Jefferson’s Chief Executive Officer Joseph G. Cacchione, MD, FACC, and Patricia D. Wellenbach, Chair, Jefferson's Board of Trustees, Issue Statement on the passing of Edith P. Mitchell, MD, MACP, FCCP, FRCP (London)

PHILADELPHIA — Dr. Joseph G. Cacchione, Jefferson’s Chief Executive Officer, and Patricia D. Wellenbach, Chair, Jefferson's Board of Trustees, issue the following statement on the loss of Dr. Edith P. Mitchell:

“Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of Edith P. Mitchell, MD, MACP, FCCP, FRCP (London). Dr. Mitchell was the Director of the Center to Eliminate Cancer Disparities, Professor of Medicine and Medical Oncology, and the Enterprise Vice President for Cancer Disparities at Jefferson Health's Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center.

“She had a life full of accomplishments and trailblazing. Dr. Mitchell completed 36 years of service in the Armed Forces and achieved the rank of Brigadier General, the first female physician to attain this rank in the history of the United States Air Force.

“Dr. Mitchell's work was focused on identifying and eliminating barriers to care — especially those related to racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities and the social determinants of health.

“In addition to her roles with Jefferson, Dr. Mitchell previously served as the 116th President of the National Medical Association and was appointed a member of the President's Cancer Panel from 2019-2023. She was selected for the National Cancer Institute's Blue Ribbon Panel to advise the National Cancer Advisory Board on then-Vice President Joe Biden's National Cancer Moonshot Initiative and the National Institutes of Health Council of Councils.

“Dr. Mitchell leaves a legacy of dedication and selflessness, and we will continue to honor their memory by continuing her work to eliminate health disparities. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Mitchell's family, colleagues and loved ones during this difficult time.”