For over five decades, the Florida Association of Pediatric Tumor Programs (FAPTP), Inc. has worked to help improve the treatment, care, and quality of life for children with cancer in Florida. As our program has grown and matured, FAPTP has continued to attract special recognition both in Florida and nationally.
The Florida Association of Pediatric Tumor Programs' mission is to bring together physicians to share their interest, knowledge, and ideas in pediatric oncology and hematology. FAPTP is focused on promoting the science and practice of different specialties while maintaining high standards of care and research.
FAPTP membership includes the following 15 Florida Pediatric Cancer Centers:
- Advent Health Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at Orlando - Orlando
- Golisano Children's Hospital of SW Florida - Fort Myers
- Helen & Jacob Shaham, Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, Nicklaus Children's Hospital - Miami
- Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders - Hollywood
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute - St. Petersburg
- Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida - Miami
- Nemours Children's Health - Jacksonville
- Nemours Children's Health - Orlando
- Orlando Health, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children - Orlando
- Palm Beach Children's Hospital - West Palm Beach
- St. Joseph's Children's Hospital - Tampa
- Salah Foundation Children's Hospital Broward Health - Fort Lauderdale
- Tampa General Hospital - Tampa
- UF Health Shands Hospital - Gainesville
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine-Sylvester Cancer Center - Miami
The mission began in 1970 as a coordinated statewide network of Children’s Cancer Programs under the auspices of the Florida Regional Medical Program (FRMP). Then in 1973, the FRMP participants created a nonprofit corporation called the Florida Association of Pediatric Tumor Programs, Inc. (FAPTP) to:
- unite Florida physicians interested and knowledgeable in pediatric oncology and hematology
- promote the science and practice of the various specialties
- help maintain high standards of care and research
In keeping with its mission, FAPTP provides many scientific and educational opportunities. These educational and research programs help to meet the growing demands for accurate and credible information from the member institutions throughout the state of Florida.
Educational Opportunities
The annual pediatric educational nursing seminar, Advances in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology is now in its fourth decade. The seminar provides ongoing educational opportunities for healthcare professionals making it a unique opportunity to further enhance the level of care for children with cancer and blood disorders.
Reporting System
The Florida Legislature established a hematology/oncology program in Children Medical Services (CMS) and FAPTP was given the responsibility and authority to monitor and evaluate children's cancer care in Florida and to prepare annual recommendations to CMS regarding program planning and development. This reporting system provides the State and the Public with data on cancer incidence, clinical-trial participation, and survivorship. This information aids investigators in studies conducted on both the State and National level.
Historically, FAPTP assisted the State in evaluating and administering the Infant Screening Program for Sickle Cell Disease.
Currently, FAPTP maintains membership on the Governor's Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council (C-CRAB), assisting the chairman in the development of a pediatric component to the Florida Cancer Plan.
FAPTP Central Office Staff
Jeffrey P. Krischer, PhD
FAPTP Executive Director
Brian J. Calkins
FAPTP Program Director
Myrna G. Hastings
FAPTP Administrative Assistant
