Jeffrey M Farma, MD

It is an honor to join the staff of the Fox Chase Cancer Center. My initial exposure during medical school at Fox Chase led me down the path of Surgical Oncology. As a native Philadelphian, I am privileged to work at such an esteemed institution. I was enthralled then by the dedicated care of the staff in dealing with all aspects of treating patients diagnosed with cancer, and I hope to continue this throughout my career at Fox Chase.

During my fellowship at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, I learned from experts in the field of surgical oncology about clinical trial design, experimental therapeutics and the importance of bench-to-bedside research to progress the fight against cancer. I encountered patients with very complex problems, and the greatest lesson I learned was there are always treatment options, utilizing all different types of techniques including radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.

My clinical surgical oncology fellowship at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida has provided me with an extensive understanding of the multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with cancer. One of the greatest benefits of a cancer center like Fox Chase is the close knit group of expert physicians from all specialties that are constantly interacting and providing the highest level of care using the most innovative strategies to treat all aspects of cancer. I have developed a particularly strong interest in the surgical and multimodal treatment of patients with gastrointestinal and cutaneous malignancies, using traditional surgery, regional therapies and minimally invasive techniques. I have the surgical skills to perform many of these complex procedures using laparoscopic techniques and have had training in using the newest techniques.

Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery – a First at Fox Chase
I recently performed Fox Chase's first SILS colectomy (surgical removal of the colon). This makes Fox Chase one of the only hospitals in the region that provides Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) for patients undergoing colon removal.

Most importantly, I hold my patients as my number one priority. I will spend as much time as necessary educating, answering questions and providing guidance for each individual patient to help them throughout each stage of treatment. I believe in candid discussions, where both the patients and families goals and expectations are openly communicated. We will work together as a team to formulate a treatment plan. My personal goal is to treat and care for every patient with the same compassion and honesty as if they were a friend or family member.

Surgical Oncology
Attending Surgeon

Meet other members of the
gastrointestinal cancer treatment team.
Meet other members of the
melanoma treatment team.
Meet other members of the
sarcoma treatment team.
Meet other members of the
breast cancer treatment team.

New patients can request an appointment online or call 215-728-2570.

Appointments for Returning Patients

For general information, call:
1-888-FOX CHASE (1-888-369-2427).
An oncology certified nurse will assist you.

Fox Chase Cancer Center
333 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111-2497

Clinical Expertise:

Colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, hepatobiliary cancer, sarcomas, melanomas, breast cancer, minimally invasive surgery.

Medical Education:

MD, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 2000

Residency:

Chief Resident, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 2005;
Resident, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 2003

Fellowships:

Surgical Oncology Fellow, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida;
Surgical Oncology Fellow, Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD

Certification:

American Board of Surgery,
January 30, 2008

Professional Societies:

American College of Surgeons;
Society of Surgical Oncology;
Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract;
Philadelphia Academy of Surgery;
Florida Medical Association;
North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society

Awards and Honors:

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center 2008 Fellow Education Research Symposium, Best Clinical Poster Presentation;
Temple University Surgery Resident Research Symposium Award, 2007;
H. Taylor Caswell Award, Department of Surgery Teaching Award for outstanding Chief Surgical Resident, 2007

Publications:

Recent Publications

Research Interests:

Outcomes studies in gastrointestinal and cutaneous malignancies. Regional therapies in the treatment of cancer.