http://connection.asco.org RSS feeds for ASCO Connection – professional networking for ASCO’s worldwide oncology community 60 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3519/May-2013-Member-News-Networking.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3519 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3519&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3519/May-2013-Member-News-Networking.aspx Robert W. Carlson, MD, has been named Chief Executive Officer of the National Comprehensive Cancer Center.            The University of Michigan (U-M) Comprehensive Cancer Center has appointed Kathleen A. Cooney, MD, to a new position as Deputy Director for Clinical Services. Dr. Cooney is the Frances and Victor Ginsberg Professor of Hematology/Oncology and Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the U-M Medical School.        Lisa M. DeAngelis, MD, Chair of Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Department of Neurology and Co-Executive Director of the Brain Tumor Center, has been elected to the Institute of Medicine.           Hematology/oncology expert Richard I. Fisher, MD, has been named Interim Cancer Center Director and Physician-in-Chief of Fox Chase Cancer Center, now part of the Temple University Health System. Dr. Fisher has also been appointed Senior Associate Dean of Temple University School of Medicine.          The Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at New York–Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center has welcomed the following ASCO members as new clinician-scientists specializing in leukemia: Mark G. Frattini, MD, PhD; Mark L. Heaney, MD, PhD; Joseph G. Jurcic, MD; and Nicole Lamanna, MD.               The inaugural holders of the Carol and Louis Della Penna Chair in Urologic Oncology and the Louis Della Penna Family Chair in Head and Neck Oncology at the Fox Chase Cancer Center are Richard E. Greenberg, MD, Chief of Urologic Oncology, and John A. "Drew" Ridge, MD, PhD, Chief of Head and Neck Surgery.            Mark R. Kelley, PhD, the Betty and Earl Herr Professor of Pediatric Oncology Research at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, is one of two researchers who has been awarded a multi-year, $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to develop and improve therapies for pancreatic cancer.          Pierre P. Massion, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Cancer Biology, has been named Director of the Thoracic Program at Vanderbilt–Ingram Cancer Center.          Marcus A. Neubauer, MD, has accepted the position of Medical Director, Oncology Services for McKesson Specialty Health, in Seattle, WA. Dr. Neubauer will serve as a liaison between the US Oncology Network and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.        Paul Sabbatini, MD, has been named to the new position of Deputy Physician-in-Chief for Clinical Research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.         Michel Sadelain, MD, PhD, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, was a recipient of the 2012 William B. Coley Award for Distinguished Research in Tumor Immunology.          Gary K. Schwartz, MD, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, is the Principal Investigator for “Therapeutic Targeting of IDH1 and IDH2 Mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Chondrosarcoma”—one of five research teams that have been awarded $5 million in grants by the Starr Cancer Consortium. Co-principal investigators on this study include Ross L. Levine, MD, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering and Ari Melnick, MD, of Weill Cornell.              Charles L. Sawyers, MD, Chair of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, is one of 11 awardees to receive the inaugural Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences. Each of the recipients will receive $3 million. Dr Sawyers is also the recipient of ASCO’s 2013 Science of Oncology Award.          A study published March 2013 in The Oncologist, led by ASCO President Sandra M. Swain, MD, FACP, Medical Director of the Washing Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, found that a recent FDA-approved combination of therapies used to target HER2-positive breast cancer does not lead to increased cardiac problems for patients, but doctors should regularly perform cardiac monitoring on patients until additional long-term cardiac safety data become available.          Anas Younes, MD, has been named Chief of the Lymphoma Service in the Division of Hematologic Oncology, Department of Medicine, at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.    