Since its inception as a dedicated, comprehensive cancer center, then significantly
supported by a naming gift from the Harcourt M. and Virginia W. Sylvester Foundation,
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (UM/Sylvester) has been the cancer brand for the
University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. As the only university-based
cancer center in South Florida, Sylvester has transformed cancer research and treatment in
South Florida and beyond.
Another naming gift (in 2003) established the Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute at
Sylvester, which addresses all elements of breast cancer, from research and teaching to
treating patients.
Sylvester’s main inpatient and outpatient facility is located on the central medical campus in the heart of Miami. Its physicians care
for cancer patients at University of Miami Hospital, UMHC – University of Miami Hospital &
Clinics, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Holtz Children’s Hospital, and the Miami VA Medical
Center. Sylvester also provides state-of-the-art cancer care at 6 satellite facilities: Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Plantation, Hollywood, Sylvester West, and Kendall.
As a university-based cancer center, Sylvester physicians and scientists apply research
breakthroughs from the laboratory to the patient’s bedside. Sylvester closely evaluates the
effectiveness of new treatments, and shares clinical insights with laboratory investigators,
leading to improvements that benefit patient care. This type of translational research is the
cornerstone of our comprehensive cancer center, providing us the ability to accurately treat a wide range of cancers across 15 site diseases and from stage one to stage four.
Sylvester patients also have the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking clinical trials
that offer new treatment approaches and help the scientific community answer questions
about new ways of using existing drugs to fight cancer.
Sylvester Mission
We seek to reduce the human burden from cancer and other serious illnesses through research, education, prevention, and the delivery of quality patient care.
Sylvester Vision
Sylvester will become a fully integrated program of patient care, education, and research with an international reputation for excellence.
Sylvester will provide new hope for cancer patients in our extended community, which includes South Florida, the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and South America.
Sylvester will promote efficient, community-responsive health care, and generate resources to sustain and enhance innovative cancer programs.
Sylvester Values
Excellence: To exceed the limits in accomplishments and expectations
Compassion: To work and care for the welfare of others, and to alleviate suffering
Respect: To recognize worth, quality, and importance of others
Discovery: To embrace the never-ending quest for new knowledge and awareness
