National cancer commission honors Beebe’s Dickson-Witmer

Beebe Healthcare announced Diana Dickson-Witmer, MD, FACS, has been named as a recipient of the 2024 State Chair Outstanding Performance Award, presented by the Commission on Cancer.

Dickson-Witmer earned the honor based on the evaluation of her 2023 State Chair Activity Report, which demonstrates the impact of her outstanding leadership and clinical innovation, and her commitment to advancements in the delivery of cancer care in Delaware.

Dickson-Witmer has served as Delaware state chair for the commission since 2021. She was previously appointed and served in this role for 2003-09. She has also served on the commission’s recruitment and retention subcommittee, and its standards revision task force. Dickson-Witmer has also served as chair of the accreditation committee, which is responsible for accrediting 1,500 cancer programs across the country.

Widely known for her leadership in trailblazing advancements in breast health and surgical care across Delaware over the past 25 years, Dickson-Witmer 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. Dickson-Witmer collaborates with medical, radiation and surgical oncologists to evaluate patient cases, develop recommended treatment regimes and deploy care plans 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 Dickson-Witmer. “We are intently focused on helping our patients achieve the best possible clinical outcomes, while also optimizing their patient experience.”

Working alongside Dickson-Witmer at the center are fellowship-trained and board-certified surgeons Matthew Richards, MD, and Karen Barbosa, DO, FACOS, who specializes in oncoplastic breast surgery. 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 one in Delaware accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers – an American College of Surgeons distinction. Earlier this year, the center was one of just six across the country selected to participate in an NAPBC pilot, with data analysis and a site visit conducted in line with the newly established standards.

“Beebe Healthcare is laser-focused on ensuring that the highest-quality and safest care is provided for the people of Sussex County. We’re incredibly proud of Dr. Dickson-Witmer and her vision to create a breast health program that elevates Beebe’s care in the national spotlight,” said Dr. David A. Tam, Beebe Healthcare president and CEO. “Under her leadership, Beebe is truly one of the best places patients can turn for the highest-quality breast care.”