Please send your submissions for Member News & Networking to ascoconnection@asco.org. In Memoriam Stanley E. Order, MD Glenn Norman Smith, MD John Owen Clune, MD Joseph F. Paone, MD, FACS Jane C. Wright, MD Kenneth A. Dressler, MD Brent F. G. Treiger, MD New Associate Editor Joins JCO Joel E. Tepper, MD, a radiation oncologist with expertise in gastrointestinal cancers, was named an Associate Editor of the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO). Dr. Tepper is the Hector McLean Distinguished Professor of Cancer Research at the Carolina Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. New Editor-in-Chief Announced for Cancer.Net Cancer.Net is proud to announce medical oncologist Robert S. Miller, MD, FACP, as the new Editor-in-Chief. Dr. Miller is an Assistant Professor of Oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and an Oncology Medical Information Officer at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. He serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Oncology Practice and previously served as an Associate Editor for Cancer.Net. He is also a columnist on ASCOconnection.org. Look for a full interview with Dr. Miller in the ASCO Connection September Issue. ascoadmin Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:51:38 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3519 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3459/March-2013-Member-News-Networking.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3459 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3459&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3459/March-2013-Member-News-Networking.aspx A study by Justin Balko, PharmD, PhD, (right) and Carlos Arteaga, MD, of Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, shed light on the challenges of treating triple-negative breast cancer. Specifically, most patients with triple-negative breast cancer who were treated with chemotherapy to shrink their tumor prior to surgery still had multiple genetic mutations in their tumor cells.       Despite being at low risk for recurrence, many patients with early-stage breast cancer still receive advanced imaging tests such as CT scans, according to a study led by Tara Breslin, MD, of the University of Michigan (U-M) Comprehensive Cancer Center.   Sabha Ganai, MD, PhD, recently joined the ASCO Connection Editorial Board. Dr. Ganai is a Fellow in Surgical Oncology and Clinical Medical Ethics at the University of Chicago. She has been an active member of the ASCO University Fellows Council since 2010.     Julio Garcia-Aguilar, MD, PhD, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, was named Chief of the Colorectal Service in the Department of Surgery and incumbent of the Stuart H. Q. Quan Chair.     A team of radiologists found that initial shrinkage of large liver tumors by dual-phase cone-bean computed tomography (DPCBCT) scans taken before and after chemoembolization matched up almost perfectly with MRI scans taken one month later. If further testing proves successful, DPCBCT scans could supplant the current practice of MRI scanning a month after chemoembolization to check its effects, according to Jean-Francois Geschwind, MD, of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, who served as senior study investigator.     A new oral agent under review by the U.S. FDA is safe and effective in treating relapsed and treatment-resistant multiple myeloma, according to a multicenter, phase II study presented by Mount Sinai School of Medicine researchers at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting. Sundar Jagannath, MD, served as first author and presented the trial in an oral abstract session.     Steven M. Larson, MD, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, was named recipient of the 2012 Benedict Cassen Prize for Research in Nuclear Medicine.     Rogerio C. Lilenbaum, MD, was appointed Chief Medical Officer of Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven.     Nathan A. Pennell, MD, PhD, of Cleveland Clinic, was named Associate Editor of the ASCO Educational Book.    Researchers at U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center found a genetic anomaly that provides an important clue to improving how solitary fibrous tumors are diagnosed and treated. Scott Schuetze, MD, served as co-author of the study, which was published online, January 13, 2013, in Nature Genetics.     A new drug, cabozantinib, demonstrated dramatic and rapid effects on prostate cancer that had spread to the bone, according to a study reported by U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers and published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. David C. Smith, MD, served as lead study author.     Scientists at Weill Cornell Medical College discovered the molecular switch that allows aggressive triple-negative breast cancer cells to grow the amoeba-like protrusions they need to crawl away from a primary tumor and metastasize throughout the body. Linda T. Vahdat, MD, served as co-author.      Louis M. Weiner, MD, of Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, was appointed to the Board of Scientific Counselors for Clinical Sciences and Epidemiology for the National Cancer Institute.    Please send your submissions for Member News & Networking to ascoconnection@asco.org. In MemoriamRobert F. Berris, MDBarrie David EvansJames H. Freel, MDFrank G. Gatchell, MDWesley C. Glisson, MDBarton Aron Kamen, MD, PhDClement Knight, MD, MRCPJohn M. Schroeder, MDSeng-jaw Soong, PhDRobert M. Weetman, MD Merit Award Recipients The following researchers are ASCO members who received 2012 Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO Merit Awards for submitting high-quality abstracts.