Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Lung Cancer Team Earns International Recognition for Exceptional Care

Patient-Nominated Award Showcases Montefiore Einstein’s Commitment to Going Above and Beyond Treating Patients with Cancer 

Bronx Voice 

September 16, 2025

BRONX - Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center (MECCC) announced that its lung cancer team has been recognized by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) for delivering outstanding care. The announcement was made during the IASLC annual meeting in Barcelona, Spain.

The Cancer Care Team Award (CCTA) selects a single institution in international geographic regions, including North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the rest of the world, that provides exceptional care for patients with lung cancer and thoracic malignancies. Patients, family members and caregivers nominate the teams. MECCC is the only center in North America honored with the award this year.

“Our patient-first philosophy, shared by all the members of our team, ensures that every person feels supported throughout their cancer journey,” said Brendon Stiles, M.D., professor and chief, thoracic surgery and surgical oncology, Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery at Montefiore and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and associate director, Surgical Services, MECCC. “By providing compassionate care that is attuned to the goals and lifestyle of every person who walks through our doors, we’re making a real difference in people’s lives.”

MECCC was nominated by lung cancer survivor Jeanna Dickerson, who was diagnosed in 2023 with stage III non-small cell lung carcinoma in her right lung when she was 67-years-old. Dickerson received neoadjuvant immunotherapy before surgery, which dramatically shrank the size of the tumor and allowed her surgeons to remove a smaller portion of her lung, preserving the rest of lung. This led to a faster recovery and overall better quality of life.

“This team gave me the confidence, security and peace that added to my healing,” said Ms. Dickerson. “Dr. Stiles knew I was expecting my first grandchild – now, I’m not only recovered from my cancer diagnosis, but this fall we’re celebrating my grandchild’s first birthday.”

While the entire MECCC thoracic oncology team and support staff were recognized, the named team members included Dr. Stiles; MECCC medical oncologist and professor of oncology and hematology, Einstein, and associate director of clinical science for MECCC, Dr. Balazs Halmos; radiation oncologist and professor of radiation oncology, Einstein, Dr. Nitin Ohri; MECCC nurse navigator Elizabeth Ravera and nurse practitioner Sonia Sebastian; MECCC nurse Betty Silchenstedt; and MECCC interventional pulmonologist and assistant professor of medicine, Einstein, Dr. Daniel DaCosta. In her nomination, Dickerson also shared the support she received from a nutritionist, social worker and MECCC’s Bronx Oncology Living Daily (B.O.L.D.) Program, which helps address the emotional and spiritual needs of MECCC patients and families impacted by cancer.

“I have such pride in helping to run our multidisciplinary team for more than a decade,” said Dr. Halmos. “This award is a testament to both how we work together to care for our patients and most importantly, the many ways we support people, like Ms. Dickerson, in ensuring they can return to living their lives to the fullest.”

The IASLC is the only global organization dedicated solely to the study of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Its membership includes more than 10,000 lung cancer specialists worldwide.