Mansfield Honored

Originally Released: May 1, 2001
Contact: Gwen Fariss Newman, gnewman@umm.edu, 410-328-8919
Ellen Beth Levitt, eblevitt@umm.edu, 410-328-8919

MILDRED MINDELL CANCER FOUNDATION HONORS UM ONCOLOGIST

The Mildred Mindell Cancer Foundation honored the University of Maryland's Carl Mansfield, M.D., a nationally-recognized radiation oncologist, at its annual fundraising gala held at the new Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel on Saturday, April 28.

"Throughout his career, Dr. Mansfield has tirelessly forged new ground for cancer patients, in terms of research, patient care and community outreach," says Sanford Stass, M.D., director of the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center. "It is wonderful to see such an outstanding leader being recognized and commended not only for his significant contributions, but also for his compassionate approach to both his patients and their families. It is a true honor to work with Dr. Mansfield."

Shirley Saval, co-chair of the Mildred Mindell Cancer Foundation's Soiree of Survivors, says that the fundraiser made it possible for the all-volunteer organization to donate $75,000 to the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center -- an all-time high for the foundation that over the years has raised and distributed more than $2.8 million.

"We are so pleased and excited to be able to give back to the physicians and health care facilities that take such a proactive role in treating and preventing cancer," says Mrs. Saval, herself a cancer survivor. "In the 44 years since the Mildred Mindell Cancer Foundation was created with this mission in mind, this is our most significant contribution and we are honored to present it to Dr. Mansfield and the Greenebaum Cancer Center."

Dr. Mansfield is chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and chief of the University of Maryland Medical Center's Department of Radiation Oncology. He has a long and distinguished career, especially in breast cancer research.

Dr. Mansfield was an early advocate of treating breast cancer patients with a lumpectomy, a more conservative approach than the mastectomy, and his scientific studies have evaluated the use of Ir-92 wire implants and examined the role of brachytherapy (the use of radioactive seed implants) in breast conservation. In 1989, he was voted by his peers as one of the Best Breast Cancer Doctors in America in a survey published by Good Housekeeping Magazine. He also has written a book on the history and treatment results of early breast cancer.

"It was a chance encounter that pivoted me into the field of medicine," acknowledges Dr. Mansfield. "I was a victim of rheumatic fever as a young adult and was very impressed with the care I received. It was then that I decided I wanted to give back to society the same compassion I'd experienced as a patient."

In the early 90s, he was honored by the Philadelphia chapter of the American Cancer Society for his efforts in stopping R. J. Reynolds from marketing a new brand of cigarettes to inner city residents and, over the years, he has met with countless individuals at community events to reiterate the importance of taking charge of one's health through both prevention and early detection and treatment.

"I am truly thankful for the contribution that the Mildred Mindell Cancer Foundation is making to our institution," says Dr. Mansfield, who has seen the number of radiation oncology patients double in his four years at the University of Maryland. "We will use this generous donation to renovate and improve patient waiting areas, making them more comfortable for patients and providing them more privacy throughout the course of their treatment."

Dr. Mansfield was previously an associate director at the National Cancer Institute where he directed its radiation research program, and was a professor and chairman of radiation oncology and nuclear medicine at Jefferson Medical College and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

His many local and national appointments include a tenure as president of the American Radium Society and the Philadelphia Division of the American Cancer Society. He has served on the editorial boards of Cancer, International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Journal of the National Medical Association and Ca-A Cancer Journal for Clinicians and Radiation Oncology Investigations. He also holds fellowships with the American College of Radiology, the American College of Nuclear Medicine and the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

Dr. Mansfield is a board certified diplomat of the American Board of Radiology and the American Board of Nuclear Medicine.

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