* 2013 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium Sarah Barton, MBChB, FRACP Auckland District Health Board Young Kwang Chae, MD, MPH, MBA The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Chiara Cremolini, MD U.O. Oncologia Medica 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Istituto Toscano Tumori Alexandra Drakaki, MD Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center—Harvard Medical School Luca Faloppi, MD Università Politecnica delle Marche Olusola Faluyi, MRCP, PhD Princess Margaret Hospital Nishi Kothari, MD Moffitt Cancer Center Aalok Kumar, BESc, MD British Columbia Cancer Agency David Luyimbazi, MD City of Hope Medical Center Ludmila Martin, MD The Ohio State University Medical Center Florencia McAllister, MD Johns Hopkins University Van Morris, MD The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Gerald Prager, MD Medical University Vienna Andrea Russo, MD Harvard Radiation Oncology Program Vaibhav Sahai, MD, MS Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Vikas Sehdev, PhD Vanderbilt University John Shen, MD University of California, San Diego Moores Cancer Center Kazuki Sudo, MD The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Elizabeth Won, MD Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Changhoon Yoo, MD Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine 2013 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium Christine Barnett, MD Oregon Health and Science University Maristella Bianconi, MD Universita Politecnica delle Marche Elena Castro, MD, PhD Spanish National Cancer Research Centre Henry Conter, MD, MSc The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Elizabeth Guancial, MD Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Mehmet Hepgur, MD University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Joseph Kim, MD National Cancer Institute Marc Matrana, MD, MS The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Rana McKay, MD Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Andrea Necchi, MD Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori Elizabeth O'Donnell, MD Dana-Farber Cancer Institute David Vanderweele, MD, PhD The University of Chicago Medical Center Daniel Willis, MD The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center *For the complete list of recipients, visit gicasym.org and gucasym.org. ascoadmin Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:36:56 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3459 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3447/Meet-Carolyn-Runowicz-MD-FASCO.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3447 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3447&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3447/Meet-Carolyn-Runowicz-MD-FASCO.aspx Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University; Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology; and ASCO Board of Directors member AC: What led you to oncology? Dr. Runowicz: A National Cancer Institute stipend and an American Cancer Society stipend as a medical student to "shadow" George C. Lewis, MD, a gynecologic oncologist. I was immediately hooked. He had a contagious enthusiasm and passion for what he did. I thought, "If I could find a career which I could enjoy even half as much as he did, I will have the best career." AC: What's the last book you read? Dr. Runowicz: The Innovator's Prescription, by Clayton M. Christensen, Dr. Jerome H. Grossman, and Dr. Jason Hwang. The book is one in a series by these authors on "disruptive" innovation leading to change and how to incorporate these changes. AC: What's your favorite website? Dr. Runowicz: For a busy person, the Internet has been a lifesaver. Because of my hectic schedule and travel, the site I use the most is American Airlines (aa.com)! AC: Who is the person you most admire? Dr. Runowicz: My husband, for his intelligence and support; my mentors—many who have passed on; my Dean, Dr. John Rock; and my colleagues. AC: What career could you see yourself in if you weren't an oncologist? Dr. Runowicz: My career has actually been a series of interesting "careers." I started as a practicing gynecologic oncologist seeing patients and spending most of my time in patient care. Eventually, I moved to another institution where I started a fellowship program and division of gynecologic oncology. Following this, I become a cancer center director. I am now, as the Academic Dean, helping build a new medical school in Miami. I still also see patients. