MASCC is proud to announce that the Jules Bordet Institute in Brussels, Belgium has been recognized as a MASCC-Designated Center of Excellence in Supportive Care in Cancer. The hospital is a research institute of the Université libre de Bruxelles and specializes in oncology. The Institute hosts various multi-professional teams for supportive care, including a Pain and other symptoms Management Team, a Psycho-oncology Unit, a Nursing and palliative Care Unit, and a Physiotherapy Unit. Occupational therapy and end-of-life care are offered in the Institute. The application was organized by MASCC Member, Dominique Lossignol, MD, Head of the Supportive Care Unit at the Institute. Lossignol is responsible for clinical and administrative supervision of the unit.
MASCC’s certification program aims to educate and encourage a supportive care focus among oncology healthcare professionals. Any cancer center or department may apply for MASCC certification and there is no fee to do so. Applications are reviewed by MASCC’s Certification Program Committee, which in turn makes recommendations to MASCC’s Executive Committee for final decisions. Certification criteria include a supportive care focus in clinical activities, research, and educational initiatives, as well as adherence to international guidelines. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Certification is valid for three years, after which the center must apply for re-evaluation. For more information on the certification program process, click here.