Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc)
Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc), CEO of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), was recognized during the plenary session at the 69th Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) Annual Cancer Symposium with the James Ewing Layperson’s Award for her dedication to the prevention and cure of cancer; her commitment to increasing public awareness about cancer; and the importance of cancer research for improving public health.
The James Ewing Layperson’s Award is given annually by the SSO with the support of the SSO Foundation. It is awarded to a nonphysician to honor his or her work in the areas of public awareness, patient resources, or clinical research efforts in the prevention or cure of cancer.
During Dr. Foti’s tenure as CEO of the AACR, the organization’s membership has grown from about 3,000 to more than 35,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health-care professionals; and cancer advocates residing in 104 countries and territories around the world. In addition, the organization’s scientific meetings, peer-reviewed journals, and science policy work have furthered progress against all cancers through research, education, communication, and collaboration.
In 2013, Dr. Foti led the establishment of an AACR Task Force devoted to surgical oncology, which assists the organization in identifying new ways to optimize opportunities for surgical oncology researchers. The 20-member task force is specifically charged with helping the AACR understand the needs of surgical oncologists. Further, the task force works to increase the visibility of surgical oncology research, both within the AACR and externally by ensuring that surgical oncology researchers are integrated into all applicable AACR activities and programs.
More recently, the AACR has been providing thought leadership to Vice President Joe Biden, as he begins to lead a new national effort against cancer. ■