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to become a physician and experience all of the aspects from clinical practice and administration to clinical research and education. AC: What hobbies do you enjoy? Dr. Runowicz: Working out, dancing, spending time with family and friends. My exercise routine is 40-50 minutes of cardiovascular activities (treadmill/elliptical) and 15 minutes of strengthening/weight training) two times a week. AC: Do you have a personal motto? Dr. Runowicz: "Never arrive unprepared!" AC: What is your fondest memory? Dr. Runowicz: College, medical school, and finishing my fellowship. I have had some fabulous vacations too. I prefer warm weather—so most of our trips are to warm places, especially the Caribbean. Recently, we have tried to get to Europe more often. I love Italy and France. This summer we will be exploring Germany. AC: What would you say to someone thinking about entering the field? Dr. Runowicz: I would strongly endorse the choice—it is a very exciting time to be an oncologist. However, wouldn't it be nice if one day cancer went the way of polio? We could all retire! ascoadmin Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:54:47 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3447 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3439/Peter-P-Yu-MD-to-Serve-as-2014-2015-ASCO-President.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3439 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3439&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3439/Peter-P-Yu-MD-to-Serve-as-2014-2015-ASCO-President.aspx Peter P. Yu, MD, a renowned medical oncologist and hematologist and a pioneer in advancing health information technology to improve quality of care, was elected to serve as ASCO President for a one-year term beginning in June 2014. He will take office as President-Elect during the 2013 ASCO Annual Meeting. “I am both honored and privileged by the opportunity to lead ASCO,” said Dr. Yu. “I have been fortunate to serve the Society for many years in a volunteer capacity, and in doing so, have developed a depth and breadth of knowledge and experience on issues that are important for the advancement of cancer science and care. As President of the Society, I look forward to working collaboratively with the membership, staff and Board of Directors to further advance the ASCO mission and vision.” Dr. Yu is currently the Director of Cancer Research at Palo Alto Medical Foundation. He received his medical degree from Brown University and performed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital and a fellowship in Neoplastic Diseases at Mount Sinai Hospital. He was also a Research Fellow and Associate at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Yu is well-known in the oncology community for his knowledge and understanding of how health information technology can advance the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer care. Since joining ASCO in 1986, Dr. Yu has proven his dedication to the Society through his active service and leadership. He has served on the Quality of Care, Cancer Research, and Clinical Practice Committees, the Health Information Technology Workgroup (current Chair), Integrated Media and Technology Committee, and Board of Directors, among others. He was previously the President of the Association of Northern California Oncologists (an ASCO State/Regional Affiliate). Dr. Yu is a member of two cooperative groups, the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) and the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG). He also serves as Co-Chair of the Commission for the Certification of Health Information Technology (CCHIT) Oncology Workgroup and is a member of the CCHIT Research Workgroup. Planned areas of focus He noted three areas on which he hopes to focus during his term as President: Increased engagement with international and domestic community-based members Adapting ASCO guidelines and other quality-related activities to lay the foundation for CancerLinQ™, ASCO’s rapid learning system Strengthened relationships with other professional societies and organizations involved in cancer care “The dominant challenge that faces the Society is understanding how the rapid and diverse changes happening in health care will affect oncology, what opportunities are being created, and how to respond expeditiously and effectively,” Dr. Yu said. “Longstanding key assumptions that have underpinned ASCO strategy and programs need to be re-evaluated in view of new scientific models of cancer, new models for professional education, and emerging societal expectations for shared decision-making, patient-reported outcomes, and health care delivery reform.” Dr. Yu contributes regular commentary to ASCOconnection.org and is active on Twitter; follow him @YupOnc. ascoadmin Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:16:15 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3439 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3411/January-2013-Member-News-Networking.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3411 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3411&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3411/January-2013-Member-News-Networking.aspx University of Arizona Cancer Center Director David S. Alberts, MD, is serving as Co-Chair of the LIvEs (Lifestyle Intervention for Ovarian Cancer Enhanced Survival) study—the first large nationwide study to determine how diet and physical activity together can improve the quality of life and prevent recurrence for women who are in clinical complete remission from advanced ovarian peritoneal or tubal cancer.       