UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL BREAST CENTER IS FIRST IN NEWARK TO EARN NATIONAL ACCREDITATION FROM NAPBC

National recognition affirms UH Breast Center’s commitment to a coordinated, patient-centered experience while delivering the highest quality of care

July 10, 2026 – University Hospital Breast Center is the first in Newark to earn national recognition from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), administered by the American College of Surgeons. This prestigious designation recognizes breast centers that meet rigorous national standards for quality, coordination, and patient-centered care, making University Hospital one of only a select number of accredited programs in New Jersey.

“When a person is diagnosed with breast cancer, the quality of care they receive in the days and weeks that follow can shape not only their treatment, but also their confidence, peace of mind, and outlook,” said Dr. Susan Pories, Breast Center Director at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at University Hospital. “This accreditation reflects our commitment to providing evidence-based, tailored care to every breast cancer patient.”

University Hospital takes a multidisciplinary approach to breast care, bringing together radiologists, breast surgical oncologists, plastic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, genetic counselors, nurse practitioners, navigators, and other specialists to develop personalized treatment plans for every patient. Patients receive coordinated, evidence-based care from a dedicated team that works together from diagnosis through survivorship. University Hospital’s Breast Center offers comprehensive and timely services including breast cancer screening and diagnosis, treatment planning, cancer surgery and reconstructive surgery, medical and radiation oncology, genetic counseling and testing, access to clinical trials, survivorship, and long-term follow-up.

“This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering the highest quality breast care to the communities we serve,” said Katrina Schirmacher, Executive Director, at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at University Hospital. “We’re proud to be the first in Newark to achieve this milestone while ensuring patients have access to nationally recognized care right here at University Hospital.”

NAPBC Accreditation is awarded following a rigorous evaluation of clinical leadership, program structure, multidisciplinary collaboration, quality improvement initiatives, and patient outcomes. Accredited centers must continuously monitor performance, meet evolving national standards, and successfully complete site reviews every three years to maintain their designation. For patients throughout Newark and the surrounding communities, this recognition means access to nationally recognized, high-quality breast care close to home.

About University Hospital
University Hospital is the only state-designated Level I Trauma Center serving all Northern New Jersey and the principal teaching hospital of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. The hospital provides comprehensive primary and specialty care while advancing medical education, research, and community health. University Hospital is committed to delivering equitable, high-quality healthcare and improving health outcomes for the communities it serves.