Scripps Physician Earns National Honors for Volunteer Service

Michael Kosty, M.D., medical director of Scripps Cancer Center at Scripps Clinic and Scripps Green Hospital, has received national honors for his volunteer service from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Dr. Kosty is one of 12 physicians in the United States selected in 2013 to receive status as a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. This distinction recognizes ASCO members for extraordinary volunteer service to benefit ASCO, the specialty of oncology and most importantly, the patients they serve.

Since joining Scripps Clinic Medical Group in 1989, Dr. Kosty has held many leadership roles at Scripps Clinic and Scripps Green Hospital. In addition to his role as medical director of Scripps Cancer Center, he is director of graduate medical education and director of the hematology/oncology fellowship program.

Dr. Kosty is board certified in internal medicine, medical oncology and hematology and his current research focuses on lung and prostate cancers. He earned his medical degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and completed his internship, residency and fellowship at Naval Medical Center San Diego.

An Encinitas resident, Dr. Kosty joined ASCO in 1986 and has served on several committees, including its cancer education committee, oncology training programs committee, professional development committee and scientific program committee. He is also involved in ASCO’s workforce advisory group, which is assessing the impact of health care reform on physician burnout and retention in this specialty. This committee is also evaluating collaborative care models in which physicians and other care providers work together to optimize cancer care.

According to ASCO, those who receive fellow status represent some of the most dedicated volunteers in the organization. “These are people who have given of themselves tirelessly over a long period of time,” said ASCO CEO Allen S. Lichter, M.D. “They represent the very best of our organization.”

Founded in 1964, ASCO is a professional oncology society committed to conquering cancer through research, education, prevention and delivery of high-quality patient care. Its diverse network of 30,000 oncology professionals encompasses all oncology subspecialties.

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