Allen M. Chen, MD, of the UC Davis Department of Radiation Oncology, conducted a study, which found significant differences in radiation-therapy response among patients with oropharyngeal cancer depending on whether they carry the human papillomavirus.   A new $13.6 million program award from the National Cancer Institute was awarded to a national team of researchers, centered at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, who will examine how patients make treatment decisions, how doctors make treatment recommendations, and how to improve the process for better outcomes. Steven J. Katz, MD, MPH, is serving as principal investigator; Sarah Hawley, PhD, MPH, and Jennifer J. Griggs, MD, MPH, are serving as program lead investigators.         Minesh P. Mehta, MBChB, FASTRO, joined the faculty of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and will serve as the Medical Director of the Maryland Proton Treatment Center.     Prognosis for breast cancer after surgery is adverse even when a key protein is expressed moderately and without an amplification of its associated oncogene, suggesting that protein-inhibitor treatment would be beneficial for a larger group of patients than previously thought. The study, published in the October 5, 2012, issue of The Oncologist, was led by Filippo Montemurro, MD, of the Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment in Torino, Italy.     David Scadden, MD, PhD, of Massachusetts General Hospital, will serve as Associate Editor of Stem Cell Reports, a new online, open-access journal by the International Society for Stem Cell Research.     A study led by Zsofia K. Stadler, MD, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, found that early-onset testicular cancers may result from de novo genetic changes. These de novo mutations are not inherited from either parent, but arise in either the egg or sperm cell or sometime during embryonic development. The study was published in the August 10, 2012, issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics, and Kenneth Offit, MD, MPH, served as lead author.       Ming T. Tan, PhD, was named Chair of the Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Biomathematics at Georgetown University Medical Center.     Wiliam Zamboni, PhD, PharmD, of the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, served as co-author of a study which found that genetically engineered mouse models appear to be the most accurate preclinical predictor of how cancer-fighting drugs are delivered to patients with melanoma. The study was published in the September 19, 2012, issue of The Oncologist. Please send your submissions for Member News & Networking to ascoconnection@asco.org. In Memoriam Scott C. Crader, MD, FACP Raza A. Dilawari, MD John R. Durant, MD Merit Award Recipients The following researchers are ASCO members who received 2012 Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO Merit Awards for submitting high-quality abstracts.* 2012 Quality Care Symposium Jeffrey Cao, MD, MBA, FRCPC BC Cancer Agency—Vancouver Cancer Centre Laura Chin-Lenn, MBBS University of Calgary Nathan Connell, MD Brown University Oncology Group Sinead Cuffe, MD Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto Brendan Curley, DO, MPH Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center at West Virginia University Isabella Glitza, MD, PhD The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Alex Haynes, MD, MPH The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Maria Ho, MD BC Cancer Agency—Vancouver Cancer Centre Joseph Klink, MD Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Naomi Ko, MD, MPH Boston University Medical Center Aaron Mansfield, MD Mayo Clinic Mark Mishra, MD Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Andrew Moore, MD Vanderbilt University Medical Center Sarah Mougalian, MD The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Manali Patel, MD Stanford University Medical Center Anjana Ranganathan, MD The University of Pennsylvania *For the complete list of recipients, visit quality.asco.org. ascoadmin Thu, 20 Dec 2012 22:36:11 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3411 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3410/Meet-Susan-Lerner-Cohn-MD.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3410 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3410&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3410/Meet-Susan-Lerner-Cohn-MD.aspx Director of Clinical Sciences, Section of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, at Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago; Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Chicago; and 2012-2015 ASCO Board of Directors member     Dr. Cohn hiking at Yosemite National Park. AC: What led you to oncology? Dr. Cohn: When I was a pediatric resident, I took care of a beautiful little girl who was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma. She was smart, funny, and beautiful. Unfortunately, she died from her disease within one