A highly regarded surgical oncologist, who was accused of forcibly touching a patient over the summer, was honored by The SASS Foundation for Medical Research at their annual event Saturday in Uniondale.

Dr. Dwight DeRisi, a father of four, was charged with forcibly touching a female patient in his Manhasset office in July. According to court documents, he intentionally kissed the victim on the mouth after a procedure while rubbing her stomach and upper leg. News 12 talked to the alleged victim by phone back in July.

“My goal is to just not have him do this to anyone else,” she told News 12.

Dr. DeRisi says he can't comment about what happened because it's an open case. Organizers of Saturday’s event say they're focusing on his accomplishments and the many people he has helped over 35 years.

“It has no basis,” says Francis Arena, the co-founder of SASS Foundation. “This is a man who cares for his patients, who empathizes in their grief, who revels in their triumphs.”

DeRisi's two daughters also showed their unwavering support. They described their dad as a “gentleman” who has been dedicated to saving patients' lives.

DeRisi thanked his supporters in the room.

“This journey, as you can imagine, has been unsettling,” he said.

The doctor is due back in court next month.