Dr. Mary A. Simmonds, a 1975 MCP graduate, was voted president of the American Cancer Society, becoming the first woman president in the organization’s history. The American Cancer Society is the world’s largest voluntary health organization.

Dr. Simmonds, a clinical professor of medicine at Penn State University College of Medicine and a medical oncologist practicing with Andrews and Patel Associates in Camp Hill, Pa., has served as president of the Society’s Pennsylvania division. Co-founder of the Pennsylvania Cancer Pain Initiative, Dr. Simmonds is a member of the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition Board of Trustees and recently received the group’s Pink Ribbon Award. She was also appointed chair of the Cancer Control, Prevention and Research Advisory Committee of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.