Worta McCaskill-Stevens, MD, MS, Named 2020 ACCC David King Community Clinical Scientist Award Winner

Rockville, MD - The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) today announced the recipient of the 2020 ACCC David King Community Clinical Scientist Award: Worta McCaskill-Stevens, MD, MS, Medical Oncologist and Chief of the Community Oncology and Prevention Trials Research Group at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Division of Cancer Prevention, NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP). NCI is part of the National Institutes of Health.

The ACCC David King Community Clinical Scientist Award recognizes active community clinical research leaders who have demonstrated leadership in the development, participation and evaluation of clinical studies, and who are active in the development of new screening, risk assessment, treatment or supportive care programs for cancer patients.  The prestigious award is named for past-ACCC President David K. King, MD, FACP, who passed away after a brief battle with cancer.  King devoted his career to advocating for access to quality care and championing the value of clinical research in the community setting.

McCaskill-Stevens’ far-reaching professional accomplishments include a focus on cancer disparities, management of comorbidities within clinical trials, and molecular research to identify individuals who will benefit most from cancer prevention interventions. 

“Dr. McCaskill-Stevens’ effective leadership has created community and academic partnerships, expanded types and numbers of trials available in communities across the United States, incorporated disparities research and bio-banking to advance precision medicine,” said Randall A. Oyer, MD, Medical Director, Oncology Program, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, and ACCC President. “Patients will forever benefit from her work.”

McCaskill-Stevens has a long history in breast cancer research and served as program director for the Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR), assuming responsibilities for breast cancer prevention with NCI’s Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP). In addition, she is a member of NCI’s Breast Cancer Steering Committee.

She is also a recognized leader in furthering the advancement of minority investigators in cancer research.

McCaskill-Stevens has said, “When one matches curiosity and opportunity with hard work, training, and a great mentor, the possible contributions to your communities, to the world, and to yourself, are endless.”

The award presentation and remarks from Dr. McCaskill-Stevens can be found on the ACCC website.