Preeminent Surgical Oncologist, Anton Bilchik, MD Honored at 29th Annual Odyssey Ball

Santa Monica, CA - During the upcoming 29th annual Odyssey Ball, Saturday, April 5, 2014 at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills, the leading surgical oncologist, Professor of Surgery and Chief of Medicine at the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center, Anton Bilchik, MD, PhD, FACS, will be presented the "The Duke" special service award for his commitment and efforts to battle cancer.

The night's guests of honor will also include the Mandela Family who will be honored with the "True Grit" Humanitarian Award. The yearly fundraising event benefits the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI) at Saint John's Health Center and is organized by the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary.

"As a South Africa native, it is humbling to be recognized alongside the Mandela Family," said Dr. Bilchik. "It is a privilege to be able to work with colleagues across the globe to advance knowledge of cancer research and treatment as well as help preserve Mandela's legacy of advocacy for human and civil rights, democracy, reconciliation, mutual respect and tolerance."

"The Duke" special service award to be presented to Dr. Bilchik at the annual Odyssey Ball will be a prestigious addition to his numerous recognitions and accolades. He has been honored by the American Cancer Society, the American College of Surgeons and, recently, by the Anti-Defamation League with its annual "Humanitarian Award." He has been listed as one of "America's Top Surgeons" for ten years in a row. He is founder of the California Oncology Research Institute, a nonprofit organization that supports cancer research and education internationally and in underserved communities.

For more information on Dr. Bilchik's work in the field of cancer, visit www.antonbilchikmd.com.

About Dr. Anton Bilchik:
Anton J. Bilchik, MD, PhD, FACS, is an internationally recognized surgical oncologist who has pioneered techniques to improve staging in colon cancer and minimally invasive approaches for liver and pancreas cancer. He is also spearheading JWCI/SJHC's participation in biotech-sponsored research trials, new drug development and tissue procurement. He serves as an investigator on international multi-center clinical trials, and, with over 180 publications, is considered one of the country's leading specialists in surgical oncology. In his current leadership roles as Professor of Surgery, Chief of Medicine and Chief of the Gastrointestinal (GI) Research Program at JWCI, Dr. Bilchik is working closely with Saint John's Cancer Program and networking with community-based medical oncology and surgical oncology practices.