TJUH medical oncologist to receive ASCO Humanitarian Award

Edith Mitchell, M.D., FACP, a medical oncologist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Jefferson's Kimmel Cancer Center (KCC) and Clinical Professor of Medicine and Medical Oncology in the Department of Medical Oncology at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, has been named the 2012 recipient of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Humanitarian Award for her personification of the society's mission and values, and for going above and beyond the call of duty in providing outstanding patient care.

For her efforts, Dr. Mitchell will be presented with the award during the opening session of the ASCO Annual Meeting on Saturday, June 2.

The ASCO Humanitarian Award recognizes an oncologist who provides outstanding patient care through innovative means or exceptional service or leadership in the United States or abroad. It is presented to an ASCO member who distinguishes himself/herself through voluntary and non-compensated humanitarian endeavors.

"Receiving this award is a great honor, and I thank the Society for the acknowledgement," said Dr. Mitchell. "A big part of my work over the course of my career has focused on helping those in need of medical care—to reach those who have no access to it, who have no opportunities for health, and no means to seek out conventional medical advice. It is important to help these individuals realize that simple changes in lifestyle can have a dramatic impact on cancer care and one's health. I look forward to continuing on this path."

Dr. Mitchell has spent her medical career helping individuals in medically underserved areas and demonstrating the importance of community service and outreach. She has participated in flood relief, supportive patient advocacy, and organized vaccination clinics.

Dr. Mitchell also serves as a program leader of Gastrointestinal Oncology at JMC, Associate Director for Diversity Programs for the KCC, and Director of the KCC's newly established Center to Eliminate Cancer Disparities.

In addition to her professional roles, she has spent many years in service with the U.S. Air Force and the Air National Guard. Dr. Mitchell entered active duty after completion of her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Meharry Medical College and a fellowship in Medical Oncology at Georgetown University. She is now a retired brigadier General from the United States Air Force.

Dr. Mitchell received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry "With Distinction" from Tennessee State University and her medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.

Dr. Mitchell's research in pancreatic cancer and other gastrointestinal malignancies involves new drug evaluation and chemotherapy, development of new therapeutic regimens, chemoradiation strategies for combined modality therapy, patient selection criteria and supportive care for patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

As a distinguished researcher, she has received numerous Cancer Research and Principal Investigator Awards, and serves on the National Cancer Institute Review Panel and the Cancer Investigations Review Committee. She has also authored and co-authored more than 100 articles, book chapters, and abstracts on cancer treatment, prevention, and cancer control. And in 2011, she was named "Practitioner of the Year" by the Philadelphia County Medical Society.

She also travels nationally and internationally teaching and lecturing on the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies.

Dr. Mitchell is one of 12 honorees to receive an ASCO Special Award.

"All of the oncology professionals and leaders who will be receiving this year's Special Awards have made a great impact on cancer prevention, care and treatment around the globe," said George Sledge, M.D., ASCO Immediate Past President and Chair of the Special Awards Selection Committee, in a statement. "We are honored to commend their contributions and accomplishments in the field of oncology with ASCO's most prestigious awards."