Oncologist Near Me – Lynn Schuchter: A Pioneering Leader in Cancer Care and Melanoma Research

Oncologist Near Me: Lynn Schuchter

Welcome to OncoDaily’s special section “Oncologist Near Me” where we introduce prominent oncologists from around the world.

Here, you can get to know the leading cancer specialists in your area, including both personal and professional details that you won’t find in their research articles.

Interested solely in research? We’ve got that covered too! Discover top research articles by the author, learn about their academic achievements, awards, and honors, watch their interviews, and memorize some quotes for much-needed inspiration!

We’ve curated the internet to find the most important information about them. If you have more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

Lynn M. Schuchter, MD

Lynn Schuchter is a distinguished medical oncologist specializing in skin cancers, particularly melanoma. She is the Chief of the  Hematology/Oncology Division in the Department of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, director of the Tara Miller Melanoma Center, and holds the title of C. Willard Robinson Professor of Hematology/Oncology. Dr. Schuchter also serves as the Program Co-Leader for the Abramson Cancer Center‘sNCI-approved Melanoma and Cutaneous Malignancies Research Program. Additionally, she was the President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) for the 2023-2024 term.

Education

She began her academic journey at the University of Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1978. Then, she attended the Chicago Medical School, where she obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree in 1982.

Dr. Schuchter completed her residency in internal medicine at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago and further pursued a fellowship in medical oncology at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Throughout her career, she has become a leading figure in melanoma research and treatment, demonstrating a strong commitment to mentorship and women’s leadership in oncology.

Career

Dr. Schuchter has been an integral part of Penn Medicine since 1989 when she joined the faculty and established her long-standing association with its melanoma program. Her leadership within the institution has been instrumental in shaping melanoma research and clinical care. In 2007, she was appointed Chief of the Division of Hematology-Oncology at the Abramson Cancer Center, a position she continues to hold. Over the years, she has significantly contributed to advancing oncology through clinical trials, mentorship, and advocacy for women in medicine, making her a highly respected figure in the field.

Currently, Dr. Schuchter serves as the Chief of the Hematology/Oncology Division in the Department of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. She also holds the prestigious title of C. Willard Robinson Professor of Hematology/Oncology and is the Director of the Tara Miller Melanoma Center, where she leads efforts to advance melanoma research and treatment. Additionally, she plays a key role as Program Co-Leader for the Abramson Cancer Center’s NCI-approved Melanoma and Cutaneous Malignancies Research Program, reinforcing her commitment to developing innovative therapies and improving patient outcomes in skin cancer.

In addition to her work at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Lynn Schuchter has dedicated a significant part of her career to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). She served on the ASCO Board of Directors from 2009 to 2012 and contributed to several key committees, including serving as chair of the Annual Meeting Scientific Program Committee, Cancer Research Committee, and Cancer Communications Committee.

In December 2021, ASCO announced Dr. Schuchter’s appointment as President for the 2023-2024 term. She officially assumed the role during the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, becoming ASCO’s 60th president. Throughout her tenure, she played a pivotal role in shaping oncology research, education, and policy, further solidifying her impact on the global cancer community.

2022-2023 ASCO president Dr. Eric P. Winer passes the gavel to 2023-2024 president Dr. Schuchter as his term concludes and hers begins. Photo by ASCO/Todd Buchanan. 

On this occasion, Dr. Schuchter said: “I am honored to be elected to serve as ASCO’s President. I grew up with ASCO. Volunteering and working with ASCO has been a highlight of my career. I am excited to build on these experiences and lead ASCO, a vital and dynamic organization with so much to offer its members. ASCO is committed to improving the outcomes and the care of our patients, and I am excited to support ASCO across all its missions.”

Dr. Lynn Schuchter chose “The Art and Science of Cancer Care: From Comfort to Cure” as her presidential theme. This theme reflected her belief in the balance between scientific advancements in oncology and the compassionate, patient-centered approach necessary for high-quality care.

Once more she emphasized the importance of cancer care in President’s Address at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting. During her speech, she highlighted the remarkable progress in oncology, particularly in melanoma, where immunotherapies and targeted therapies have transformed outcomes. However, she acknowledged the persistent challenges, such as treatment resistance, limited access to care, and the need for better communication in serious conversations. She stressed the importance of early integration of palliative care to enhance patients’ quality of life, noting that only a small percentage of oncologists are dual-certified in oncology and palliative medicine.

Concluding her speech with a toast, Dr. Schuchter raised a glass for Tara Miller and other patients, to the dedication of oncologists, and the power of collaboration in driving progress against cancer, inspiring attendees to continue their vital work in the field.

Dr. Lynn Schuchter is an active member of various prestigious societies and foundations, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the National College of Physicians in Philadelphia, and the Melanoma Research Foundation. She also holds memberships in the National Scientific Review Panels and the National Society of Biological Therapy. Additionally, Dr. Schuchter is involved in the Society of Melanoma Research, which contributes to her broad influence in the field of oncology and melanoma research.

