Press Release

The certification recognizes health care organizations that provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients with brain tumors. It evaluates how organizations use clinical outcomes and performance measures to identify opportunities to improve care, as well as how they educate and prepare patients and their caregivers for discharge and long-term recovery.

UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute underwent a rigorous, announced onsite review on September 25, 2025. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with standards related to program management, coordination of multidisciplinary care, patient and family education, and continuous performance improvement. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews with team members to assess the center’s commitment to best practices and patient-centered care.

“This recognition is a testament to our team’s dedication to advancing brain tumor care through research, innovation and collaboration,” said Norberto Andaluz, MD, co-director of the Brain Tumor Center at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute. “Our Brain Tumor Center unites experts across multiple disciplines to offer patients the latest treatments and technologies, improving outcomes and elevating the standard of care in our region.”

The UC Health Brain Tumor Center provides comprehensive care for patients with both benign and malignant brain tumors, including gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary tumors and metastatic brain disease. The center integrates the latest clinical research, advanced imaging technologies, and minimally invasive surgical techniques to deliver world-class care.

“The Brain Tumor Center Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” said Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”

To prepare for the certification process, the Brain Tumor Center team conducted extensive internal reviews of care pathways, outcomes data and patient education initiatives. The Center also enhanced its multidisciplinary case conferences and implemented new quality metrics to ensure seamless coordination across specialties.

This certification reinforces our commitment to excellence in neurosurgical care and continuous improvement,” said Jonathan Forbes, MD, co-director of the Brain Tumor Center at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute. “We’re proud to be part of a health system that prioritizes advanced surgical techniques, clinical research, and innovation, giving patients access to leading-edge care and new hope after a brain tumor diagnosis.

For more information about The Joint Commission’s certification programs, please visit www.jointcommission.org.

More about the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute

The UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute is recognized for its expertise, with 15 specialty areas, attracting patients from 40 states and other countries in search of our knowledge and comprehensive care. Its faculty are revolutionizing neurological care worldwide through publications in premier medical journals, and its research teams are leading the way in breakthroughs that will improve brain health care today and for future generations.

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About UC Health

UC Health is Greater Cincinnati's adult academic health system—where world-class care, groundbreaking research and the next generation of medicine come together to transform health and improve life within our community. To learn more, visit UCHealth.com. 

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