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Jeffrey Farma, MD, General Surgery, Philadelphia, PA, Fox Chase Cancer Center

JeffreyM.FarmaMDFACS

General Surgery • Philadelphia, PA

Colon & Rectal Surgery, Melanoma, Surgical Oncology (Other than Breast), Minimally Invasive Surgery

Interim Chair- Department of Surgery Fox Chase Cancer Center Chief- Division of General Surgery Professor of Surgical Oncology, Surgical Director Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program

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Summary

  • I so proud to be the Chief of the Division of General Surgery at Fox Chase Cancer Center, where I am also the Program Director of our Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship. I trained in general surgery at Temple University Hospital. During my fellowship at the National Cancer Institute.

    My clinical surgical oncology fellowship at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida has provided me with an extensive understanding of the multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with cancer. One of the greatest benefits of a cancer center like Fox Chase is the cohesive group of expert physicians from all specialties that are constantly interacting and providing the highest level of care using the most innovative strategies to treat all aspects of cancer. I have developed a particularly strong interest in the surgical and multimodal treatment of patients with Melanoma, Sarcoma and Colorectal cancers, using traditional surgery, regional therapies, and minimally invasive techniques. I have the operative expertise to perform many of these complex procedures using laparoscopic, robotic, and TAMIS (transaanal minimally invasive surgery) techniques and have had advanced training in using newest techniques. I am an expert in the treatment of colorectal cancer including; sphincter sparing and nerve sparing resections, and treating patients with hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes.

    For melanoma and sarcoma that has regional spread in the extremities I offer a minimally invasive technique call Isolated Limb Infusion, and perform minimally invasive inguinal lymph node dissections.

    Most importantly, I hold my patients as my number one priority and value the patient experience and ways we can utilize surgical oncology to improve quality of life.

    • After Sarah Ferguson's diagnosis, Philadelphia doctor says breast cancer and mel

    A Fox Chase Cancer Center doctor says there is a genetic connection between some types of breast cancer and melanoma.

    Sarah Ferguson Diagnosed With Skin Cancer

    MONDAY, Jan. 22, 2024 (HealthDay New) -- Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, announced Monday that she has been diagnosed with melanoma, an aggressive form of

    At-home stool tests for colorectal cancer screening are rising in popularity, bu

    At-home stool tests can be an easier way to screen for colorectal cancer than a dreaded colonoscopy. As the rates of the cancer continue to rise in younger peop

    Drs. Claire Raab and Jeffrey Farma Featured in Profiles in Modern Luxury Medicin

    Claire Raab, MD, President and CEO of Temple Faculty Physicians, and Jeffrey M. Farma, MD, FACS, Co-Director of the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program and Chief o

    What's Happening this Week: Phillies-Marlins series, August 9-11

    On Tuesday, August 9, the Phillies kick off a three-game series against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. Here's a look at the promotions and fun surroun

    The Future of Melanoma: What to Anticipate in 2022- Aim Melanoma

    With Anthony J. Olszanski, MD, RPh and Jeffrey M. Farma, MD, FACS, co-directors of Fox Chase Cancer Center's Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program.

    New Data Shed Light on Gastrostomy Tube Recipients

    New Data Shed Light on Gastrostomy Tube Recipients

    Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapy in Melanoma

    Understanding Treatment Options in Melanoma

    Philadelphia Celebration Ceremony 2020 - Meet Dr. Jeffrey Farma of Fox Chase Can

    We hope you all enjoyed the Miles for Melanoma Philadelphia Celebration Ceremony on the MRF Facebook live on Saturday, August 29th, 2020! A special thank you

    #13: Dr. Jeffrey Farma - Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center - Narratives

    Today's guest is surgical oncologist Dr. Jeffrey Farma. He is truly "Temple Made". A former Temple University Medical Student, he went to Temple for his general

    Nodal Classification System Improves Assessment of Cutaneous Melanoma Mortality

    NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A modified prognostic nodal classification system improved mortality risk stratification for cutaneous melanoma when contrasted with

    Jeffrey M. Farma, MD, FACS Updates Healio.com on colorectal cancer

    Updates on colorectal cancer screening and treatment options

    Federal panel says colon cancer screening should start at 45, not 50, as the dis

    In response to an alarming, long-term increase in colorectal cancer among younger people, an influential federal panel on Tuesday lowered the recommended age to

    Thiazides associated with increased risk for skin cancer in older adults

    Adults aged over 65 years who took thiazides for hypertension had an increased risk for keratinocyte carcinoma and melanoma, according to results of a populatio

    Clinical trial aims to improve treatment for early-stage colorectal cancer

    PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- There is a clinical trial going on that hopes to change the way patients with early-stage colorectal cancer are treated. Fox Chase Cancer

    Together Facing Melanoma 2020

    Learn more about melanoma treatment at Fox Chase: https://bit.ly/3jA1a2S.A recording of our virtual Together Facing Melanoma event where an expert panel of F...