Alongside her clinical work, Dr. Schuchter is incredibly passionate about mentorship, particularly when it comes to supporting women in oncology. She’s been a strong advocate for women’s leadership, both at Penn and within the broader oncology community. Through her guidance, she has helped train numerous physicians and scientists in clinical and translational research, with a special focus on mentoring junior faculty.

In an interview with OncoDaily, she shared her belief that women are natural leaders, saying, “I think that women are incredible leaders, and we want to see more women in leadership roles.” Under her leadership, 61% of the ASCO board was made up of women.

In 2019, Dr. Schuchter received the ASCO Women Who Conquer Cancer Mentorship Award, which recognized her unwavering dedication to mentoring and fostering the careers of women in oncology.

Dr. Gladys Rodriguez, Dr. Sandra M. Swain, Dr. Debra Patt, Dr. Schuchter, and Dr. Linda Bosserman at the 10th anniversary of Women Who Conquer Cancer at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting. Photo by ASCO/Nick Agro.

Honors and awards

• Recognized by Best Doctors in America 2003 – 2018
• Recognized annually in Philadelphia magazine’s Top Docs issues, 2004 – 2021
• Recognized by America’s Top Doctors, 2007, 2008, 2010 – 2018
• Recognized by Main Line Today’s Top Doctor’s 2016 issue
• Hologic, Inc. Endowed Women Who Conquer Cancer Mentorship Award (2019)
• Giants of Cancer Care Award (2024)
• 100 Influential Women in Oncology: Key Opinion Leaders to Follow on Social Media in 2024

Research

Dr. Schuchter has dedicated her research to improving treatments for melanoma, focusing on immunotherapy and targeted therapies. She has been deeply involved in clinical trials that have changed the outlook for advanced melanoma, including the work on BRAF-targeted treatments like the combination of dabrafenib and trametinib. Her research has not only helped extend patients’ lives but has also shaped the way doctors approach precision medicine in melanoma care.

A key focus of her work is understanding why some treatments stop working over time. As co-principal Investigator on the Skin Cancer SPORE grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), she leads research aimed at uncovering mechanisms of resistance to therapy. By analyzing serial biopsies, she tracks genetic changes that drive resistance, paving the way for more effective treatments. She has also been at the forefront of exploring CAR T-cell therapy and mRNA vaccines for melanoma. With numerous publications in top medical journals, Dr. Schuchter continues to push the field forward, bringing hope to patients and advancing the science of melanoma treatment.

Top 10 papers by Lynn Schuchter

1. Hensley ML, Hagerty KL, Kewalramani T, Green DM, Meropol NJ, Wasserman TH, Cohen GI, Emami B, Gradishar WJ, Mitchell RB, Thigpen JT, Trotti A 3rd, von Hoff D, Schuchter LM. American Society of Clinical Oncology 2008 clinical practice guideline update: use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy protectants. J Clin Oncol. 2009 Jan 1;27(1):127-45. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2008.17.2627. Epub 2008 Nov 17. PMID: 19018081. – 707
2. Schuchter LM, Green R, Fraker D. Primary and metastatic diseases in malignant melanoma of the gastrointestinal tract. Curr Opin Oncol. 2000 Mar;12(2):181-5. doi: 10.1097/00001622-200003000-00014. PMID: 10750731.  – 301
3. Schuchter L, Schultz DJ, Synnestvedt M, Trock BJ, Guerry D, Elder DE, Elenitsas R, Clark WH, Halpern AC. A prognostic model for predicting 10-year survival in patients with primary melanoma. The Pigmented Lesion Group. Ann Intern Med. 1996 Sep 1;125(5):369-75. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-125-5-199609010-00003. PMID: 8702087. -240
4. Schuchter LM, Wingard JR, Piantadosi S, Burns WH, Santos GW, Saral R. Herpes zoster infection after autologous bone marrow transplantation. Blood. 1989 Sep;74(4):1424-7. PMID: 2548641. – 238
5. Schuchter LM, Esa AH, May S, Laulis MK, Pettit GR, Hess AD. Successful treatment of murine melanoma with bryostatin 1. Cancer Res. 1991 Jan 15;51(2):682-7. PMID: 1985785. – 151
6. Weber JS, Levit LA, Adamson PC, Bruinooge S, Burris HA 4th, Carducci MA, Dicker AP, Gönen M, Keefe SM, Postow MA, Thompson MA, Waterhouse DM, Weiner SL, Schuchter LM. American Society of Clinical Oncology policy statement update: the critical role of phase I trials in cancer research and treatment. J Clin Oncol. 2015 Jan 20;33(3):278-84. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2014.58.2635. Epub 2014 Dec 15. Erratum in: J Clin Oncol. 2019 Feb 1;37(4):353. doi: 10.1200/JCO.18.02274. PMID: 25512456; PMCID: PMC4516884. – 126
7. Kawashima A, Fishman EK, Kuhlman JE, Schuchter LM. CT of malignant melanoma: patterns of small bowel and mesenteric involvement. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 1991 Jul-Aug;15(4):570-4. doi: 10.1097/00004728-199107000-00008. PMID: 2061469.
8. Sabir S, James WD, Schuchter LM. Cutaneous manifestations of cancer. Curr Opin Oncol. 1999 Mar;11(2):139-44. doi: 10.1097/00001622-199903000-00011. PMID: 10188080.
9. Schuchter LM. Adjuvant interferon therapy for melanoma: high-dose, low-dose, no dose, which dose? J Clin Oncol. 2004 Jan 1;22(1):7-10. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2004.10.907. Epub 2003 Dec 9. PMID: 14665612.
10. Guerry D 5th, Schuchter LM. Disseminated melanoma–is there a new standard therapy? N Engl J Med. 1992 Aug 20;327(8):560-1. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199208203270811. PMID: 1635572.

