Dr. Dickson-Witmer Receives 2024 State Chair Outstanding Performance Award from the Commission on Cancer
Beebe Healthcare is proud to announce that Diana Dickson-Witmer, MD, FACS, has been named recipient of the 2024 State Chair Outstanding Performance Award, presented by the Commission on Cancer (COC).
Dr. Dickson-Witmer earned the honor based on the evaluation of her 2023 State Chair Activity Report, which demonstrates the impact of her outstanding leadership, clinical innovation, and her commitment to advancements in the delivery of cancer care in the state of Delaware.
Dr. Dickson-Witmer has served as the Delaware State Chair for the COC since 2021 (and was also appointed to this role from 2003 to 2009). Over the past decade, she has served in various other leadership roles for the organization, as well. From 2004 to 2010, Dr. Dickson-Witmer was a member of the COC’s Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee. From 2006 to 2009, she Chaired the Accreditation Committee, which is responsible for accrediting 1,500 cancer programs across the country. Between 2009 and 2012, she was a member of the COC Executive Committee while also serving as Vice Chair of the Standards Revision Task Force; charged with revising all 36 standards of the COC.
Dr. Dickson-Witmer, who is widely known for her leadership in trailblazing advancements in breast health and surgical care across Delaware over the past 25 years, leads Beebe’s Center for Breast Health. The Center provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages diagnosed with both benign and malignant breast conditions. Dr. Dickson-Witmer collaborates with medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists to evaluate patient cases, develop recommended treatment regimes, and deploy plans of care that aim to optimize clinical results for each patient. Cutting edge surgical services, research-based medicine services, and risk evaluation and preventive services are among the core services offered.
“We have positioned the Center for Breast Health as a true destination for the latest, most advanced breast care. My involvement as a State Chair for the Commission on Cancer has given me an opportunity to put the spotlight on the quality care we provide, to share our approaches and best practices with others, and to learn from cancer programs all over the country,” said Dr. Dickson-Witmer. “We are intently focused on helping our patients achieve the best possible clinical outcomes, while also optimizing their patient experience.”
Working alongside Dr. Dickson-Witmer at the Center for Breast Health are fellowship-trained and board-certified surgeons Matthew Richards, MD, and Karen Barbosa, DO, FACOS, who specializes in oncoplastic breast surgeon. Patients are also cared for and supported by plastic reconstructive surgeons, nurse practitioners, nurse navigators, clinical trials specialists, genetic counselors, social workers, and wellness coaches.
Beebe’s Tunnell and South Coastal Cancer Centers are accredited by the Commission on Cancer and the American College of Radiology. The Center for Breast Health is the only center in Delaware accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) – an American College of Surgeons distinction. Earlier this year, the Center was selected as one of just six across the country selected to participate in a NAPBC pilot, with data analysis and a site visit conducted in line with the newly established standards.