National Council for Research on Women honors CINJ breast oncologist

The chief medical officer at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) has been named as one of this year's 30 'Outstanding Women' by the National Council for Research on Women. Deborah L. Toppmeyer, MD, a medical oncologist at CINJ who heads a very active breast cancer clinic and conducts clinical research, was selected for her commitment to issues critical to advancing women and women's health. Her achievements will be celebrated at a special event in New York tomorrow night. CINJ is a Center of Excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Dr. Toppmeyer, an associate professor of medicine at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, came to CINJ 17 years ago from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School. The Montgomery Township (Somerset County) resident is an expert in breast cancer, breast cancer genetics and the design and implementation of clinical trials that offer promising new therapies targeted to specific types of breast cancer. Through her role as director of CINJ's Stacy Goldstein Breast Cancer Center and of the LIFE (LPGA pros In the Fight to Eradicate breast cancer) Center, Toppmeyer helps patients navigate through treatment options while encouraging enrollment in clinical trials. She also is chief of solid tumor oncology at CINJ.

"While making a difference in the lives of her patients through her compassionate care, Dr. Toppmeyer also dedicates herself to advancing cancer clinical research, which undoubtedly is bringing us closer to finding a cure," noted Subha V. Barry, chair of the CINJ Foundation Board of Trustees, who is also a board member of the National Council for Research on Women. "Her amazing contributions to the field of breast oncology continually help raise the bar on both treatment and research standards, ultimately resulting in a positive impact on the health of women worldwide."

Toppmeyer will be recognized along with other women who are considered to be making a difference in the lives of other females. Others being honored include news anchor Soledad O'Brien and professor of social policy, law and women's studies Anita Hill.