URMC Pathologist Honored for Advancing Knowledge of Breast Cancer

David G. Hicks, M.D., director of Surgical Pathology at the University of Rochester Medical Center, received a prestigious award Sept. 13, 2011, from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) for his efforts to improve the diagnosis of breast cancer.

He received the CAP Excellence in Education Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions in continuing education in the field. Hicks designed and presented a rigorous program that gives pathologists the knowledge and skills to improve the accuracy of breast cancer diagnosis and factors involved in prognosis.

“I am humbled to be recognized for work to which I am deeply committed,” said Hicks, who was a member of an international task force that changed the standards in 2010 for testing estrogen and progesterone, two important biomarkers, in breast tumors.

Hicks earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Canisius College of Buffalo, and received his medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He completed his internship and residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.