David Stein, MD, associate professor in the Department of Surgery and chief of the Division of Colorectal Surgery, has been honored as the 2011 "Physician of the Year" by the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). Stein was formally presented with the award at the CCFA's 36th annual Renaissance Ball on May 7, at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing.

In recognizing Stein, CCFA noted his service to the community and his interest in and concern for the victims of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and for his efforts in expanding research and support services. Approximately 1.4 million people suffer from these often debilitating and potentially life-threatening chronic intestinal diseases. While there have been tremendous strides in both therapies and surgical techniques over the last decade that have improved the quality of life for many patients, many others continue to face difficult medical journeys.

An advocate for CCFA for many years, Stein currently serves as a member of the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley's Chapter Medical Advisory Committee. He also served as the medical advisor for the organization's Bucks County education and support group and has lectured at CCFA's Annual Spring Education Day.

Stein joined the faculty of Drexel University College of Medicine in 2003 after completing his colorectal surgery training at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. His clinical focus includes the laparoscopic treatment of colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. He also has expertise in prevention strategies and identifying risk factors for colorectal cancer in younger patients, as well as outcomes analysis in colorectal surgery. Stein serves as the director of education and sits on the board of directors of the Susan Cohan Kasdas Colon Cancer Foundation, for which he has created numerous health education programs.