Sep. 04, 2026
Tennessee’s first accredited rectal cancer program continues to deliver advanced, multidisciplinary care close to home
Covenant Health is proud to announce that Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center has again achieved accreditation under the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), reaffirming its position as a leader in cancer care and maintaining its distinction as the first hospital in East Tennessee to earn this accreditation.
“We are proud to be the first hospital in Tennessee to receive this accreditation in 2022,” said Tab Culbertson, FACHE, president and chief administrative officer of Fort Sanders Regional. “Maintaining this designation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing East Tennessee patients with access to nationally recognized cancer care without having to leave the region. This reaccreditation reflects the dedication of our physicians, nurses and multidisciplinary teams who work together every day to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.”
“This recognition reflects the exceptional teamwork behind our rectal cancer program,” said David Penberthy, MD, MBA, executive medical director of Covenant Health’s oncology service line. “Fort Sanders Regional and our cancer care teams provide advanced surgical expertise and comprehensive services and support. Together, we deliver seamless, evidence-based care focused on the best possible outcomes for patients.”
The NAPRC accreditation recognizes programs that meet rigorous national standards for the treatment of rectal cancer. Accredited programs bring together specialists across multiple disciplines, including colorectal surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology, nursing and patient navigation, to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient.
Research has shown that rectal cancer outcomes can vary significantly based on a provider’s training, specialization and patient volume. To address these differences, the NAPRC uses international models that have improved patient outcomes. For patients, this approach leads to:
- Lower recurrence rates
- Better quality of life
- Improved function
- Increased survival
Culbertson highlighted the importance of strong providers in cancer care, stating: “The reaccreditation reflects years of collaboration and quality improvement efforts led by surgical oncologist Greg Midis, MD, and a dedicated team of clinical partners committed to advancing cancer care across the region.”
As an NAPRC-accredited institution, Fort Sanders Regional is also recognized as an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. Being a Surgical Quality Partner signifies a hospital’s dedication to continually improving procedures and outcomes.
“ACS Quality programs are grounded in more than a century of experience and participation. It is an important measure of a hospital’s surgical quality. As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, Fort Sanders Regional has shown a commitment to providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion and dedicating themselves to continuous self-improvement,” said ACS executive director and CEO, Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS.
For patients and families facing a rectal cancer diagnosis, this accreditation provides additional assurance that care at Fort Sanders Regional meets nationally recognized standards and is delivered through a coordinated, patient-centered approach focused on achieving the best possible outcomes.
Learn more about the NAPRC and Covenant Health’s commitment to high-quality cancer care.
About Covenant Health
Covenant Health is a Tennessee-based healthcare enterprise committed to providing the right care at the right time and place. As a not-for-profit health system, we are dedicated to being the region’s premier healthcare network through service, community and innovation. We provide patient-centered care that inspires clinical and service excellence and strive to be the first and best choice for our patients, employees, physicians, employers, volunteers and communities. Covenant Health is the area’s largest employer and has more than 14,000 compassionate caregivers, expert clinicians and dedicated employees and volunteers. Learn more at CovenantHealth.com.
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 88,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. “FACS” designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
