ACS Announces Dr. Cynthia Romero as Virginia Area Board Member

Hampton Roads native Cynthia Romero, MD, who currently serves as the director of the M. Foscue Brock Institute for Community and Global Health at EVMS has accepted a nomination to the American Cancer Society’s Virginia Area Board of Directors. Dr. Romero previously served as Virginia’s State Health Commissioner, the principal health adviser to the Governor, Secretary of Health and Human Resources, Virginia General Assembly and Board of Health from January 2013 to January 2014.

Prior to her appointment as Virginia’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Romero was Chief Medical Officer and Vice President for Quality and Medical Affairs for Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. Dr. Romero was in private practice for 20 years including 16 years at Romero Family Practice with her mother as her partner and her father as her office manager.

Dr. Romero has been a strong advocate for her patients and for the medical profession through leadership in professional medical organizations. She served as President of the Philippine Medical Association of Southeastern Virginia, Inc., Norfolk Academy of Medicine, Tidewater Academy of Family Physicians, and Virginia Academy of Family Physicians. In 2011, she was the President of the Medical Society of Virginia, the statewide organization representing over 10,000 physicians, residents, and medical students across the Commonwealth.

Dr. Romero received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Biology and Economics from the University of Virginia and her Doctor of Medicine from EVMS. She completed her training in family medicine at the Riverside Family Medicine Residency in Newport News. She completed a Primary Healthcare Policy Fellowship through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources. She was recognized with the Mead Johnson Award by the American Academy of Family Physicians for excellence in clinical medicine and community services. She received the Urban League of Hampton Roads’ 2022 MLK Community Leaders Award for Health.

“It is with great honor and pride that we welcome Dr. Romero to our Virginia Board. We appreciate her willingness to lead our mission, be a connector and an ignitor.” said Michele Couch, executive director for the American Cancer Society, Virginia. “Not only are we grateful for Dr. Romero’s commitment, her late mother, Dr. Aleli Romero, also served on our board for many years. The Romero’s legacy of leadership, focus on diversity and a targeted focus on health equity is vital for our communities. Every single cancer patient and every single family member who hears the words, ‘you have cancer’ needs to know we are here for them. No one is alone in their fight.”

About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. For more information go to www.cancer.org.

Media Contact
Michele Couch
757-343-1188
michele.couch@cancer.org