Stephanie King, M.D. '79
“She has been my physician for more than 25 years and is my hero,” writes Margaret McKee Madison ’68 of Stephanie King, M.D. “In 2007, Dr. King saved my life by an early diagnosis and surgery for cancer. .. . I know that I am only one story among hundreds of other lives she has saved and touched in the same way…”
Stephanie King is a renowned gynecological oncologist, named among the “Best Doctors for Women” in Philadelphia Magazine in 2000. This designation returned in 2002 and continued for four consecutive years. In 2011, the magazine named her among “Top Docs in Surgery,” and, in its May 2012 cover story, cited her work as among the “28 Amazing New Ways Philly Doctors Can Save Your Life.”
Following her graduation summa cum laude from Chestnut Hill College in 1979 with a major in chemistry, Stephanie continued her studies at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (1983), where she also completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology (1988), and a fellowship in gynecologic oncology (1990).
In March 2011, Dr. King joined Fox Chase Cancer Center as associate professor in the Department of Surgical Oncology. This appointment followed seven years on the faculty at Drexel University College of Medicine (Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, Hahnemann Hospital), six years with Thomas Jefferson University School of Medicine, and nine years with the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, with a clinical practice at each institution.
In 2008, and with her husband, Dr. Paul Curcillo II, she pioneered Single Port Access surgery, a laparoscopic procedure cited in professional journals as a revolutionary technique, one that Drexel Medical’s Dr. Minda Green notes as a “dynamic, new surgical alternative… in which major surgeries can now be performed through a small, single incision.” This technique, says Dr. William E. Kelley Jr. of Richmond (Va.) Surgical, places Dr. King and Dr. Curcillo “at the forefront of this field in surgery internationally.”
Dr. Paul Nyirjesy, a former Drexel Medical colleague, echoes the opinion of Stephanie’s impact on the field. Dr. King, he says, has “led the field in developing techniques to accomplish major gynecologic cancer surgeries, which used to represent weeks to months of recovery and pain, into surgeries done through tiny incisions and associated with a rapid and relatively pain-free recovery.”
Another Drexel Medical colleague, Dr. Lydia Komarnicky, chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology, says Stephanie “stands head and shoulders over most, not only in demonstrating initiative and intelligence, but also in her ability to function as a productive team member.”
Dr. Carl Della Badio, Drexel Medical’s director of minimally invasive surgery, pays Dr. King the highest compliments: “She is an excellent physician to whom I refer many patients, as well as my wife… “
Jefferson Medical’s Dr. Charles Dunton, director of Main Line Gynecologic Oncology at Lankenau Hospital, regards his association with Dr. King “as one of the most rewarding professional experiences I have had. Stephanie was an incredible resource and colleague. We discussed many cases and since she is now at a different institution, we talk frequently and discuss difficult and challenging problems for our patients.”
In addition to conducting a full clinical practice and teaching schedule, Dr. King is a frequent invited speaker and presenter at medical conferences throughout the world, including a 2010 session sponsored by the Laparoscopic Societies of Brazil and Latin America. She has conducted specialized instruction at the University of Wurzburg Hospital (Wartzburg, Germany) and has trained surgeons in India, Greece, and Italy in her new surgical alternative. She has presented at surgical summits at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic.
Since 1987, Dr. King has presented at close to 25 Philadelphia-region medical institutions and scientific meetings. She is a widely published author with 29 papers in professional journals and two chapters in respected surgical textbooks. She is a co-author on a textbook, now in process, that sets out the principles of her unique reduced port surgical technique.
Dr. King is a valued member of a number of professional committees and was a principal investigator on a National Cancer Institute pilot project grant at the University of Pennsylvania on Stage I gynecologic cancers. She is the recipient of multiple honors and awards, including the Angela Carlino Award for Excellence in Ovarian Cancer Research/Care (2008).
Each year, she organizes “King’s Krew” to support the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation 5K Walk in Philadelphia, demonstrating that she is, as Dr. Green notes, “a patient advocate in every sense of the word.”
Dr. Komarnicky says “Stephanie’s intellect is matched by her ability to communicate clearly, and to project an open, friendly persona to others whether they are patients, ancillary staff or her peers.” What’s more, “while at Hahnemann, Stephanie served as a worthy role model to residents and medical students….exemplary in her approach to helping them learn.” Indeed, Dr. Green notes, ”she won the Faculty Teaching Award voted upon by our resident physicians at Drexel for many years.”
Says Dr. Michael Seiden, president and CEO of Fox Chase Cancer Center: “Put simply, Dr. King is the quintessential physician. She ranks among the three busiest gynecologic oncologists within Southeast Pennsylvania and has established a reputation with patients, family members, and nurses as being an expert clinician, skilled surgeon, and, perhaps, most importantly within the cancer field, a compassionate and caring physician…. Dr. King continues to practice medicine and surgery in the highest form of the art. Southeast Pennsylvania is extraordinarily fortunate to have a professional like Stephanie King in its region.”
Dr. Nyirjesy points out that “Dr. King frequently mentions how proud she is to be a Chestnut Hill College alumna. As I read the Chestnut Hill College mission statement ‘to provide students with a holistic education in an inclusive Catholic community marked by academic excellence, shared responsibility, personal and professional growth, service to one another and to the global community, and concern for the earth,’ I can see much of this education reflected in Dr. King’s work. She excels in her clinical care because she approaches her patients in a spirit of Christian service and concern. As an innovator in minimally invasive surgery, she has shown personal and professional growth. As an educator, her impact has extended well beyond the limits of the Philadelphia area. I strongly believe that her excellence shines through all aspects of her career.”
The Chestnut Hill College Alumni Association is proud to present its 2012 Distinguished Achievement Award to Stephanie King, M.D. ’79 for her groundbreaking and transformative surgical technique, her compassionate care for thousands of patients, and her education of hundreds of medical students, residents, and fellows in the Philadelphia region and beyond.