    Together Facing Colorectal Cancer 2020

    A recording of our virtual Together Facing Colorectal Cancer event where an expert panel of Fox Chase clinicians discussed treatment options, genetic testing...

    An Extraordinary Oncology Nurse: I Wish We Could Clone Her

    Jeffrey M. Farma, M.D., and Kim Gaier, RN - PHOTOS BY KRISTA PATTON Our team has worked together now for the past four years at Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC).

    'Truly Amazing': Huge Change in Melanoma Prognosis

    Back in 2005, when Philip Friedlander, MD, PhD, completed his fellowship, the first clinical trials of checkpoint inhibitor clinical trials were just beginning,

    Fox Chase Cancer Center supports colon cancer run/walk

    Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church is hosting its annual Know Your Numbers Men's Health Initiative on March 14 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 2800 W. Cheltenham Ave. Male

    COVID-19 Vaccines: Here is What Cancer Patients and Survivors Need to Know Now

    We know that the COVID-19 vaccinations approved for use in the United States are both safe and highly effective. Both the Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19

    Isolated Limb Infusion for Melanoma and Sarcoma at Fox Chase Cancer Center

    Isolated Limb Infusion (ILI) is a regional technique which involves temporarily isolating the blood supply to an extremity to concentrate chemotherapy treatment

    Together Facing Colorectal Cancer

    FOX CHASE CANCER CENTER CHAT RECAP: Colorectal Cancer Awareness and prevention

    Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, excluding skin cancers. But, it's also one of the most p

    MRF Miles For Melanoma Philadelphia Virtual 2020

    Fox Chase Cancer Center - Division of General Surgery Updates

    Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

    Cancer Care Turned Upside Down - The Academic Surgeon

    As a surgical oncologist, I have developed principles that helped me build a successful practice; provide excellent care to my patients; work and lead multidisc

    irAEs Linked to Ipilimumab Should Not Preclude Subsequent Anti-PD-1 Therapy

    Patients with advanced melanoma can safely undergo anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) therapy even after having experienced severe immune-related toxicities
    Surgical Changes and Recommendations during COVID 19: NCCN Melanoma Guidelines Explained

    From the Clinic to the Living Room: Conversations with Melissa Wilson, PA-C, MPAS SPECIAL GUEST: Jeffrey M. Farma, MD, FACS Co-Director, Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program Chief, Division of General Surgery Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology Program Director, Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship Fox Chase Cancer Center Jeffrey Farma, MD, has built a career as a leading clinical expert in complex surgical oncology, as well as a clinical researcher and educator. He has served as the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) fellowship program director since 2013 and has a national and growing international reputation, having authored or co-authored more than 150 peer reviewed publications, chapters, and abstracts. He specializes in treating colorectal cancer, melanoma, sarcoma, and minimally invasive and robotic surgery. Dr. Farma serves in several leadership positions at Fox Chase and within the oncology field. He is co-director of the Fox Chase Melanoma and Skin Cancer program, a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) panel on non-melanoma skin cancer, and an award-winning advocate and fundraiser for area sarcoma, colorectal cancer, and skin cancer organizations. Dr. Farma has been an integral part of Fox Chase for more than two decades, first as a medical student, then as a resident. He returned to Fox Chase as an attending surgeon after completing his residency in general surgery at Temple University Hospital and surgical oncology fellowships at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa and the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland.

    Posted by AIM at Melanoma on Wednesday, May 27, 2020

    AIM at Melanoma: Surgical Changes and Recommendations during COVID-19:

    NCCN Melanoma Guidelines Update

    We Are Here For You - Fox Chase Physicians

    Our physicians would like to send a message to our patients.

    A Day (or Two) in the Life of Surgical Oncologist Jeffrey Farma - Fox Chase Canc

    Precision, compassion, patience, determination, and dedication - these are key traits of any good surgeon. Luckily for his patients at Fox Chase Cancer Center,

    Fox Chase Goes Live on Facebook to Talk About Skin Cancer | Fox Chase Cancer Cen

    During a Facebook Live Q&A on skin cancer on May 10, Jeffrey Farma, MD, a surgical oncologist with a treatment focus that includes skin cancer, and behavioral s

    Fox Chase Cancer Center to Raise Funds at Miles for Melanoma Philadelphia

    PHILADELPHIA (October 2, 2017) - Fox Chase Cancer Center is the local presenting sponsor of the 2017 Miles for Melanoma Philadelphia. The run/walk starts at 8 a

    Carla Rake and Dr. Jeffrey Farma

    Carla Rake, a melanoma survivor treated at Fox Chase Cancer Center, speaks about her cancer journey with her doctor. Jeffrey Farma, MD, FACS. The video was play

    Dr. Jeffrey Farma on Mentorship

    Jeffrey Farma, MD, FACS, outlines how to be a good mentor, including sharing your successes, pitfalls, and what you've learned.

