James D. Hayes, M.D., has been selected as one of the top cancer liaison physicians in the United States. He has been named a recipient of the 2006 Cancer Liaison Physician Outstanding Performance Award of the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Hayes is medical director of Special Medical Projects and liaison physician with the Cancer Program at United Health Services Hospitals. He is one of only 55 liaisons chosen for the honor this year.

“I am very pleased to have been selected,” Dr. Hayes said of the award, which  places him among the top cancer liaison doctors in the country. “United Health Services Hospitals has given me the opportunity to contribute richly to the Oncology Program and to take it to a higher level of excellence.” He noted that he is just one member of an entire cancer team at the Hospitals who are deserving of recognition for their contributions to excellence in cancer care.

In announcing Dr. Hayes’s selection, Jon Greif, D.O., of the American College of Surgeons, said, “You were nominated for excellence in improving the quality of care delivered at your facility, serving as a champion and role model for other staff and demonstrating cancer control leadership inthe community.”

Dr. Hayes was nominated for the award by Bobbie Speight, registry services coordinator at the Hospitals. In her letter, she noted: “Dr. Hayes came on board as our cancer liaison physician in 2004, and for the past three years has been the driving force behind each and every success our Oncology Program has celebrated."

Dr. Hayes began his mission by mobilizing a dedicated oncology committee that understood the American College of Surgeons standards and what they mean to the success of our program. He then took that mission forward by implementing patient care enhancement studies that had substance and altered the way area physicians delivered treatment to their cancer patients.

“Dr. Hayes has embraced our local American Cancer Society and has successfully integrated their support services into the culture of our program. By partnering with the society, our cancer program in turn has increased the number of support programs offered to our cancer population. Our board meetings are now a standing-room only crowd, and now there is a waiting list to get physicians’ cases presented. Dr. Hayes has the audience fully engaged and the true purpose of the tumor board is now unmistakable. He is a champion, warrior and hero, and, without a doubt, outstanding in his endeavors. His passion is unending.”