Alphonse M. Pecoraro, Jr., MD, FACS, a board-certified general surgeon who is a member of Health First Physicians medical group, recently received the 2006 Cancer Liaison Physician Outstanding Performance Award by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC).

Dr. Pecoraro was selected because of his outstanding efforts as a physician champion who has helped to reduce the burden of cancer in the community. He is one of only 55 physicians nationwide to achieve this recognition this year.

The Cancer Liaison Physician Outstanding Performance Award recognizes physicians who provide extensive leadership and direction to CoC-approved cancer programs, said Frederick L. Greene, MD, FACS, and CoC Chair. Dr. Pecoraro joins the ranks of a select network of physician volunteers who have worked to improve clinical practice at the local level and who collaborate with local agencies to ensure exceptional cancer care.

Dr. Pecoraro is also a member of the medical staff at Cape Canaveral Hospital, a 150-bed community hospital located in Cocoa Beach.

Cape Canaveral Hospital was recently named as the non-profit business of the year recipient by the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, in part because of its Cancer Care Program, which is accredited by the American College of Surgeons CoC. Cape Canaveral Hospitals cancer program is affiliated with University of Floridas (UF) Health Science Center/Shands HealthCare.

Dr. Pecoraro was nominated for exhibiting excellence in the following areas:

- Improving the quality of cancer care delivered at Cape Canaveral Hospital.

- Contributing to the approval status of the hospitals cancer program.

-Exceeding CLP expectations to strengthen the cancer program.

-Serving as a champion and role model for other staff members.

Dr. Pecoraro received his medical degree from New Jersey Medical School in Newark, where he was named valedictorian. He conducted an internship and residency at New York University/Bellevue Hospital in New York. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Peters College in Jersey City, NJ. where he was also named valedictorian. He holds board certifications with the American Board of Surgery, and the National Board of Medical Examiners.

A part of the Health First family of healthcare facilities and services in Brevard County, Cape Canaveral Hospital serves the beachside and barrier island communities in Central Brevard County (including Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, and Cape Canaveral, as well as the Patrick Air Force Base area and Satellite Beach). The hospital also features a 26-bed Emergency Department, a full-service Endoscopy and Special Procedures Lab, a Women's Diagnostic Center, and a comprehensive cardiovascular diagnostic program that includes a state-of-the art Cardiac Catheterization Lab. The hospital also has a separate Merritt Island campus with a Pro-Health & Fitness Center, physician offices, and a diagnostic center that are all part of the Health First Healthplex facility.