American Cancer Society Honors Dr. Barbara Berkman with the Distinguished Achievement in Cancer Awar
Four Americans whose exceptional talents and commitment have helped make progress in the fight against cancer today received prestigious awards from the American Cancer Society. At a luncheon ceremony at its Nationwide Volunteer and Staff Leadership Summit, the Society honored Barbara J. Berkman, D.S.W./ Ph.D., L.I.C.S.W and David S. Rosenthal, M.D. with Distinguished Achievement in Cancer Awards, and Sigurd Normann, M.D., Ph.D., with the National Volunteer Leadership Award. Also present at the ceremony was Laurence H. Baker, D.O. who received the Distinguished Achievement in Cancer Award in 2011, however was unable to attend the ceremony last November.
Four Americans whose exceptional talents and commitment have helped make progress in the fight against cancer today received prestigious awards from the American Cancer Society. At a luncheon ceremony at its Nationwide Volunteer and Staff Leadership Summit, the Society honored Barbara J. Berkman, D.S.W./ Ph.D., L.I.C.S.W and David S. Rosenthal, M.D. with Distinguished Achievement in Cancer Awards, and Sigurd Normann, M.D., Ph.D., with the National Volunteer Leadership Award. Also present at the ceremony was Laurence H. Baker, D.O. who received the Distinguished Achievement in Cancer Award in 2011, however was unable to attend the ceremony last November.
“We honor the service and accomplishments of these exceptional individuals, as well as the fine example they have set for others who are involved in the ongoing fight against cancer,” said John R. Seffrin, Ph.D., chief executive officer, American Cancer Society. “As their work proves, there are many varied ways to make a real impact to reduce the burden of cancer.”
Barbara Berkman, D.S.W./ Ph.D., L.I.C.S.W., was honored with the Distinguished Achievement in Cancer Award for her tireless research, practice, and advocacy of social work and its importance in caring for cancer patients and their families. Among many achievements, she is responsible for advancements in the assessment instruments oncology social workers use to identify patients and families who are at risk for poor psychosocial adjustment to changes in health status. Her many published books, book chapters, and scholarly articles also help to inform the training, faculty, and practice skills that are necessary to meet future challenges in oncology social work.
Dr. Berkman is the Helen Rehr / Ruth Fizdale Professor of Health and Mental Health at Columbia University School of Social Work, and Adjunct Professor, Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine. She is a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America, the New York Academy of Medicine, and the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare.
