UC Davis Center for Lymphatic Disease Earns Center of Excellence Designation
LE&RN Recognizes UC Davis Center for Lymphatic Disease for Exceptional Contributions to Lymphatic Surgery and Patient Care
Davis, CA – The Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) is proud to announce that the Center for Lymphatic Disease at the University of California, Davis has been awarded the designation of Surgery Center of Excellence in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphatic Diseases.
The award confirms that the UC Davis offers leading-edge lymphatic medicine and surgical services either on-site or within their network, with the capability to coordinate all aspects of care for patients who have developed lymphedema.
“With this Center of Excellence designation, patients can be confident that this center is equipped with the most advanced, comprehensive knowledge to manage lymphedema effectively and compassionately,” said William Repicci, president and CEO of LE&RN. “UC Davis exemplifies this commitment and standard of care, offering advanced surgical procedures and treatments to support those affected in the Sacramento Valley region and beyond.”
“It is an honor to receive the COE designation from LE&RN and a testament to the many dedicated providers in departments spanning the entire health system at UC Davis,” said Ara Salibian, a plastic and reconstructive microsurgeon and executive director of the Center for Lymphatic Disease at UC Davis. “For us, this is an opportunity to continue to expand and advance the care we provide for patients with lymphatic disease.”
Lymphedema, particularly secondary lymphedema, represents an estimated 99 percent of lymphedema cases and affects approximately 10 million Americans. Despite its prevalence, lymphedema remains an underappreciated and underfunded public health issue. Studies have shown that Black and Hispanic women are on average three times more likely to develop lymphedema following breast cancer surgery, highlighting significant health disparities.
Renowned for its cutting-edge, multidisciplinary care, the Center for Lymphatic Disease at the University of California Davis offers state-of-the-art therapies and surgical procedures for the treatment of lymphedema including lymphovenous bypass, vascularized lymph node transplant, and liposuction. To achieve the Center of Excellence designation, institutions must have at least three Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLTs) on-site or within the network, demonstrating proficiency in diagnosis, imaging, conservative management, surgery (with a minimum of 3 surgeons performing lymphatic surgeries within the network), research, accountability, collegiality, administration and community engagement. There are currently a total of 70 Centers of Excellence in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphatic Diseases around the world.
About LE&RN
The Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) is an internationally recognized non-profit organization founded to fight lymphatic diseases such as lymphedema, lipedema and lymphatic anomalies through education, research, and advocacy. LE&RN provides valuable educational resources, supports research initiatives, and promotes awareness worldwide.