The Radiation Oncology Department of Staten Island University Hospital was recently awarded a three-year term of accreditation as a result of a recent survey by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

SIUH is one of only 16 accredited radiation oncology sites in New York City, and 293 nationwide.

To achieve this accreditation, board-certified radiation oncologists and medical physicists who are experts in the field conduct evaluations and assess the qualifications of the personnel and the quality of facility equipment, as well as quality control procedures and quality assurance programs.

The findings are reported to the ACR-ASTRO Committee on Radiation Oncology Accreditation, which subsequently provides each reviewed facility with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement.

“This accreditation says that we meet established national standards, so this ensures the safety of what we do for our patients,” explained Dr. Phillip M. Vigneri, director of Radiation Oncology for SIUH. “It means that we are adhering to a high standard as described by our peers. We’re not just operating in a vacuum.”