Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and the University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine have been designated a Cancer Center of Excellence by the state of Florida, a recognition that places the Tampa-based partnership among a small group of institutions meeting the state’s standards for advanced cancer care and research.
The designation was awarded by the Florida Department of Health following review by the Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council and members of the Biomedical Research Advisory Council. It recognizes hospitals and academic institutions that demonstrate high levels of quality, comprehensive and patient-centered cancer treatment, along with strong research capabilities.
“Patients in the fight for their lives choose Tampa General Hospital and its Cancer Institute for world-class cancer care. The designation of the TGH Cancer Institute as a Cancer Center of Excellence is a testament to our academic-rooted and patient-centered approach, cross-collaboration of our teams, access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies and our ability to provide patients the best possible chance at the best possible outcome,” said John Couris, president and CEO of Florida Health Sciences Center.
Tampa General said the recognition reflects the work of its Cancer Institute in partnership with USF Health, highlighting multidisciplinary care, access to clinical research and advanced therapies for patients facing complex diagnoses.
The designation adds to a growing list of honors for the TGH Cancer Institute. Hospital officials said the institute ranks among the top 10% nationally for cancer treatment in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospitals rankings and holds several national accreditations tied to oncology, breast care, radiation oncology and cellular therapy.
Hospital and university leaders described the state recognition as both a milestone and a step toward a broader goal of eventually obtaining designation from the National Cancer Institute, a more selective federal benchmark for cancer centers.
Florida created the Cancer Center of Excellence designation in 2013 to encourage high-level cancer care and help attract top providers to the state. According to Tampa General, only seven cancer centers in Florida have received the designation.
