Hickory, NC – Terry Sarantou, MD, FACS, Medical Director of the Cancer Center at Frye Regional Medical Center, recently presented at two national symposiums. In June of 2006, Sarantou presented “Accessing National Cancer Data Base Data and The Practical Applications” at The Commission on Cancer 2006 and Beyond: Measuring the Quality of Your Cancer Care. The event was sponsored by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and held in Chicago, IL. 

    
    The Commission on Cancer (CoC) is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education and the monitoring of comprehensive quality care. Dr. Sarantou presented twice during the event and was appointed vice-chairman of the North Carolina Advisory Committee and Cancer Control Program to develop the North Carolina Cancer Plan for 2006 through 2011 by the Governor of NC. He currently serves as North Carolina State Chair for the Cancer Liaison Program and Cancer Committee. 
    Most recently, Dr. Sarantou hosted the “NCACS Oncology Forum” at the 19th Annual Surgical Symposium and Hightower Lecture on December 8, 2006 at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C. The event was sponsored by the Department of Surgery in conjunction with the Bowman Gray Surgical Society in association with the North Carolina Chapter of the American College of Surgeons Annual Oncology Forum. 
    “I take great pride in representing Frye at these types of events with the belief that quality care is a top priority for all cancer patients,” said Dr. Sarantou. “Meetings like this provide an opportunity to become more involved in redefining our approach to care for cancer patients and to call attention to the quality of care offered at Frye.” 
    The Cancer Center at Frye Regional Medical Center is accredited as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons. The center offers a multi-disciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment of cancer, utilizing surgical and medical oncologists on staff, on-site cancer registry and passionate employees. Frye prides itself in its community involvement by educating the public about various cancer types and prevention and also offers a variety of support services for those facing cancer. Frye’s caring and professionally trained staff is available to assist patients and their families as they battle cancer together. Smoking cessation classes are offered through the Cancer Center in conjunction with the American Cancer Society to assist patients, employees and the general public in their efforts to quit smoking. The Cancer Center also features an Auxiliary Cancer Resource Center, offering computers with internet access and educational videos, brochures, books and magazines on different types of cancers and treatment options. With an infusion care center, Frye has an increased ability to manage all aspects of patient care in a hospital based outpatient facility. Laryngectomy Navigation and Breast Health Navigation Programs are both available at the Frye Cancer Center. 
    For more information about the Cancer Center or support services available at Frye, please call 828-315-3596. 
    Frye Regional Medical Center, part of Tenet North Carolina, is a 355-bed acute care facility located at 420 North Center Street in Hickory, NC. The hospital has been serving the medical and health care needs of Catawba County since 1911. The hospital’s main campus includes a comprehensive heart center and cardiopulmonary rehab, skilled nursing unit, orthopedics, bariatric surgery, inpatient rehabilitation unit, outpatient rehabilitation services, pediatrics, center for neurosciences, cancer center and women’s pavilion. Frye has several extended campuses to serve families throughout the area including: Frye Wellness and Education Center which houses the Center For Diabetes Self-Management Care, perinatal education and community wellness classes; South Campus for psychiatric services; Viewmont and Tate Surgery Centers; Vein and Wound Center/Infusion Care; Pain Center; Piedmont Therapy, offering sports and industrial rehabilitation; two urgent care facilities; FryeCare, an outpatient diagnostic facility; plus HealthPoint, which provides extensive industrial services and programs to employers. 
    Frye Regional Medical Center is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency. To learn more about the hospital, visit www.fryemedctr.com.