Jeffrey Farma, MD, FACS

Jeffrey Farma, MD, FACS
(4.9/5.0)
221 Patient Satisfaction Ratings
Jeffrey Farma, MD, FACS, Featured on Narratives of North Broad Podcast

Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Jeffrey Farma, MD, FACS, was guest speaker on the Narratives of North Broad Podcast - hosted by Lewis Katz School of Medicine student Hank Davis and Michael Vitez, Director of Temple's Narrative Medicine program.

Listen to Podcast

Fox Chase’s Jeffrey Farma Admitted to Academy as Master Surgeon Educator

September 2, 2020—Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Jeffrey Farma, MD, FACS, was recently admitted to the prestigious American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators.

Read Article

Cancer Care During COVID-19

Cancer Care Turned Upside Down, by Jeffrey Farma MD, FACS, in the blog of the Association for Academic Surgery.
June 5, 2020

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Clinical Locations

Interim Chair, Department of Surgical Oncology

Chief, Division of General Surgery

Co-Director, Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program

Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology

Program Director, Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship

NCCN, Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Panel Member

Specialties

Treatment Focus

Colorectal cancer, melanoma, sarcoma, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, isolated limb infusion for in-transit melanoma and extremity sarcomas.

Research Program

Key Awards

Philadelphia Magazine Top Docs 2022
Surgery

Treatment Philosophy

It is an honor to be part of the staff of the Fox Chase Cancer Center. My initial exposure occurred during a rotation as a Temple University Medical School student at Fox Chase that 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.

I trained in general surgery at Temple University Hospital. 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 Melanoma, Sarcoma and Colorectal cancers, using traditional surgery, regional therapies, and minimally invasive techniques. I have the operative expertise to perform many of these complex procedures using laparoscopic, robotic, and TAMIS (transanal minimally invasive surgery) techniques and have had advanced training in using newest techniques.  I am an expert in the treatment of colorectal cancer including; sphincter sparing and nerve sparing resections, and treating patients with hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes.  

For melanoma and sarcoma that has regional spread in the extremities I offer a minimally invasive technique call Isolated Limb Infusion, and perform minimally invasive inguinal lymph node dissections.

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.

Educational Background

  • Fellow, Surgical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, 2009
  • Administrative Chief Resident, Department of Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, 2007
  • Chief Resident, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 2006
  • Fellow, Surgical Oncology, Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 2005
  • Resident, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 2003
  • MD, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 2000

Certifications

  • American Board of Surgery

Memberships

  • National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
    • Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Panel
  • Academy of Master Surgeon Educators - Associate Member
  • American College of Surgeons
  • American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG)
  • American Radium Society
  • American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
  • Association of Academic Surgery - Candidate Member
  • College of Physicians of Philadelphia
  • Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS)
  • Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
  • Metropolitan Philadelphia American College of Surgeons
  • Midwest Melanoma Partnership (MMP)
  • North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society
  • Pennsylvania Medical Society
  • Philadelphia Academy of Surgery
  • Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
  • Society of Surgical Oncology,  vice chair of the Complex General Surgical Oncology Program Directors Committee
  • Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract
  • Society of University Surgeon
  • Surgical Biology Club III

Honors & Awards

  • Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctors, 2018-20
  • 2020 AAS/Colombian Surgical Association International Visiting Professorship Award, 2019
  • Society of Surgical Oncology European Society of Surgical Oncology Observership, 2019
  • Castle Connelly national list of Top Doctors®, Regional Top Doctor 2014-17
  • Humanitarian Award, Melanoma Research Foundation, 2016
  • 2015 American College of Surgeons Traveling Fellowship to Germany, 2014
  • Alpha Omega Alpha, National Medical Honor Society, Epsilon Chapter- Honorary Member, 2014
  • H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center 2008 Fellow’ Education Research Symposium, Best Clinical Poster Presentation, 2008
  • Temple University Surgery Resident Research Symposium Award, 2007
  • H. Taylor Caswell Award, Department of Surgery Teaching Award  for outstanding Chief Surgical Resident, 2007
  • ASCO Foundation Merit Award, 2005

Joanne Gannon

  • Melanoma

In 2014, just after turning 67, I noticed a spot on my leg. When I went to see a dermatologist near where I live in Forked River, New Jersey, he diagnosed me with melanoma. I was really surprised. I’m dark-skinned—Italian—and melanoma is not common in dark-skinned people. I never used tanning beds or laid out a lot in the sun, but I guess it can happen to anyone.

