Jan 05, 2021 9:00 AM

Author: Carley Lehauli


Photo of Don Milligan, MBA
Don Milligan, MBA

Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah (U of U) received the Press Ganey Pinnacle of Excellence Award for their high performance in outpatient clinics.

“It’s an honor,” says Don Milligan, MBA, executive director of HCI Hospital. “This award is given to the highest performing health care institutions in the nation. The truly meaningful aspect is that this award is based on how our patients feel about us. Ensuring we provide safe, effective, and high-quality patient care is at the center of all we do. Working at HCI Hospital and having the opportunity to be part of this mission is incredible.”

Photo of HCI Staff
HCI Staff

The award recognizes hospitals that have had consistent high levels over the last three years in patient experience, employee engagement, physician engagement, or clinical quality performance. HCI was in the top three highest scores for exceptional patient experience.  

“Being recognized doesn’t just happen because of kindness towards patients,” says Mari Ransco, MA, the senior director of patient experience for U of U Health. “It takes years of dedication and operational focus on making every part of the patient journey—from outreach and scheduling to inpatient stays, recovery, and screening—a coordinated and compassionate experience. For more than 10 years, Huntsman Cancer Institute’s staff, faculty, and leaders have demonstrated continuous pursuit of excellence. This award is truly a reflection of the teamwork of thousands of people working with singular focus on creating an exceptional patient experience.”

Media Contact

Heather Simonsen
Public Relations – Huntsman Cancer Institute
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About Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah

Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is the official cancer center of Utah and the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Mountain West. The campus includes a state-of-the-art cancer specialty hospital and two buildings dedicated to cancer research. Huntsman Cancer Institute provides patient care, cancer screening, and education at community clinics and affiliate hospitals throughout the Mountain West. It is consistently recognized among the best cancer hospitals in the country by U.S. News and World Report. The region’s first proton therapy center opened in 2021 and a major hospital expansion is underway. Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for staff, students, patients, and communities. Advancing cancer research discoveries and treatments to meet the needs of patients who live far away from a major medical center is a unique focus. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center, including genes responsible for breast, ovarian, colon, head and neck cancers, and melanoma. Huntsman Cancer Institute was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman.

Cancer touches all of us.

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