Biography of Deborah Axelrod

Deborah Axelrod, M.D., is Chief of the Comprehensive Breast Center at Saint Vincent's Medical Center in New York City and Associate Professor of Surgery at New York Medical College. A prominent speaker throughout the country, Axelrod presents to both lay and professional audiences, sharing information on new developments in risk-reduction measures and the detection and treatment of breast cancer. She is also the recipient of a 2001 Craft grant awarded by the Susan G. Komen Foundation to screen and recruit Chinese women at risk for breast cancer.

Widely published, Axelrod co-authored the book Bosom Buddies: Lessons and Laughter about Breast Health and Cancer with Rosie O'Donnell and Tracy Chuterian-Semler, a book that teaches the use of humor in coping with breast cancer. All proceeds for the book are being donated to various non-profit breast cancer organizations to help fund ongoing outreach, support, education and research programs. Dr. Axelrod founded an educational website and initiated the Community Lecture Series, a program successfully into its third year offering lectures and resources to the community free of charge. She was also instrumental initiating the Artist in Residence Program at Saint Vincent's Medical Center, which offers art therapy to all patients under treatment for cancer.

Always at the forefront of patient advocacy, Dr. Axelrod is active nationally and in the community, dedicated to educating the public about breast cancer and the need to take an active role in one's own health care. She is on the Board of Directors at SHARE (Self-Help Group for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer) in New York City, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Northern New Jersey Affiliate, and is active in NABCO (National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations) and the Young Survival Coalition. She has been appointed to the Medical Resource Council for New York City's Gilda's Club, a cancer support community for people with cancer and their families.

In 2000, Dr. Axelrod was the honoree at the annual SHARE-A-WALK in Central Park and received the Special Recognition Award from JALBCA (Judges and Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert) and the Humanitarian Tower of Hope Award from the Israel Cancer Research Fund. In 2001, she received the Creative Spirit Award from the Creative Center for Women with Cancer and is also the honoree of the 5th Annual Pink Tie Ball sponsored by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, North Jersey Affiliate.