Dr. Lisa Tolnitch Receives Humanism in Medicine Award for Exceptional Work in Breast Cancer Treatment

By Scott Behm, Department of Surgery

Each year, the American Society of Breast Surgeons and the Arnold P. Gold Foundation present the Humanism in Medicine Award to one practicing physician who provides effective, compassionate, and empathetic care to breast cancer patients. Duke Surgery would like to congratulate Lisa Tolnitch, MD, Assistant Professor, Division of Advanced Oncologic and Gastrointestinal Surgery, for being the 2017 recipient of the Humanism in Medicine Award. Dr. Tolnitch is recognized for her continued efforts to provide breast cancer treatments to underinsured and uninsured patients in North Carolina.

In 2004, Dr. Tolnitch founded the Pretty in Pink Foundation after learning that many patients could not afford surgery or follow-up treatment. The foundation’s mission is to provide high-quality medical treatment to all patients, regardless of insured status. To do so, the organization relies on donations and contributions to provide assistance with expenses related to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Since its inception, the Pretty in Pink Foundation has provided life-saving care to thousands of women and men in North Carolina.

Dr. Tolnitch was nominated by her colleagues, who agreed she embodied the high standards recognized by the award. She will attend the American Society of Breast Surgeons annual meeting this spring where the award will be presented by the Gold Foundation. 

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