Affiliation between Orlando Health and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center set to expire

MD Anderson News Release December 16, 2013

MD Anderson News Release 12/16/13

After working together for more than 23 years to accomplish their joint goal of raising the quality of cancer care in Central Florida, Orlando Health and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston have decided not to renew their business relationship when the contract expires. The decision allows both to achieve their respective goals – Orlando Health’s strategic initiatives to respond to market needs and MD Anderson’s growth model for partnering with health care organizations nationally. The institutions look forward to continuing clinical collaborations, such as on clinical trials.

Their current contract expires on Jan. 30, 2014. Patients served by the Orlando center will continue to receive their cancer care from the same physicians, oncologists, surgeons and staff they have come to know and trust.

“We’re proud to have played a pivotal role with Orlando Health in advancing cancer care in Central Florida,” said Thomas Burke, M.D., executive vice president and physician-in-chief at MD Anderson.”

“The foundation of our oncology program is the world-class, multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer that was pioneered by MD Anderson,” said Mark Roh, president, MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando.  “We’re honored to have been the first affiliate of this renowned institution and will continue to practice cancer care based on its proven principles.”

Orlando Health began its affiliation with MD Anderson in 1991 and officially changed its name from Orlando Cancer Center to MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando in 1994. Each year more than 5,000 new cancer patients are treated at the hospital, which receives an overall total of 120,000 patient visits each year.