Fighting Cancer to Save the Smallest of Patients

Aziza Shad, MD, chief, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology has received a prestigious award from her alma mater, the Pennsylvania State School of Medicine. Dr. Shad, the recipient of the 2007 Alumni Fellow Award, is a 1989 graduate of the Penn State College of Medicine’s pediatric residency program and is the first resident alumna to receive this award.

Dr. Shad’s world-renowned work in pediatric cancer research and clinical treatment has spanned more than 25 years and several continents. She currently serves as director of Georgetown University Hospital’s Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Blood and Marrow Transplantation at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

In addition to her work at Georgetown, Dr. Shad dedicates significant time to improving the survival rates in children with cancer in developing countries. As the director of International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research USA, she works with physicians from Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America. She travels to oncology centers in developing countries to educate oncologists and nurses, guide patient treatments, organize workshops, and teach palliative care. Dr. Shad runs a cancer survivorship program at Georgetown University Hospital and has been instrumental in establishing similar programs in several Middle Eastern and Asian countries.

Grateful for the care Dr. Shad gave their daughter Kara, the Amey family of Great Falls, Virginia established The Amey Distinguished Professorship in Neuro-Oncology and Childhood Cancer at Georgetown. Dr. Shad was named the first Amey Distinguished Professor in April 2006.

Her exceptional and compassionate care has saved the lives of countless children, some of whom attended Friday’s speech.

“My patients here taught me everything I have learned, whether you’re working in the depths of Africa or at a renowned medical institute, the care for patients will never change,” said Dr. Shad.

Since 1973, the Penn State alumni association’s Alumni Fellow Award has been given to select alumni who, as leaders in their professional fields, are nominated by an academic college and accept an invitation by the president of the University to return to campus to share their expertise with students, faculty, and administrators.

Media Contact: Marianne Worley
Phone: 703-558-1287
Email: WorleyM@gunet.georgetown.edu

Patient Contact: 202-342-2400