Dr. Foluke Oladele Sarimiye, a clinical lecturer in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, has won the Prestigious Yvonne Award 2024 by OncoDaily for the Community Oncology category. This recognition highlights her remarkable contributions to the field and her dedication to improving cancer care.
The Yvonne Award in the Community Oncology category awarded to Drs. Foluke Sarimiye and Abeid Athman Omar (a consultant Clinical (medical and radiation) Oncologist and Nuclear Medicine based in Kilifi, Kenya) is granted to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to enhancing cancer care within their communities. The recipients are recognized for their tireless efforts in improving the quality of life and accessibility of treatments for patients, ensuring effective care is available to all segments of society.
OncoDaily is a global oncology platform based in United States, established for cancer-related news, updates, and inspiring stories. Oncodaily platform provides valuable information about cancer, highlighting the work of professionals in the field, and fostering a community where individuals can come together to raise awareness and support one another.
The Yvonne Award by OncoDaily, symbolising the strength and longevity of the yew tree, honours exceptional achievements in oncology with its unique Y-shaped sculpture that embodies resilience. It is designed to recognise young innovators and leaders advancing cancer care, the Yvonne Award celebrates excellence and innovation in the field.
Yvonne Award Winners 2024 by OncoDaily
1) The Breakthrough Research category
Vinod Balachandran, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
2) The Leadership category
Asya Agulnik, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - ALSAC
3) The Global Oncology category
Haimanot kasahun, St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College- SPHMMC
4) The Challenging the Status Quo category
Pashtoon Kasi, Weill Cornell Medicine
Erica Tsang, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
5) The Voice of Oncology category
Vivek Subbiah, MD,Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute
6) The Community Oncology category
Foluke Sarimiye, University of Ibadan
Abeid M. Athman Omar, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital
7) The Mentorship category
Anna Spreafico, University of Toronto
Maria (Masha) Babak, PhD, City University of Hong Kong
Yvonne Award Nomination Committee,
Co-chairs
Lillian Siu, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) American Association for Cancer Research University of Toronto Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Giuseppe Curigliano, IEO Istituto Europeo di Oncologia ESMO - European Society for Medical Oncology Università degli Studi di Milano
Members
Larry Norton, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Lidia Schapira, Stanford University
Greg Kalemkerian, University of Michigan
Leo Mascarenhas, Cedars-Sinai
Justin Stebbing, Anglia Ruskin University Imperial College London
Piotr J. Wysocki, Jagiellonian University
Biography of Dr. Foluke Oladele Sarimiye
Dr. Foluke Oladele Sarimiye is a medical professional specializing in radiation oncology and psycho-oncology. She serves as a clinical lecturer in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and is the Executive Director of the Patela Care Foundation.
Dr. Sarimiye's academic journey began with a medical degree from a prestigious institution of First Moscow Medical College, Russia, where she obtained her MD. She further specialized in radiation oncology, with a fellowship from the West African College of Surgeons, focusing on cancer treatment using radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Her passion for comprehensive patient care, addressing the psychological and emotional aspects of cancer diagnosis and treatment led her to pursue expertise in psycho-oncology at the University of Ibadan, obtaining an MSc in Psycho-Oncology. She is undergoing a PhD program at the University of Ibadan focusing on Cancer health disparities, Conflict-induced displacement and cancer control.
At the University of Ibadan, Dr. Sarimiye has her commitment to education and mentorship. She plays a crucial role in training medical students, the next generation of oncologists, imparting both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Her research interests include improving patient outcomes through innovative radiation techniques and integrating psychosocial support into cancer care.
As the Executive Director and co-founder of the Patela Care Foundation, Dr. Sarimiye has been instrumental in expanding access to quality healthcare services, particularly for underserved communities. The foundation under her leadership focuses on providing comprehensive cancer care, health education, and psychosocial support to patients and their families. Her visionary approach and dedication have significantly impacted the lives of many, fostering hope and resilience in the face of illness.
In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Sarimiye is committed to advancing the field of psycho-oncology, understanding that the mental well-being of cancer patients is as crucial as their physical health. She regularly collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to develop holistic care models that address cancer patient's physical and psychological needs.
She is an executive council member of the Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigerian (ARCON) and the Psyco-Oncology Society of Nigeria (POSON), a member of the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS), African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), to mention a few.
Dr. Foluke Oladele Sarimiye's multifaceted career as a clinician, educator, researcher, and healthcare leader exemplifies her unwavering commitment to improving cancer care and supporting patients and family caregivers through their journey. Her work continues to inspire in and influence the fields of radiation oncology, psycho-oncology, and community oncology making her a respected and beloved figure in the medical community.