PHILADELPHIA (January 29, 2025) — Austin D. Williams, MD, MSEd, FACS, Assistant Professor in the Division of Breast Surgery within the Department of Surgery at Fox Chase Cancer Center, was recently named a Presidential Scholar by the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO).
“To be recognized with this distinction is both an honor and an exciting opportunity to expand my expertise in the field of surgical oncology,” said Williams. “I am looking forward to the mentorship experience this provides and am eager to learn from some of the best minds in the field.”
The SSO’s Presidential Scholar Mentor Program pairs mentees with distinguished surgical oncologists who serve as mentors. In doing this, the program aims to foster personal and professional growth for the mentee through guidance, support, and education. Mentees who are selected for the program must be members of the SSO and be within five years of their first faculty/staff appointment.
Founded in 1940, the SSO is a global community of cancer surgeons whose mission is to improve patient care by advancing science and education, as well as the practice of cancer surgery, around the world. It currently has members in 70 countries.
Prior to joining Fox Chase, Williams was a breast surgical oncology fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he was the Kroll Family Fellow. He also completed a general surgery residency at Lankenau Medical Center and served as administrative chief resident. In addition, he completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania, where he focused on breast surgical oncology.
Over the course of his career, Williams has achieved multiple honors, including the Outstanding Scientific Presentation Award from the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the Owen H. Wangasteen Excellence in Research Award from the American College of Surgeons, and the Emerging Leader Award from Drexel University College of Medicine. He has been recognized as a Top Physician Under 40 by the Pennsylvania Medical Association and as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.
Williams has extensive leadership experience with various scientific and medical organizations, including the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Breast Surgeons, and the SSO. He has also been a member of the Franklin & Marshall College Alumni Association’s Board of Directors.
Williams earned his undergraduate degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Franklin & Marshall and holds a Master of Science in education from the University of Pennsylvania. He received his medical degree from the Drexel University College of Medicine.