Comprehensive Heart Attack Center earns recertification

UC Davis Health recently received recertification from The Joint Commission as an Advanced Comprehensive Heart Attack Center.

The Advanced Comprehensive Heart Attack Center certification process involves meeting rigorous standards and providing evidence that an organization delivers high-quality care that leads to improved clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Highest standards

The certification award to UC Davis Health represents its commitment to upholding the highest standards of health care quality and safety for patients, workforce and community. For UC Davis Health, this current certification cycle began June 6, 2025, and is valid for up to 24 months, unless The Joint Commission shortens the cycle according to its guidelines.

Dr. Garrett Wong is the medical director of UC Davis Health’s Comprehensive Heart Attack Center program and Taufa Lee is the program coordinator. It is managed by the Heart and Vascular Center and encompasses several departments that provide cardiac care.

Wong said, “Earning the Comprehensive Heart Attack Center Certification is a true team victory. From the moment a patient calls 911 to their recovery in the hospital, every second counts – and every member of our team plays a vital role.”

This achievement, he noted, reflects the seamless collaboration among EMS, the Emergency Department, cardiology division, cardiac catheterization laboratory, UC Davis Health administration, nursing and support staff – all working together to provide the highest level of life-saving care when it matters most. 

“Thank you to our entire team for your dedication and teamwork. Together, we save lives when every second counts,” Wong said.

Lee said, “Achieving the Comprehensive Heart Attack Center certification reflects the highest standard of coordinated evidence-based care for heart attack patients.

She noted that this accomplishment is only possible through a robust, team-wide effort involving numerous departments and requires a unified multidisciplinary approach.

“Every team member from EMS to post-acute care plays a critical role in ensuring rapid, evidence-based, and compassionate care for heart attack patients. The process fosters a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and collaboration across the entire health system.” Lee said.

Lifesaving care

Lee pointed out that the Comprehensive Heart Attack Program certification means patients and the community can trust UC Davis Health to deliver rapid, expert and lifesaving heart care.

“It ensures 24/7 access to a skilled team, faster treatment in emergencies, better outcomes, and coordinated care from diagnosis through recovery. For the community, it brings top tier cardiac care close to home and reflects a strong commitment to heart health, prevention, and ongoing excellence,” she added.

The Joint Commission, Lee said, evaluates key areas such as timeliness and quality of heart attack care, care coordination, staff training, patient safety, data-driven performance improvement, and compliance with clinical guidelines.

“For UC Davis Health, the review confirms the system’s ability to deliver 24/7 expert, evidence-based, and coordinated care for heart attack patients, ensuring high standards and better outcomes,” she said.