PHILADELPHIA (February 27, 2025)—Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Alycia So, MD, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery, was recently inducted as a fellow into the Philadelphia Academy of Surgery.
Founded in 1879, the academy is the oldest continuously meeting surgical society in the United States. Its aim is to improve the practice of surgery, promote public health, and help elevate the medical profession.
“I am very honored to be welcomed into an organization with such an illustrious history. I am looking forward to being in the company of some of the most renowned surgeons in the area and am eager to play a role in the academy’s mission of improving the science and practice of surgery,” said So.
“Fox Chase is proud to have another of its talented surgeons join the ranks of the fellows of the Philadelphia Academy of Surgery,” said Jeffrey Farma, MD, FACS, Chair of the Department of Surgery. “With Dr. So’s induction, Fox Chase Cancer Center continues to be well represented as home to some of the best and brightest surgeons in Philadelphia.”
In order to become a fellow of the academy, a candidate must be a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy who has graduated from a reputable school of medicine or osteopathy. They must also be either board certified in a surgical specialty by an American board of medical specialties or a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Additionally, they must be nominated by an existing fellow in good standing and supported by another fellow before receiving approval from the council and being presented to the academy for election.
So received her bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and her medical degree from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She completed her residency in general surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and a Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
So joined Fox Chase in September 2024 and specializes in breast surgical oncology. She has been recognized with multiple awards throughout her career, including the FOCUS Fellowship in Women’s Health from the Rena Rowan Breast Cancer Center and the Corynne S. Uhl Award for Compassion and Excellence in Patient Care from MD Anderson Cancer Center. She also received The Adrian Greenstein, MD, Award, presented by Mount Sinai Hospital to the general surgery resident who best demonstrates professionalism, humanism, and civility.
She has contributed to 20 publications and presentations studying breast cancer and surgical outcomes. So has also worked on several global health initiatives, including an independently organized research fellowship with the Department of Surgery at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, and the installation of solar suitcases at rural clinics in The Gambia to improve maternal-fetal health outcomes.