VIEW PATIENT STORY

Nancy Finn

  • Melanoma

I’m 64 years old and live in Yardley, Pennsylvania, which is just north of Philadelphia. I’m retired now, but I spent many years doing social justice work and fundraising for nonprofits. It was a busy life, which is why, when I developed a lesion on my left shin, I didn’t pay attention to it. Then, literally overnight in 2015, it got really bad. I wound up in the hospital, where they diagnosed me with stage IV melanoma—skin cancer.

VIEW PATIENT STORY

Research Interests

  • Melanoma: Molecular profiling, outcomes research, clinical trials, immunotherapy
  • Colorectal: Molecular and imaging profiling for rectal cancer, outcomes research, clinical trials, quality of life
  • Sarcoma

Selected Publications

Miura JT, Kroon HM, Beasley GM, Mullen D, Farrow NE, Mosca PJ, Lowe MC, Farley CR, Kim Y, Naqvi SMH, Potdar A, Daou H, Sun J, Farma JM, Henderson MA, Speakman D, Serpell J, Delman KA, Mark Smithers B, Coventry BJ, Tyler DS, Thompson JF, Zager JS. Long-Term Oncologic Outcomes After Isolated Limb Infusion for Locoregionally Metastatic Melanoma: An International Multicenter Analysis. Annals of surgical oncology, 2019. PubMed

Moten AS, Movva S, von Mehren M, Wu H, Esnaola NF, Reddy SS, Farma JM. Granular cell tumor experience at a comprehensive cancer center. J Surg Res, 226:1-7, 2018. PubMed

Goel N, Manstein SM, Ward WH, DeMora L, Smaldone MC, Farma JM, Uzzo RG, Esnaola NF. Does the Surgical Apgar Score predict serious complications after elective major cancer surgery? Journal of Surgical Research, 231:242-7, 2018. 

Jakub JW, Terando AM, Sarnaik A, Ariyan CE, Faries MB, Zani S Jr, Neuman HB, Wasif N, Farma JM, Averbrook BJ, Bilimoria KY, Jake Allred JB, Suman VJ, Grotz TE, Zendejas B, Wayne JD, Tyler DS. Training High-Volume Melanoma Surgeons to Perform a Novel Minimally Invasive Inguinal Lymphadenectomy: Report of a Prospective Multi-Institutional Trial. Journal of the American College of Surgeons. November 2015.

Schatz TP, Nassif MO, Farma JM. Extensive portal venous gas: Unlikely etiology and outcome. Int J Surg Case Rep. December 2014.

Yeo H, Niland J, Milne D, ter Veer A, Bekail-Saab T, Farma JM,  Lai L,  Skibber JM,  Small W Jr,  Wilkinson N, Schrag D, Weiser MR, Incidence of minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery at national comprehensive cancer network centers. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. December 2014.

Singla S, Papavasiliou P, Powers B, Gaughan J, von Mehren M, Watson JC, Farma JM. Challenges in Treatment of Angiosarcoma: A Single Institution Experience. The American Journal of Surgery. April 2014.

Johnson ME, Zhu F, Li T, Wu H, Galloway TJ, Farma JM,. Perlis C Turaka A,. Absolute Lymphocyte Count: a Potential Prognostic Factor for Merkel Cell Carcinoma.  Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. March 2014.

Yeo H, Niland J, Milne D, Veer AT, Bekaii-Saab T, Farma JM, Lai L, Skibber J, Small W, Wilkenson N, Schrag D, Weiser M. Incidence of Minimally Invasive Colorectal Cancer Surgery at National Comprehensive Cancer Network Centers. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Accepted for publication. January 2014.

Keller D, Thomay AA, Gaughan J, Wu H, Farma JM. Outcomes in Patients with Mucosal Melanomas. Journal of Surgical Oncology. October 2013.

Chen KT, Papavasiliou P, Edwards K, Zhu F, Perlis C, Wu H, Turaka A, Berger A, Farma JM. A better prognosis for merkel cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin. American Journal of Surgery. July 2013.

Arrangoiz R, Papavasiliou P, Siripuapu V, Li T, Watson JC, Hoffman JP, Farma JM, Partial stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy as an alternative for palliation in patients with malignant gastric or duodenal outlet obstruction. American Journal of Surgery. May 2013.

Nitzkorski, James, Willis, A, Farma JM, Zhu F, Nick D, Sigurdson, E. Association of race and socioeconomic status and outcomes with patients with rectal cancer. Ann Surg Oncol. January 2013.

