Congratulations to Robert Siegel, MD ’77, associate center director for education and training at the George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center, medical director for the Katzen Cancer Research Center, and professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS), on receiving the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award (DAAA).
The award is the highest form of recognition given annually by the university and the GW Alumni Association to alumni.
Jeffrey S. Akman, MD ’81, RESD ’85, vice president for health affairs, Walter A. Bloedorn Professor of Administrative Medicine, and dean of SMHS, introduced Siegel and his career to the audience gathered in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel ballroom in mid-October.
“For his role in developing GW as a major force in the war on cancer and for his prominence in the field,” he said, “Dr. Siegel is highly deserving of this recognition.”
As a researcher, Siegel has greatly contributed to the understanding of cancer in modern medicine. He has been published in numerous scientific journals and also serves as an editorial reviewer for multiple cancer journals.
During his time at GW, Siegel established a cancer conference, a tumor board, and a certified hospital tumor registry. These efforts were essential in paving the way for the GW Cancer Center.
“He is one of the most well-known and highly respected hematologist oncologists in the world,” Akman said. “We have been creating doctors since 1824. We know what a great doctor is and Robert Siegel is the epitome of a great doctor.”
Siegel attributed the success that led to this award to the people who helped him along the way.
“People at GW supported me always,” he said. “At GW we are fortunate because there are many people to help plow the road to get you [where you are going.]”
At the awards ceremony, Siegel among several alumni award recipients representing schools across the university.
