• Villano, a surgical oncologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center, recently received the national honor, which recognizes promising early-career leaders.
• The two-year program provides mentorship, networking, and leadership development to support academic growth in surgical oncology.
• Villano's selection highlights his commitment to patient-centered care, research, and education, and reflects Fox Chase's strength in cultivating future surgical oncology leaders.

PHILADELPHIA (January 28, 2025) - Anthony M. Villano, MD, FACS, Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgical Oncologyat Fox Chase Cancer Center, has been selected as a Presidential Scholar by the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO).

Villano is known for a patient-centered philosophy rooted in compassion, shared decision-making, and multidisciplinary collaboration. His dedication to individualized cancer care, coupled with his active research in gastrointestinal and soft tissue malignancies, reflects the qualities the SSO seeks to foster through this prestigious early-career mentorship program.

His selection places him among a competitive group of emerging surgical oncologists recognized for their potential to become future leaders.

"I have a strong interest in leading the field in research and contributing to the education of other surgical oncologists," Villano said. "Those goals align closely with what the SSO aims to cultivate in its academic faculty, so this opportunity felt like a natural fit."

About the SSO Presidential Scholars Program

The Presidential Scholars Program is a structured, two-year professional development initiative created by the SSO to support promising surgical oncologists. Scholars are paired with distinguished senior leaders from across the country who provide individualized mentorship, guidance, and career development support.

The program includes a combination of virtual meetings, dedicated networking opportunities, and in-person sessions at the SSO Annual Meeting. Its goal is to nurture personal and professional growth, expand academic perspectives, and foster long-term leadership within the surgical oncology community.

Villano said his application to the program was driven by his commitment to advancing academic surgical oncology. His selection speaks not only to his emerging leadership but also to Fox Chase's ongoing mission to cultivate the next generation of innovators and educators in cancer surgery.

A Meaningful Recognition for Villano and Fox Chase

For Villano, being named a Presidential Scholar underscores both his dedication to academic surgical oncology and his commitment to advancing research, education, and clinical innovation.

"This program gives early-career faculty like me direct access to internationally recognized leaders in surgical oncology," he said. "The conversations that happen in a mentorship setting like this can truly change the trajectory of a career."

He added that the program aligns perfectly with the mission and values of Fox Chase.

"One of our main tenets as a faculty is educating future surgical oncologists and advancing cutting-edge research," he said. "This program is designed to develop the next generation of thought leaders and academicians in our field. I hope I'm making the institution proud by taking part."

Villano's recognition also reinforces Fox Chase's reputation as a leading center for surgical oncology training, mentorship, and academic development.

"I think this will contribute meaningfully to my development as a future leader in surgical oncology," Villano said. "It's a prestigious opportunity, and I'm excited for what lies ahead."