*Most cited papers, where Lynn Schuchter is the first or last author according to Google Scholar

Interviews with Lynn Schuchter

Amazing Results! President Lynn M. Schuchter on ASCO 2024 – OncoDaily 

Discussing Disparities An Interview with Lynn Schuchter – Florida Society of Clinical Oncology

Skin Cancer 101: Spotting the Ugly Duckling – The Your Stories Podcast

A Look Back on an Impactful and Inspiring Presidential Year. A Conversation With Lynn M. Schuchter, MD, FASCO, President of ASCO – The ASCO Post

Q & A: Lynn Schuchter, MD, Explains Common Concerns of Patients With Melanoma – Cancer Therapy Advisor

Beyond the white coat

Outside of her medical career, Dr. Schuchter is an avid cyclist. She takes part in the Breakthrough Challenge, an annual bike ride in southeastern Pennsylvania that raises funds for the Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine. Her dedication to cancer research extends beyond the lab and clinic, as she actively supports initiatives that bring real change to patients’ lives.

Melanoma team at Breakthrough Challenge 2024. Photo credit to Lynn Schuchter/X

Dr. Schuchter is also a proud wife and mother. She is happily married and has two sons, balancing her passion for oncology with a deep commitment to her family.

Lynn Schuchter with his husband and 2 sons. Photo credit to Penn Medicine – Abramson Cancer Center/FaceBook

Quotes from Lynn Schuchter

“Being able to have difficult conversations about prognosis in an effective, empathic, and honest way is a key element in the art of cancer care.” 

“I have focused more than three decades on this serious form of skin cancer, melanoma. And it’s been an unbelievable experience because we had no effective therapies in the past. Now, we are seeing so many advances.”

“Women are incredible leaders and we want to see more women in leadership roles.”

“An important part of leadership is understanding what you need to do to then achieve your vision. There is much intention about that. It’s a very important skill.”

How to contact her?

Email: [email protected]
Location: 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

References

1. Amazing Results! President Lynn M. Schuchter on ASCO 2024 – OncoDaily
2. 100 Influential Women in Oncology: Key Opinion Leaders to Follow on Social Media in 2024 – OncoDaily
3. Dr. Lynn M. Schuchter Elected ASCO President for 2023-2024 Term – ASCO Connection
4. Dr. Lynn M. Schuchter Makes the Art of Oncology and Cancer Care Central to Her ASCO Presidential Term – ASCO Connection
5. 2024 President’s Address: “The Art and Science of Cancer Care: From Comfort to Cure” – ASCO Connection
6. President’s Update 2024: Embracing Progress, Collaboration, and New Possibilities – ASCO Connection
7. Lynn Schuchter, Lawrence Shulman: ASCO Awards – Almanac
8. Penn Medicine’s Chief of Hematology-Oncology Named President-Elect of American Society of Clinical Oncology – Penn Medicine News
9. Lynn M. Schuchter, MD – Penn Medicine
10. Lynn Schuchter – PAIR Center
11. Lynn Schuchter – X

See also:

• Oncologist Near Me – Lillian Siu: Curiosity-Driven Cancer Innovator
• Oncologist Near Me – Pashtoon Kasi: Pioneering Cancer Specialist
• Oncologist Near Me – Eric Small: Prominent Prostate Cancer Specialist
• Oncologist Near Me – Julie R. Gralow: A Visionary Leader in Global Cancer Care
• Oncologist Near Me – Fabrice André: Leading Expert in Breast Cancer
• Oncologist Near Me – Vivek Subbiah: Pionner of Precision Oncology
• Oncologist Near Me – Hagop Kantarjian: A Legend in Leukemia Research and Treatment
• Oncologist Near Me – Giuseppe Curigliano: A Prominent Specialist in Breast Cancer Clinical Trials and Research
• Oncologist Near Me – Matti Aapro: Pioneering Excellence in Cancer Care and Geriatric Oncology