WILMINGTON, Del., Jan. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thomas Lee Bauer, M.D., chief of Thoracic Surgery at Christiana Care Health System, has been elected the 2013 president of the oldest surgical society in the United States, the Philadelphia Academy of Surgery.

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"It is truly an honor to be a member and now to serve as the president of such a historically significant surgical society," said Dr. Bauer, who sees patients at Christiana Care's Helen F. Graham Cancer Center. "Many of the fathers of surgery, my mentors and even my mentors' mentors have served in this capacity, so to lead this prestigious organization is a great privilege."

Founded in 1879, the Philadelphia Academy of Surgery predates even the American Surgical Association. Its mission is to cultivate and improve the science and art of surgery, elevate the medical profession, promote public health as well as any other matters that fall within its sphere.

"Dr. Bauer has successfully handled the triple challenge of teaching, clinical and translational research, and patient care," said Nicholas J. Petrelli, M.D., Bank of America endowed medical director of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center. "This honor by the Philadelphia Academy of Surgery along with his recent membership into the Society of University Surgeons illustrates his continued academic success."

As an institutional and national principal investigator of clinical trials, Dr. Bauer has received grants from the National Institutes of Health and other organizations for his medical research at the Graham Cancer Center and the University of Delaware. He has initiated and led numerous programs and research projects aimed at advancing the treatment of lung and esophageal cancer in Delaware and nationwide, 3D medical imaging, virtual bronchoscopy and epidemiological studies of lung cancer.

Dr. Bauer also is an associate professor of surgery at Jefferson Medical College and an adjunct assistant professor of biologic sciences at the University of Delaware. He completed his residency training in general and cardiothoracic surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Dr. Bauer has received the resident teaching award and he has been chosen as a physician ambassador for the operating room nurses. Dr. Bauer also has been profiled as one of Delaware Today's TOP DOCTORS. He was awarded "Rising Star" recognition in 2010 as one of Christiana Care's most notable doctors.

Outside of work, Dr. Bauer has used his own exercise history as a motivator for patients. He has participated in several Ironman triathlons, and enjoys spending weekends competing in swimming, biking and running competitions.

For more information about the Philadelphia Academy of Surgery, visit www.academyofsurgery.org.

For more information about Christiana Care, visit www.christianacare.org/whoweare.

SOURCE Christiana Care Health System