Virginia Cancer Specialists Named #1 in Virginia for Third Consecutive Year

FAIRFAX, VA – February 05, 2026 – For the third year in a row, Virginia Cancer Specialists (VCS) has been recognized as the number one physician practice in Virginia for cancer care, a distinction that also places them at the top of all medical specialties in the Commonwealth. The honor comes from Castle Connolly, a leading healthcare research firm, and is based on the practice having more of its prestigious 'Top Doctors' than any other medical group in the state.

This sustained recognition highlights a consistent pattern of excellence in a highly competitive healthcare landscape. While a single award can signify a moment of achievement, a three-year streak suggests a deeply ingrained culture of quality, innovation, and patient-centered care. The distinction is not bought or applied for; it is earned through a rigorous, peer-reviewed process, making it one of the most respected honors in American medicine.

A Standard of Sustained Excellence

The foundation of the ranking is the Castle Connolly Top Doctors list, which represents the top 7% of the nation's more than 985,000 practicing physicians. The selection process is entirely merit-based and physician-led. Tens of thousands of doctors across the country are surveyed and asked a simple but profound question: Who would you trust to care for your own family?

Nominated physicians undergo an extensive vetting process by a physician-led research team. This review scrutinizes professional qualifications, education, hospital appointments, research leadership, and disciplinary history. Crucially, the evaluation goes beyond clinical metrics to assess interpersonal skills like empathy, communication, and the ability to earn patient trust—qualities that are paramount in the emotionally charged field of oncology.

For the physicians at Virginia Cancer Specialists, the third consecutive recognition is a testament to daily discipline rather than a singular goal. "This distinction is deeply meaningful because it's not about a one-time success," said Dr. Geoffrey D. Moorer, a Medical Oncologist at VCS and a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. "This third consecutive recognition underscores a simple but powerful principle: enduring excellence is not achieved through accolades alone, but through daily dedication, humility, and fortitude."

This philosophy of consistent effort is echoed by his colleagues. "Great medicine is built on consistency—consistent compassion, consistent quality, and consistent respect for every individual we serve," stated Dr. John Feigert, a Medical Oncologist who has been a Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2006. He emphasized that the honor reflects the values of the entire organization, from physicians to the broader care teams.

The Engine of Innovation: Research and Strategic Alliances

Beyond the individual excellence of its physicians, Virginia Cancer Specialists' leadership position is powerfully reinforced by its robust research infrastructure and strategic partnerships. As the largest private cancer practice in Northern Virginia, it operates the Virginia Cancer Specialists Research Institute, which boasts the most extensive clinical trials portfolio in the Mid-Atlantic region.

This commitment to research gives patients access to the next generation of cancer treatments. With over 200 active clinical trials, from early-stage Phase I studies to later-stage trials, VCS provides opportunities for patients to receive investigational therapies not yet widely available. This is particularly vital for those with complex or advanced cancers who may have exhausted standard treatment options.

This research capability is significantly amplified by key affiliations. VCS is part of The US Oncology Network, a nationwide collaboration connecting the practice with over 2,700 physicians across more than 600 sites. This network facilitates the sharing of best practices, data, and resources on a national scale. Furthermore, a 2024 partnership with the renowned Sara Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) has opened the door to hundreds of additional clinical studies. The collaboration with SCRI is particularly impactful, as the institute has played a role in the development of more than 100 FDA-approved cancer therapies, demonstrating a direct link between its research and tangible patient benefits.

Leading in a Competitive Landscape

Virginia Cancer Specialists' achievement is particularly noteworthy given the strong and competitive oncology landscape within the Commonwealth. The state is home to several high-caliber institutions, including academic powerhouses like the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, which also boasts a significant number of highly-rated cancer specialists. The presence of such strong competitors underscores the magnitude of VCS's accomplishment in consistently earning the top spot based on peer nominations.

This consistent ranking suggests that VCS has successfully created an environment that not only attracts but also retains top-tier medical talent. The practice's comprehensive approach includes medical and radiation oncology, various surgical specialties, genetic counseling, palliative care, and extensive patient support services, creating an integrated care model that addresses the multifaceted needs of cancer patients.

Beyond Rankings: The Human Element of Top-Tier Care

While rankings and statistics provide a measure of quality, the physicians at VCS emphasize that the true measure of success lies in the patient experience. The Castle Connolly methodology itself validates this, placing a strong emphasis on the human side of medicine. The focus on empathy, clear communication, and trust speaks to a model of care that prioritizes the whole person, not just the disease.

Publicly shared patient testimonials from the practice often highlight this human-centric approach. Stories of patients who have defied prognoses and returned to active lives speak to a level of care that combines clinical expertise with genuine compassion and support. This focus on the patient-doctor relationship is a recurring theme among the practice's leaders.

"This honor speaks to the collective discipline and teamwork of our entire practice," noted Dr. Anmol Singh, a Medical Oncologist and a 2025 Castle Connolly Rising Star Honoree. "Our physicians and staff remain deeply committed to doing what is right for patients, even when it requires extra time, effort, or perseverance. That commitment does not waver—and that is what sustains excellence over time." Ultimately, the consistent recognition from peers across the nation serves as a powerful external validation of the internal culture of discipline, innovation, and unwavering patient focus that has defined Virginia Cancer Specialists for over 50 years.