We are delighted to announce Dr. Jessica Hunter-Orange as the 2022 recipient of the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund Recognition Award. Established in 2019, this annual award recognizes excellence in melanoma prevention, awareness and support. Past recipients include Dr. Paul Cohen, Gareth Wheeler and joint recipients Aquila Akingbade, Ikunna Nwoso and Eric Zane.

Dr. Jessica Hunter-Orange is a Family Physician with a GP focused practice designation in Dermatology working at the London Skin Disorders Clinic and previously with the Middlesex-London Health Unit in London, Ontario. As a Family Physician focused on Dermatology, Dr. Hunter-Orange cares for many melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer patients. In 2021, however, an unexpected encounter outside of her office amplified her role as a GP-Dermatologist and Health Promoter.

During the pandemic, Dr. Hunter-Orange stepped up to assist at COVID-19 vaccination clinics in London. In April 2021, vaccinations were just becoming available in Ontario and citizens were scrambling to get vaccinated as the pandemic continued to take lives and cause major disruptions to daily life. Dr. Hunter-Orange not only helped to administer vaccines, but also, in doing so, also likely saved a life and raised important melanoma awareness.

While rolling up the sleeve of an individual ready to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, Dr. Hunter-Orange noticed a misshapen and multi-coloured mole on the back of the patient’s arm which she immediately suspected was melanoma. Dr. Hunter-Orange showed the mole to the patient and made him promise to get immediate follow-up. A few weeks later, the patient’s Dermatologist contacted Dr. Hunter-Orange to let her know that her melanoma diagnosis was correct and that her efforts were likely life saving. The patient also reached out to thank Dr. Hunter-Orange later in the year to let her know that he had since received surgical treatment and was very grateful.

After sharing her experience on social media in January 2022, this important story was picked up by traditional media. Resulting media coverage highlighted Dr. Hunter-Orange’s efforts and educated the public about the importance of checking your skin and reporting changes to your doctor. A gifted communicator, Dr. Hunter-Orange raised awareness of melanoma and encouraged regular self-checks in her media appearances.

“I am very humbled by this recognition and award. It was simply luck that this patient ended up at my vaccination station (1 of 38) that day! Myself and my colleagues (Dr. Jenn Andrade and Dr. Ian Toft) are passionate about our work where we provide melanoma education, awareness and strive for early detection in our patients on a daily basis in our office. Please learn the ABCDEs of melanoma if you don’t already know them – and please check your skin and don’t forget to wear your sunscreen and re-apply it! Thank you again to the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund for this tremendous honour.” – Dr. Jessica Hunter-Orange

We thank Dr. Hunter-Orange for her efforts to promote patient care and the early detection of melanoma. We congratulate her on this well-deserved award!