    Jeffrey M. Farma, MD, FACS

    Surgical Director, Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program Dr. Farma works with a multidisciplinary team to treat patients with cancer. More at Foxchase.org

Education & Training

  • University of South Florida Morsani
    University of South Florida MorsaniFellowship, Complex General Surgical Oncology, 2007 - 2009
  • Temple University Hospital
    Temple University HospitalResidency, Surgery, 2000 - 2007
  • National Cancer Institute
    National Cancer Institute2003 - 2005
  • Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
    Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple UniversityClass of 2000
  • Tufts University
    Tufts UniversityB.A., 1992 - 1996

Certifications & Licensure

  • PA State Medical License
    PA State Medical License 2001 - 2024
  • FL State Medical License
    FL State Medical License 2008 - 2010
  • American Board of Surgery Surgery

Awards, Honors, & Recognition

  • Colombian Surgical Association International Visiting Professorship Award Association for Academic Surgery, 2020
  • European Society of Surgical Oncology Observership Society of Surgical Oncology, 2019
  • Humanitarian Award Melanoma Research Foundation, 2016
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Clinical Trials

Publications & Presentations

PubMed

Journal Articles

  • Basal Cell Skin Cancer, Version 2.2024, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology  
    Farma JM, JNCCN, 11/21/2023
  • Partial stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy as an alternative for palliation in patients with malignant gastric or duodenal outlet obstruction  
    Arrangoiz R, Papavasiliou P, Siripuapu V, Li T, Watson JC, Hoffman JP, Farma JM, American Journal of Surgery, 5/1/2013
  • Association of race and socioeconomic status and outcomes with patients with rectal cancer  
    Nitzkorski, James, Willis, A, Farma JM, Zhu F, Nick D, Sigurdson, E, Ann Surg Oncol, 1/1/2013
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Books/Book Chapters

  • Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America 
    Chapter: Translational research in melanoma 
    Ray M, Farma JM, Hsu C2013
  • Diet and Nutrition in Palliative Care 
    Chapter: Palliative Gastrojejunostomy and the Impact on Nutrition in Cancer 
    Rao PB, Farma JMTaylor and Francis, CRC Press2011
  • Inherited Cancer Syndromes-Current Clinical Management 
    Chapter: Hereditary Breast Cancer Syndromes 
    Santillan AA, Farma JM, Hagmaeir R, Cox CE, Riker AI2010
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Abstracts/Posters

  • Failure of surgical oncology education in general surgery residency
    Wai CJ, Maher Z, Li T, Devajaran K, Crawford D, Thomay AA, Sigurdson ER, Farma JM, Society of Surgical Oncology 66TH Annual Cancer Symposium- Poster Presentation, National Harbor, MD, 3/1/2013
  • High mitotic rates in patients with cutaneous melanoma
    Barnica-elvir V, Zhu Fang, Reddy S, Farma JM, Society of Surgical Oncology 66TH Annual Cancer Symposium- Poster Presentation, National Harbor, MD, 3/1/2013
  • Defying the Norm: Aggressive Early Stage Colon Cancers that Develop Distant Metastatic Recurrences
    Wai CJ, Li T, Sigurdson ER, Farma JM, Pennsylvania Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons- Poster Presentation, Philadelphia, PA, 3/1/2013
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Lectures

  • Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Fox Chase Cancer Center: Quality Initiative Project Update 
    Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA - 6/1/2013
  • The Risks of Skin Cancer 
    Philadelphia, PA - 2/13/2013
  • Updates on the treatment of melanoma 
    Philadelphia, PA - 1/16/2013
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Other

Press Mentions

  • At-Home Stool Tests for Colorectal Cancer Screening Are Rising in Popularity, but Are They Right for You?
    At-Home Stool Tests for Colorectal Cancer Screening Are Rising in Popularity, but Are They Right for You?March 5th, 2023
  • Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Dr. Allison a. Aggon Inducted into Philadelphia Academy of Surgery
    Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Dr. Allison a. Aggon Inducted into Philadelphia Academy of SurgeryDecember 2nd, 2022
  • Cancer Study Group Launches Collaborative Patient Care Effort with Fox Chase Cancer Center
    Cancer Study Group Launches Collaborative Patient Care Effort with Fox Chase Cancer CenterApril 13th, 2022
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Committees

  • Chair, Fox Chase Cancer Center Medical Staff Executive Committee 2022 - Present
  • President, Metropolitan Philadelphia Chapter of the American College of Surgeons 2020 - Present
  • Chair, Society of Surgical Oncology-Program Director's Committee 2020 - Present
  • Chair, Association of Academic Surgery - Senior Council Member 2020 - Present
  • Surgical Specialty Trustee., PA MED Board of Trustees 2019 - Present
  • Panel Member, NCCN- Non-melanoma, Merkel Cell, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans 2018 - Present
  • President of the Medical Executive Staff, Fox Chase Cancer Center 2020 - 2022

Professional Memberships

Hospital Affiliations

External Links

Dr. Jeffrey Farma, Dr. Jeffrey Farma, MD, Dr. J Farma, Dr. Jeffrey M. Farma