ESTRO 38 - Programme Book & Exhibition Guide

Honorary Member Award

Angelita Habr-Gama Angelita and Joaquim Gama Institute São Paulo, Brazil

Angelita Habr-Gama was born to a family of Lebanese immigrants in northern Brazil and grew up in São Paulo where she went toMedical School, completed her training in surgery, and still practices. Angelita excelled in medical school and became the first female surgery resident in Brazil, the first of many firsts. She became first female fellow in coloproctology at the renowned Saint Mark’s Hospital in London and on her return to the University of São Paulo, she dedicated herself to her academic calling. There she went on to be become the first female professor of surgery in Latin America, the Head of the Department of Surgery of the Colon, Rectum and Anus and finally the Head of the Gastroenterological Department of theUniversity of São PauloMedical School. Her contributions in coloproctology are numerous and her dedication to research, education, and practice in coloproctology throughout her career are unparalleled and are evidenced in her body of work as well as in her trainees and pupils. Of note is her research in rectal cancer – the proposal to not operate patients that have a complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy. This began as an

observation in a handful of patients in the 1990’s and over the course of nearly three decades translated into a paradigmshift in rectal cancer management. This tenacity is emblematic of all of her pursuits. In recognition of her contributions she has received numerous national and international prizes and awards and has been honored as Honorary Fellow of most surgical societies worldwide.

Programme and Exhibition Guide | ESTRO AWARDS

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