Roger Williams Cancer Center Physician Earns National Award

(Providence, RI)   Dr. Abdul Saied Calvino, MPH, FACS, a surgical oncologist at Roger Williams Cancer Center, has earned national recognition from the American Cancer Society (ACS) for his development of a comprehensive advocacy program that encourages members of the Hispanic community to receive screenings for colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is a particularly significant health risk for people of Hispanic descent. Compounding this problem is the fact that Hispanic participation in colorectal screenings, such as a colonoscopy, has been significantly less than the national average. Recognizing this, Dr. Calvino designed and coordinated a comprehensive, community-based education and outreach program, which, over a period of 18 months, dramatically increased colorectal screening participation by Hispanics in the metropolitan Providence area.

In recognition of this program and its results, the American Cancer Society has awarded its prestigious Lane Adams Quality of Life Award to Dr. Calvino. This national award is reserved for caregivers who lead by making a significant impact on cancer patients, their families, and their communities. In Dr. Calvino's case, the ACS cited his creative problem-solving skills to eliminate barriers to access cancer care.

Jeff Liebman, CEO of the Cancer Center's corporate parent CharterCARE Health Partners, stated, "This award reflects Dr. Calvino's genuine concern for improving the health and wellness of the Rhode Island Hispanic community, and it dovetails perfectly with CharterCARE's overall commitment to improving the health status of minority and disadvantaged communities in Rhode Island."

Calvino, board-certified in general surgery and complex surgical oncology, has established an active community outreach and cancer navigation program to improve access to surgical care in underserved populations. He has received recognition and numerous awards at the local and national level including the CDC's Carol Friedman National Award for excellence in addressing cancer care disparities.

"We all know that the best cancer screenings are the ones that actually get done," commented Dr. N. Joseph Espat, Chairman of Surgery and Director of the Roger Williams Cancer Center. "I am especially proud today of our academic oncology team and their leadership in tailored culturally-sensitive patient navigation efforts to eliminate health access barriers to clinical outcomes in cancer treatment.

The award was presented to Dr. Calvino on March 14th at a ceremony attended by Governor Dan McKee and Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos and representatives from the American Cancer Society.

l-r, Lynn Basilio and Cori Chandler, American Cancer Society, Governor McKee, Dr. Joseph Espat, Dr. Abdul Calvino, Lt. Governor Matos, and Jeffrey Liebman, CEO.