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Taipei Veterans General Hospital’s Heavy Ion Therapy Gains Recognition, Launches Collaboration with NYU Langone HealthMar 14, 2025

Taipei Veterans General Hospital’s (TVGH) heavy ion cancer therapy has garnered significant international attention. Yesterday, TVGH held a collaborative exchange meeting with NYU Langone Health in the United States to deepen their partnership in medical education, clinical research, and specialized healthcare, with a particular focus on cancer treatment. This collaboration was actively facilitated by Andre Koo, a board member of NYU. Wei-Ming Chen, Superintendent of TVGH, and Robert I. Grossman, CEO of NYU Langone Health and Dean of NYU Grossman School of Medicine, jointly signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU).

To strengthen cooperation in pancreatic cancer treatment, a joint plaque unveiling ceremony was held yesterday at TVGH’s Heavy Ion Therapy Center, marking the official launch of a collaborative heavy ion therapy program. Both institutions aim to co-develop new treatment approaches, refer patients to Taiwan for therapy, and share treatment outcomes and research findings—opening a new chapter in cross-border medical collaboration.

NYU Langone Health is one of the world’s leading medical institutions, renowned for its clinical and research excellence. This year, both NYU Langone Health and TVGH were ranked among Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2025 Top 250. Wei-Ming Chen noted that this collaboration offers a valuable platform for international exchange and symbolizes a closer partnership between the two institutions. Together, they will strive to enhance the quality of clinical cancer care and advance cross-border medical technologies and research.

Since launching its heavy ion cancer therapy program in May 2024, TVGH has treated approximately 450 patients, achieving highly satisfactory outcomes—particularly in pancreatic cancer, where treatment breakthroughs have drawn the close attention of NYU Langone Health’s cancer treatment center. Wei-Ming Chen extended his gratitude to Andre Koo for his efforts in promoting the formalization of this partnership. Last October, Koo facilitated a visit by NYU President Linda G. Mills and her delegation to TVGH. Following this, both institutions decided to deepen their collaboration, culminating in this signing ceremony in Taipei, attended by Dean Robert I. Grossman and several experts from NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

Dean Grossman is a prominent leader in global healthcare. In his roles as CEO of NYU Langone Health and Dean of NYU Grossman School of Medicine, he has spearheaded numerous innovations, including the development of an accelerated three-year MD program and the provision of full-tuition scholarships for medical students. Under his leadership, NYU Langone Health has become one of the largest healthcare systems in the Northeastern United States. Grossman has also led advancements in data-driven healthcare, aiming to improve patient outcomes and streamline clinical workflows.

In recognition of Grossman’s contributions to medicine and medical education, NYU renamed its medical school the NYU Grossman School of Medicine in 2019. During this exchange meeting, Dean Grossman delivered a keynote speech titled “Leaders and Leadership.” He was joined by esteemed faculty members, including ophthalmology expert Professor Elisabeth J. Cohen, radiation oncology professor Alec Kimmelman, and renowned psychologist Stacey C. Kimmelman.

Dean Grossman emphasized that this is NYU Langone Health’s first MOU signed with an overseas partner and that the institution places great importance on this collaboration. Moving forward, NYU Langone Health plans to refer patients to TVGH for advanced heavy ion radiation therapy and other treatments. Li Wei-Chiang, Vice Superintendent of TVGH, expressed his honor at partnering with a world-class medical center, describing the alliance as a win-win strategy that reflects the growing interconnectedness of global healthcare. Both parties aim to engage in deeper exchanges and development in medical education, research, and patient care. By leveraging their respective expertise and sharing resources, they hope to enhance healthcare service quality and build a more sustainable global health system.

TVGH is the first medical institution outside of Japan to offer heavy ion cancer therapy. It remains committed to providing more precise and effective treatment options for cancer patients while advancing research, patient care, and clinical education. Through this MOU, TVGH and NYU Langone Health will work together to pioneer a new era in medicine—particularly in cancer treatment, heavy ion radiotherapy technologies and research, clinical training, and medical education—contributing to the global improvement of cancer care standards.

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