Dr Miriam Mutebi, Consultant Breast Surgical Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the department of Surgery at Aga Khan University, Medical College, East Africa, has been honoured with the Humanitarian Award 2024 by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
First awarded in 2011, this award recognizes an oncologist who personifies ASCO’s mission and values by going above and beyond the call of duty in providing outstanding patient care through innovative means or exceptional service or leadership in the U.S.A. or abroad. ASCO is the largest global oncology network with nearly 55,000 oncology professionals who care for people living with cancer.
The Humanitarian award is presented to individuals who distinguish themselves through voluntary and non-compensated humanitarian endeavors. Dr Mutebi is the first oncologist based in Africa to receive this award.
Acknowledging the award, Dr Mutebi said, “I’m truly humbled by this global recognition from ASCO. I am grateful to our AKU community, as this recognition goes to each of us and the daily efforts, we make in our own individual ways to impact our patients' lives. Proud to be a part of this inspiring group that keeps driving for positive change! Here's to continuing to strive to improve care. I would like to especially acknowledge our patients who are the reason we get up each day. Their grace, resilience, and humour in the face of difficult situations is truly uplifting, and the friendships forged here encourage us to keep doing better!”
The award is presented during the ASCO Annual Meeting, and the recipient is invited to participate in a moderated panel discussion featuring special award recipients focusing on leadership and mentorship.
In 2021, Dr Mutebi was appointed to co-chair the National Cancer Task Force, a government task force mandated to design an effective cancer management strategy for Kenya. She also serves as the President of the African Organization for Research and Training in cancer (AORTIC) and as a Board of Director of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), becoming the first African oncologist to sit on the board. She is also the immediate past president of the Kenya Society of Hematology and Oncology (KESHO).
Dr Mutebi has been involved in extensive research geared towards improving the management and treatment of breast cancer patients. In 2019, along with the AKU team, she pioneered the introduction of, 'Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator' (DIEP) flap in East Africa. DIEP is a breast reconstruction procedure that offers hope to breast cancer survivors.
