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Published on September 26, 2024

Dr. Melwyn Sequeira Among Eight Nationwide, Only One in Michigan, to Receive Cancer Liaison Physician Outstanding Performance Award

Photo of Dr. Melwyn Sequeria

Melwyn Sequeira, M.D., surgical oncologist and endocrine surgeon, as well as oncology service line chief for MyMichigan Health, has earned the 2024 Cancer Liaison Physician (CLP) Outstanding Performance Award from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC). Dr. Sequeira is among eight CLPs and the only one in Michigan to receive this award.

Melwyn Sequeira, M.B.B.S., M.D., F.R.C.S. (Eng), F.A.C.S., surgical oncologist and endocrine surgeon, as well as oncology service line chief for MyMichigan Health, has earned the 2024 Cancer Liaison Physician (CLP) Outstanding Performance Award from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC). Dr. Sequeira is among eight CLPs, the only one in Michigan, to receive this honor, which recognizes outstanding performance by CLPs in their role as physician quality leaders of their cancer programs.

Award winners receiving this award demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the CoC Standards and the National Cancer Database (NCDB) reporting tools; identified and brought forward specific issues to the Medical Center’s cancer committee to improve patient care; fostered a strong relationship with the American Cancer Society; and much more. To receive this award, a CLP must be nominated by a member of their cancer care team, cancer committee members, CoC State Chairs, or an American Cancer Society regional staff member.

“We are incredibly proud and offer our congratulations to Dr. Sequeira and the entire cancer team. This award validates the dedication and care each team member has to offer quality cancer care for our patients diagnosed with cancer,” said Lydia Watson, M.D., president and CEO, MyMichigan Health. “We all know someone touched by cancer, our team works every day to provide the latest diagnostic and treatment for our patients. We appreciate the leadership of Dr. Sequeira and our cancer team who work so hard each day for the health and future of our patients.”

Sara Morel, O.D.S.-C., A.A.S., B.B.A, lead tumor registrar, MyMichigan Health, nominated Dr. Sequeira for the award. Dr. Sequeira has been chair and cancer physician liaison for the last 10 years. During his time, he has been instrumental in building relationships with staff and providers to make sure standards are met for accreditation, as well as leading initiatives to meet new standards. He engages with sub-committees and brings outcomes and ideas back to the full Cancer Committee for review and implementation to ensure our programs meets the high-quality standard for patient care.

“I’ve been treating cancer patients for more than 35 years and I’m honored to lead MyMichigan Health’s cancer program and work with outstanding providers and staff to bring our patients excellent cancer care,” said Dr. Sequeira. “Over the years we have expanded our surgical oncology team to include specialists in breast, colon and rectal, lung and thoracic, hepatobiliary pancreatic, endocrine, and Mohs surgery for skin cancer. Our team offers comprehensive cancer care from diagnostics and treatment, as well as support staff to offer excellent quality of care for our patients.”

“On behalf of ACS Cancer Programs, congratulations to the winners on this well-deserved recognition for their contributions to the Commission on Cancer as a Cancer Liaison Physician,” said ACS Cancer Programs Medical Director Ronald Weigel, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. “As the physician quality leaders at CoC-accredited hospitals, these award winners are helping to move the needle on quality care for patients with cancer.”

CLPs are responsible for evaluating, interpreting, and reporting their facilities’ performance data through the NCDB and facilitating quality improvement initiatives based on data findings. In addition, the CLP is responsible for leading CoC initiatives within their cancer programs and collaborating with agencies such as the American Cancer Society on behalf of their hospital. 

The CoC’s success in improving the quality of cancer care is directly attributed to the contributions and commitment of participating accredited programs dedicated to providing quality cancer care. This includes the cancer program at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland, which has been accredited by the CoC since 1986. To earn voluntary CoC accreditation, a cancer program must meet 34 CoC quality care standards, be evaluated every three years through a survey process, and maintain levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered care. 

The CoC CLP Outstanding Performance Award is a yearly award program. Details about the 2025 Cancer Liaison Physician Outstanding Performance Award will be available in Spring 2025.

About the Commission on Cancer

Established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons, the Commission on Cancer (CoC) is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving patient outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education, and the monitoring of comprehensive, quality care. Its membership includes Fellows of the American College of Surgeons. For more information, visit: www.facs.org/cancer