Chen KT, Olszanski A, Farma JM. Donor transmission of melanoma following renal transplant. Case Reports in Transplantation. November 2012.

Farma JM, Zager JS, Barnica-elvir V, Puleo CA, Marzban SS, Rollison DE, Messina JL, Sondak VK. A collision of diseases: chronic lymphocytic leukemia discovered during lymph node biopsy for melanoma. Ann Surg Oncol. November 2012.

Additional Publications

Dr. Jeffery Farma on PubMed

221 patient satisfaction reviews

Our Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to care provider related questions from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Learn more.

Overall Rating

4.9 / 5.0

Ratings Breakdown

4.9
Gives easy to understand instruction
4.9
Explains in a way you understand
5.0
Listens carefully to you
5.0
Shows respect for what you say
4.9
Spends enough time with you

21 patient comments

  • 5.0
    March 17, 2022

    Fox Chase and Dr Farma saved my life and I'll be forever greatful.

  • 5.0
    February 22, 2022

    I have all the confidence in the world with Dr. Farma & his staff.

  • 5.0
    February 14, 2022

    Overall experience was very good...but it was only a 3-month follow-up checkup to make sure my surgery recovery was continuing well.

  • 5.0
    February 1, 2022

    All-around excellent service and care by Dr. Farma and his staff.

  • 5.0
    January 3, 2022

    It was a necessary visit to get more information about a prognosis. Despite that, everyone I came in contact with was extremely nice and caring, including volunteers and other employees that I didn't even meet withgave me a good feeling.

  • 5.0
    November 23, 2021

    We are happy with the care being provided.

  • 5.0
    October 13, 2021

    I was very satisfied with my visit. I was treated kindly and with respect. All my questions were answered in terms I understood. I left feeling well taken care of.

  • 5.0
    September 29, 2021

    Dr. Farma is the best!!!!

  • 5.0
    September 13, 2021

    I was beyond anxious about this entire experience. I have never met a more friendly, and compassionate team of health care providers. I love Dr. Farma and his entire staff.

  • 5.0
    August 19, 2021

    My experience was and is always the best. I am blessed to be treated at Fox Chase-period. Everyone at every level has been exceptional. This is not flattery. And, Dr. Farma has always been one of my champions. It makes me cry to think about how thankful I am for the care I've received at Fox Chase. Thank you!

  • 5.0
    July 25, 2021

    Dr Farma and staff are wonderful. The BEST

  • 5.0
    July 24, 2021

    Dr Farma is outstanding

  • 5.0
    July 24, 2021

    Dr Farma was very informative and asked and reviewed all my medical issues. Even called my surgeon at a different hospital.He and his staff are wonderful.

  • 5.0
    May 5, 2021

    [...] I was extremely pleased with my care and the physician and his staff [...]

  • 5.0
    April 28, 2021

    Great experience with Dr. Farma and [...], would recommend them in a heartbeat.

  • 5.0
    April 24, 2021

    [...] I had not been to Fox Chase before my appt. with Dr. Farma. The visit, albeit on a very serious diagnosis, was warm, friendly, respectful, and comprehensive. All of Dr. Farma's assistants, nurses, and navigators, were excellent. As well as the general admissions and check out clerks.

  • No Star Ratings Available
    March 20, 2021

    very good

  • 5.0
    February 18, 2021

    Dr. and staff made a life scare easier with their understanding, knowledge, and skill.

  • 5.0
    February 9, 2021

    Dr. Farma is the man you want your family to care for!

  • 4.5
    January 15, 2021

    Dr Farma and his staff are wonderful. [...] must havenbeen a very busy day. I feel as if the visit was a little shorter than usual. However, he did see me several hours earlier than my appointment so I wouldn't have to sit around for hours.

  • 5.0
    December 28, 2020

    excellent professionalism with aspects surrounding my condition

Resize Text
Jeffrey Farma, MD, FACS, Featured on Narratives of North Broad Podcast

Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Jeffrey Farma, MD, FACS, was guest speaker on the Narratives of North Broad Podcast - hosted by Lewis Katz School of Medicine student Hank Davis and Michael Vitez, Director of Temple's Narrative Medicine program.

Listen to Podcast

Fox Chase’s Jeffrey Farma Admitted to Academy as Master Surgeon Educator

September 2, 2020—Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Jeffrey Farma, MD, FACS, was recently admitted to the prestigious American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators.

Read Article

Cancer Care During COVID-19

Cancer Care Turned Upside Down, by Jeffrey Farma MD, FACS, in the blog of the Association for Academic Surgery.
June 5, 2020

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