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Profile:Dr. Worta McCaskill-Stevens – Scientist on the Frontier of Cancer Research
Dr Worta McCaskills-Stevens
She is an African American woman and she is a medical doctor, a researcher for the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the National institutes of Health. Meet Worta McCaskill-Stevens, MD, one of the key players behind the scenes when it comes to addressing cancer health disparities
Recently observed Black History Month is always an ideal time to learn about African Americans who have contributed in all professions, whether they are historical or contemporary figures. For example, we can read about the accomplishments of black medical pioneers like Dr. Charles Drew (who discovered blood plasma) and Dr. Percy Julian (who promoted the use of cortisone to treat arthritis and similar diseases). And many African American medical researchers are making medical history in our society today, including Dr. McCaskill-Stevens.
Her official title is Program Director and Acting Chief of NCI’s Community Clinical Oncology Program, and she is the director of and advisor to several additional NCI programs, including the Breast Cancer Prevention and Minority-Based Community Clinical Oncology Program groups and various clinical trials initiatives. Titles aside, it boils down to Dr. McCaskill-Stevens’ research passions: breast cancer, including its impact on African American women, and cancer clinical trials, including increasing the participation of African Americans and other minorities.