Tampa General Hospital Second Hospital in World Recognized for Excellence in Women’s Integrated Surgical Health

A new recognition for the academic health system’s gynecologic surgical oncology program contributed to its designation as a Center of Excellence in Women’s Integrated Surgical Health.

Tampa, FL (March 11, 2026) – Tampa General Hospital (TGH) in partnership with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine has been designated a Center of Excellence in Gynecologic Surgical Oncology by Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), making it the only hospital in the Southeast to receive this prestigious recognition in women’s health. The noteworthy recognition was achieved through the multidisciplinary teamwork of the TGH Cancer Institute and the TGH Women’s Institute.

“A national recognition for gynecologic oncology speaks to the strength of our multidisciplinary teams in cancer and women’s care and affirms our focus on providing advanced academically driven care to women throughout the Tampa Bay region and beyond,” said Dr. Thomas Rutherford, deputy director, TGH Cancer Institute and director of the Division of Gynecology and Oncology at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. “We continue to lead the way in this space by innovating and delivering highly specialized care as well as advancing research within an academic medical center setting,” Rutherford said.

The Center of Excellence distinction builds on Tampa General’s expanding reputation for excellence in women’s surgical care. In 2025, the TGH Women’s Institute received designations as a Center of Excellence in Complex Endometriosis Care and Minimally Invasive Gynecology, as well as a Center of Excellence in Continence Care (Urogynecology), underscoring its advanced capabilities in treating complex gynecological disorders with evidence-based, minimally invasive techniques.

With all three accreditations now secured, Tampa General has been awarded the prestigious designation as a Center of Excellence in Women’s Integrated Surgical Health by SRC. This honor, as only the second hospital in the world with this designation, reflects the hospital’s commitment to delivering coordinated, multidisciplinary care by connecting patients with top specialists, advanced technologies and personalized treatment plans that emphasize safety, innovation and long-term health outcomes.

“This integrated designation is a powerful affirmation of the collaboration and clinical excellence that defines women’s health care at Tampa General and USF,” said Dr. Anjali Kaimal, chief of the TGH Women’s Institute and James M. Ingram professor and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. “The rigorous on-site evaluation by SRC not only validated our high standards in surgical care, but also provided insights that will help us continue to elevate the patient experience, Kaimal said. “At Tampa General and USF Health, we are deeply committed to delivering seamless, multidisciplinary care that empowers women and improves outcomes at every stage of life.”

SRC accreditation involves a comprehensive, data-driven evaluation process that measures health care institutions and surgical teams against nationally and internationally recognized standards. Tampa General demonstrated excellence across key domains, including surgical volumes, facility infrastructure, standardized clinical pathways, robust patient education and continuous quality improvement.  SRC’s on-site inspection also provided valuable guidance on best practices, reinforcing the academic health system’s commitment to continually working to improve and elevate care delivery.

“Our pursuit of this accreditation was fueled by a shared commitment to excellence and accountability,” said Dr. Emad Mikhail, medical director of gynecology at Tampa General and professor and director of the Division of Gynecology at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. “Achieving this recognition required a comprehensive review of every facet of our program, from surgical protocols and clinical pathways to patient education and outcomes, which has further strengthened our ability to improve women’s health care.”

The TGH Women’s Institute provides a full range of women’s health services, from routine obstetrics and gynecology to more complex maternal-fetal medicine and neonatal care. As an academic health system and nationally recognized leader in high-risk obstetrics, Tampa General offers access to the highest level of women’s and infant care in virtually every medical and pediatric subspecialty, as well as psychology, genetic counseling and more. It is ranked Top 5 in the Nation and Highest Ranked in Florida for Obstetrics & Gynecology by U.S. News & World Reportfor 2025-2026.

“Tampa General continues to lead the way in delivering compassionate patient-centered care while meeting strict benchmarks for physician training, clinical outcomes and operational excellence,” said Dr. Vaagn Andikyan, a gynecological oncologist at Tampa General Hospital and director of the Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) program at the TGH Cancer Institute. HIPEC is a heated chemotherapy treatment that helps to eliminate smaller cancer cells to avoid reoccurrence of the disease. “This recognition affirms the expertise of Tampa General’s surgical teams and their commitment to delivering safe, innovative care for women facing severe and complex gynecologic conditions,” Andikyan said.

The TGH Cancer Institute continues to grow as a statewide leader in cancer care, offering patients access to advanced therapies, multidisciplinary expertise and a rapidly expanding portfolio of clinical trials. It is among the few cancer centers in Florida backed by academic medicine through its partnership with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and ranks among the nation’s top 10% of hospitals by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals 2025-2026.