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Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center Attains National Accreditation for Rectal Cancer Care

  • 4 minute read.
  • Last Updated: 9/15/2026

Patients facing a rectal cancer diagnosis can feel confident knowing they have access to nationally recognized care close to home. Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center has once again earned accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), reaffirming its commitment to delivering advanced, multidisciplinary cancer care in East Tennessee. 

The accreditation, awarded by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), recognizes programs that meet rigorous national standards for rectal cancer treatment.  

Commitment to High-Quality Cancer Care 

Tab Culbertson headshot
Tab Culbertson, FACHE

“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.” 

The reaccreditation highlights years of collaboration among physicians, clinicians and support staff dedicated to providing exceptional cancer care. Culbertson also recognized the efforts of surgical oncologist Greg Midis, MD, and the many clinical partners who have helped strengthen cancer services across the region. 

A Team Approach to Rectal Cancer Treatment 

A middle-aged man with short gray hair, wearing a white lab coat and blue striped tie, stands against a plain gray background, smiling slightly and facing the camera—one of the dedicated Covenant Health Proton Center Physicians.
David Penberthy, MD, MBA

Rectal cancer care often requires expertise from multiple specialties. NAPRC-accredited programs bring together experts in colorectal surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology, nursing and patient navigation to create individualized treatment plans for every patient. 

“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.” 

This coordinated approach helps ensure patients receive the right treatment at the right time while benefiting from the expertise of a multidisciplinary care team. 

Why Accreditation Matters 

The NAPRC was created to improve outcomes for patients with rectal cancer. According to research, outcomes can vary significantly based on a provider’s training, specialization and experience treating rectal cancer. 

Group of 11 healthcare professionals from Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and Thompson Cancer Survival Center pose together in an office beneath a Thompson Cancer Survival Center sign, marking their recent National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) recertification. Team members wearing clinical scrubs, lab coats, and business attire stand and kneel for a group photo.
Team members from Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and Thompson Cancer Survival Center gather to celebrate the program’s recent National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) recertification.

To address those differences, the NAPRC follows internationally recognized models of care that have been shown to improve patient outcomes. Patients treated through accredited programs may benefit from: 

  • Lower recurrence rates 
  • Better quality of life 
  • Improved function 
  • Increased survival 

For patients and families, accreditation provides reassurance that care is being delivered according to nationally recognized standards and best practices. 

Recognized for Surgical Quality 

As an NAPRC-accredited institution, Fort Sanders Regional is also recognized as an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. This designation reflects a hospital’s commitment to continually evaluating and improving surgical care and patient 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,” said Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS, executive director and CEO of the ACS. “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.” 

Cancer Care Close to Home 

For patients facing a rectal cancer diagnosis, receiving advanced care close to home can make a meaningful difference. Fort Sanders Regional’s continued accreditation demonstrates Covenant Health’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered cancer care throughout East Tennessee. 

Learn more about the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer and Covenant Health’s cancer care services. 

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