AHN Wexford Hospital doctor honored by National Pancreas Foundation

Three Allegheny Health Network caregivers were honored for their expertise, skill and compassion in caring for people suffering from diseases of the pancreas, and their work in raising awareness of these diseases, at this year’s National Pancreas Foundation’s “Courage for a Cure” Gala, which was held April 23 at Carnegie Science Center.

Katie Farah, MD, FASGE, received the Courage Award for Pancreatitis, Suzanne Schiffman, MD, received the Courage Award for Pancreatic Cancer and Mary Waters, RN, BSN, received the Compassionate Care Award.

Farah, chief medical officer at AHN Wexford Hospital, is also a practicing gastroenterologist and therapeutic endoscopist at AHN, treating patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis. In the network’s Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, she led initiatives that improved safety, efficiency, quality and patient access to care, and standardized cancer screening practices.

Schiffman, a surgical oncologist specializing in the treatment of complex abdominal cancers, is the Surgical Lead for Pancreatic Cancer at AHN Cancer Institute. She has a focus in minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgery, including robotic liver and pancreatic surgery. She works in close collaboration with colleagues in medical and radiation oncology to develop an individualized multidisciplinary treatment plan for each patient.

Waters has dedicated her career to working with patients suffering from pancreatic disease. She provides excellent care to her patients and offers kindness and support to their families and loved ones, always willing to go above and beyond for the patients and the pancreatic disease community. Waters has also served as captain of the AHN Purple Stride Team through the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network since 2019.

“Dr. Farah, Dr. Schiffman and Ms. Waters are true leaders in the care of patients with pancreatic disease, offering care that combines expertise at the highest levels with great empathy for patients and their struggles,” said Patter Birsic, co-founder of the National Pancreas Foundation and chair of the Western Pennsylvania Chapter. “They also tirelessly work to raise awareness of pancreatic disease in the community. We are delighted to honor them this year and grateful to have them as part of our community.”