The American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (CoC) has awarded Cancer Liaison Physician Outstanding Performance Awards to two Crozer-Keystone physicians: Rachelle Lanciano, M.D., chair of the Radiation Oncology Department at Delaware County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) and cancer liaison physician for the Delaware County Regional Cancer Center at DCMH; and Mary Lou Patton, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.I.C.S., F.S.S.O., F.C.C.M., medical director of the Nathan Speare Regional Burn Treatment Center at Crozer-Chester Medical Center and cancer liaison physician for the Crozer Regional Cancer Center at Crozer.

The award recognizes the physicians’ outstanding leadership and guidance as physician champions in their cancer programs. Only 55 cancer liaison physicians nationwide achieved this recognition.

“This award recognizes physicians who go above and beyond expectations to improve and provide direction to their cancer program,” wrote Jon M. Greif, D.O., F.A.C.S., who is chair of the Committee on Cancer Liaison. “You have exhibited qualities that the Commission deems critical to facilities’ success in the CoC Approvals Program and providing high-quality cancer care.”

The Crozer Regional Cancer Center and the Delaware County Regional Cancer Center - part of the Fox Chase Crozer-Keystone Cancer Partnership - are both accredited by the American College of Surgeons with commendation.

Lanciano developed the Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy program at DCMH, and she treats patients using robotic radiosurgery at Philadelphia CyberKnife. She has also increased patients’ access to national trials of radiation through the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and other National Cooperative Group Studies. Board-certified in Radiation Oncology by the American Board of Radiology, Lanciano sub-specializes in genito-urinary, gastrointestinal, and lung cancers and is a national expert in cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers.

Patton, who is board-certified in Surgery and Critical Care, is a Fellow of the International College of Surgeons, Society of Surgical Oncology and Society of Critical Medicine, and a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. She serves as a clinical associate professor of Surgery at Drexel School of Medicine, Jefferson Medical College and Temple University School of Medicine. Since 1994, Patton has served on the board of directors of the Burn Foundation for Philadelphia.