospital of Choice by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers.