Chapel Hill, NC, October 27, 2022 – UNC Medical Center – Chronic Pancreatitis and Autologous Islet Cell Transplant Program has been nationally recognized as an approved NPF Center by the National Pancreas Foundation. NPF Centers are awarded after a rigorous audit review to determine that an institutions focus is on multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatitis, treating the “whole patient” with a focus on the best possible outcomes and an improved quality of life.
“We are honored that the UNC Medical Center – Chronic Pancreatitis and Autologous Islet Cell Transplant has been designated as NPF Center for treatment of pancreatitis,” said Dr. Chirag S. Desai, director of the program. “Having the NPF Center designation will help distinguish our program. This is very significant since it validates our specialty program and will enhance the program’s access to patients through their portal as well as partnership with ours.”
“We are thrilled to expand our NPF Centers of Excellence Program to better serve the needs of patients suffering from pancreas disease,” said David Bakelman, CEO of the National Pancreas Foundation. “The NPF Centers of Excellence Program is one of the pillars of NPF, and we are looking forward to working with our current and new Centers.”
An approved NPF Center has to meet the criteria that were developed by a task force made up of invited subject matter experts and patient advocates. The criteria includes having the required expert physician specialties such as pancreas surgeons, gastroenterologists and interventional radiologists, along with more patient focused programs such as a pain management service, psychosocial support and more.
Read more about the Chronic Pancreatitis and Autologous Islet Cell Transplant Program here
Learn more about Program Director Chirag S. Desai, MD
About The National Pancreas Foundation
Founded in 1997, the National Pancreas Foundation provides hope for those suffering from pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer through funding cutting-edge research, advocating for new and better therapies and providing support and education for patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. The NPF is the only foundation dedicated to patients suffering from all forms of pancreas disease. For more information visit: www.pancreasfoundation.org