Dr. Anton Bilchik is a leading voice for Saint John's Health Center's mission to advance knowledge of cancer research and treatment. "The Duke" Special Service Award that was presented to Dr. Bilchik at the annual Odyssey Ball is a prestigious addition to his numerous recognitions and accolades. Dr. Anton Bilchik has pioneered techniques to improve staging in colon cancer, and minimally invasive approaches for liver and pancreatic cancer.

The night's guests of honor were Princess Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway and Princess Zamaswazi Dlamini who accepted the "True Grit" Humanitarian Award on the behalf of the Mandela Family during the annual benefit gala hosted by John Wayne Cancer Institute.

"As a South Africa native, it is humbling to be recognized alongside the Mandela Family," said Dr. Anton Bilchik.

To learn more about Dr. Anton Bilchik's recognitions and cancer research, visit www.antonbilchikmd.com.

About Dr. Anton Bilchik:Anton J. Bilchik, MD, PhD, FACS, is an internationally recognized surgical oncologist who has pioneered techniques to improve staging in colon cancer and minimally invasive approaches for liver and pancreas cancer. He is also spearheading JWCI/SJHC's participation in biotech-sponsored research trials, new drug development and tissue procurement. He serves as an investigator on international multi-center clinical trials and, with over 180 publications, is considered one of the country's leading specialists in surgical oncology. In his current dual leadership roles as Chief of Medicine and Chief of the Gastrointestinal (GI) Research Program at JWCI, Dr. Bilchik is working closely with Saint John's Cancer Program and networking with community-based medical oncology and surgical oncology practices.