Company Profile
Moffitt Cancer Center
Company Overview
A LASTING COMMITMENT TO THE PREVENTION AND CURE OF CANCER
At Moffitt Cancer Center, we are working tirelessly in the areas of patient care, research and education to advance one step further in fighting this disease. We are committed to the health and safety of our patients and dedicated to providing expert cancer care.
Company History
Moffitt Cancer Center has made a lasting commitment to the prevention and cure of cancer, working tirelessly in the areas of patient care, research and education to advance one step further in fighting this disease.
How It All Began
In 1978, H. Lee Moffitt, then a Florida state representative, first started talking to people about a cancer center for Tampa. The legislator faced enormous odds – a less than enthusiastic local medical community, a myriad of approvals required by state and regional health care agencies and the need for a staggering financial commitment from a budget-conscious state Legislature and governor.
But Moffitt, who had survived a bout with cancer in the early 1970s and had lost two friends to cancer, kept right on talking about Florida’s high rates of cancer and how more than 14,000 new cancer cases were expected each year within a 100-mile radius of Tampa.
Moffitt and Dr. Hollis Boren, then dean of the University of South Florida’s College of Medicine, sought support from community and medical leaders who were predictably nervous about adding another major facility in the already fiscally stressed local health care arena. Moffitt and Boren argued that the cancer center would draw patients from a far wider radius than local hospitals because of its exclusive focus on cancer.
In 1981, the state Legislature appropriated $600,000 in planning money for the proposed 240-bed hospital. The Board of Regents selected architects Stuart L. Bentler of Tampa and Heery and Heery of Atlanta, along with medical consultants to conduct feasibility studies. The outcome was a recommendation for a 150-bed facility. Among the consultants was Dr. R. Lee Clark, the first full-time president of M. D. Anderson Comprehensive Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, who expressed full support of Florida’s proposed center.
In June 1981, the Legislature appropriated $3.5 million in start-up funds for the cancer center. Moffitt, by then Speaker of the House of Representatives, drafted a bill earmarking proceeds from a state cigarette tax for the cancer center’s construction. In March 1982, the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services granted the Certificate of Need.
The rest is history. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the $70 million, 162-bed facility occurred in January 1983. Construction continued throughout 1985, with the finishing touches completed during early 1986. The cancer center was dedicated on Oct. 18, 1986, and opened to patients on Oct. 27, 1986.
The Cancer Center Board of Directors incorporated in April 1984. The board followed a Florida House of Representatives mandate to name the hospital for House Speaker H. Lee Moffitt. Moffitt at first prevented his colleagues from placing the bill that named the center on the House floor, but they voted on the special tribute while he was away from the podium.
A Tampa Tribune editorial called the cancer center the product of H. Lee Moffitt’s “steel persistence and cotton diplomacy” and went on to give what may be a newspaper’s highest compliment to a political leader:
“It’s true enough that the art of politics is compromise,” the editorial said, "but the point of compromise is to get things done. Lee Moffitt did.”
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
At Moffitt Cancer Center, we've earned our share of accolades over the years, with members of our staff receiving some of the highest physician and cancer awards within the medical field. As an organization, we've consistently been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best hospitals for the treatment of cancer in the country.
While we appreciate the recognition, we remain focused on the real prize: a cure. Only then can we sit back and reflect on what we’ve accomplished.
Benefits
Work-Life Balance
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Moffitt Cancer Center places a priority on work-life balance. We recognize each team member may have unique pressures and responsibilities – both at work and at home.
Services at Moffitt developed to save you time and stress in your personal life, include:
Team Member Medical Clinic: Team members can use the on-site clinic free of charge Monday through Friday.
Care for personal illness
Initial treatment and management of chronic illness and referral
Lab work
Disease education
Smoking cessation counseling and prescriptions
Child and Elder Care: Team members have the opportunity to take advantage of cost-saving child and elder care benefits.
Moffitt Child Development Center – open year round, the on-campus center offers a variety of full programs for families to choose from for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. After-school care and School’s Out days are provided for children up to age 12. Trained educators and caregivers are on-hand to provide a safe environment for children. Meals and snacks are served daily and tuition is payroll deducted.
Back-Up Care Advantage – This service is available to team members if their child is sick, doesn't have school or parent's caregiver is out sick. Team members may utilize up to 20 days per year.
New Mother’s Rooms: Moffitt has numerous new mother’s lactation rooms throughout our locations.
Wellness Reward Program: Team members can earn a credit off medical insurance premiums by participating in certain wellness activities. Additional wellness programs include: fitness classes, informational speakers, WW (formerly Weight Watchers At Work), walking programs and Wellness Wednesday displays.