The Southern Connecticut Black Chamber of Commerce recently honored Dr. Camelia Lawrence, director of breast surgery at The Hospital of Central Connecticut (THOCC) and MidState Medical Center, as its Business Woman of the Year.
The award was one of five given out at the group’s 11th Annual Awards and Holiday Celebration on December 6.
“‘Dr. Camelia Lawrence is not your traditional ‘Business Women’ … but as a board-certified breast cancer surgeon she makes it her ‘business’ to engage the public in the fight against breast cancer, she advocates for change and activates communities to support women facing the disease,” says Diana L. Washington, vice president of the Southern Connecticut Black Chamber of Commerce. “She has an infectious way of making a difference in the lives she touches. But, most of all, she is a true role model especially for young women of color.”
Dr. Lawrence has more than 13 years of experience in breast surgery, including reconstructive and plastic surgeries, and is board certified in surgery and fellowship-trained in advanced breast cancer surgery. She specializes in benign and malignant breast disease.
She joined Hartford HealthCare’s Cancer Institute earlier this year. Prior to that, she practiced at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport.
Dr. Lawrence has been recognized numerous times for her work in the field of breast care, including as: a 2017 American Cancer Society “Women Leading the Way” honoree; 2017 “Doctor of Distinction” by the Fairfield County Business Journal; a Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Achievement Award recipient; a Susan G. Komen “More than Pink” honoree; and recipient of the Dr. Kenneth Woodward Memorial Award in recognition of her work to improve the health status of underserved patients.
“We are extremely fortunate to have Dr. Lawrence on our breast health team at Hartford HealthCare. She has a passion and skills that make her an outstanding physician and this award is well-deserved,” says Dr. Patricia DeFusco, the director of the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute Breast Program.
Dr. Lawrence is accepting patients at the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at THOCC, 201 North Mountain Road, Suite 102, Plainville. To make an appointment, call 860.224.5416.