year of her initial diagnosis. After she died, I decided to pursue training in pediatric oncology so that I could help develop better treatment for children with cancer and improve their survival. AC: What’s the last book you read? Dr. Cohn: I am currently reading Cutting for Stone, by Abraham Verghese. I also loved reading The Emperor of All Maladies, by Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, and learning about many of the physicians I have worked with and admire, including pediatricians Dr. Audrey Evans and Dr. Dan D’Angio, and my University of Chicago colleague Dr. Janet Rowely. AC: What’s your favorite website? Dr. Cohn: I enjoy reading the New York Times website and spend a fair amount of time on Google. AC: Who is the person you most admire? Dr. Cohn: I most admire my mother, who worked “outside the home” before it was common. My mother began her career as a kindergarten teacher and then became a reading specialist. She then went back to school and received a PhD in Education when I was in grade school. I have vivid memories of her sitting at the typewriter at night with “white-out” paper, preparing her thesis. She has written numerous papers and several textbooks that are still used in colleges today. Each textbook is dedicated to my father and her children. In addition to her pioneering work in the field of learning disabilities, she is also a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. AC: What career could you see yourself in if you weren’t an oncologist? Dr. Cohn: I would have become a teacher. AC: What hobbies do you enjoy? Dr. Cohn: I enjoy running and hiking. However, my runs are limited to six to 10 miles, and my hikes are limited to day hikes. I also confess that after the hikes, I sleep in a nice hotel bed. I am not a camper. AC: Do you have a personal motto? Dr. Cohn: “If it were easy, anyone could do it.” AC: What is your fondest memory? Dr. Cohn: Giving birth to my two children. AC: What would you say to someone thinking about entering the field of oncology? Dr. Cohn: This is a wonderful time to consider a career in oncology, particularly pediatric oncology. We currently cure approximately 80% of children with cancer, and there are new, more effective, and less toxic treatments being developed daily. New research has led to the identification of druggable targets and more precise prognosticators. I am inspired every day by the families and children I have the privilege to care for. This experience keeps me balanced and puts life in the proper perspective. ascoadmin Thu, 20 Dec 2012 21:42:41 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3410 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3403/Don-S-Dizon-MD-FACP-Appointed-Editor-of-the-ASCO-Educational-Book.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3403 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3403&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3403/Don-S-Dizon-MD-FACP-Appointed-Editor-of-the-ASCO-Educational-Book.aspx ASCO is pleased to announce that Don S. Dizon, MD, FACP, has been appointed Editor of the ASCO Educational Book. Dr. Dizon is an academic medical oncologist specializing in breast and gynecologic malignancies, sexuality and intimacy in cancer survivors, and cancer survivorship. He is an Assistant in Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Gillette Center for Women’s Cancers, and has published extensively, including as a co-editor of an interdisciplinary book on gynecologic cancers, Gynecologic Tumor Board: Clinical Cases in the Diagnosis and Management of Cancer of the Female Reproductive System (Jones & Bartlett, 2008). Dr. Dizon currently serves on a number of editorial boards, including as an Associate Editor (Medical Oncology) for the American Journal of Clinical Oncology and as a Deputy Editor (Oncology) for UpToDate. Within ASCO, Dr. Dizon is Immediate Past Chair of the Integrated Media and Technology Committee and an active columnist on ASCOconnection.org. The ASCO Educational Book, which is published in conjunction with the ASCO Annual Meeting, publishes peer-reviewed manuscripts by Meeting faculty on a variety of cancer topics, highlighting both standards of care as well as therapeutic possibilities. Dr. Dizon views his appointment as Editor as a “tremendous opportunity to help shape the future of one of the most important educational assets for clinical oncologists.” Dr. Dizon succeeds Ramaswamy Govindan, MD, of Washington University School of Medicine, who made many significant contributions to the ASCO Educational Book during his tenure as editor, including the implementation of a formal peer-review process. New for 2013 The ASCO Educational Book has recently been accepted for indexing in the National Library of Medicine’s MEDLINE database, making all Educational Book articles citable and discoverable via PubMed. Building on the strong foundation the ASCO Educational Book has developed over the years, Dr. Dizon plans to expand its scope and purpose to enhance its utility as an educational reference. “The Educational Book is a great resource, and I hope to raise awareness and increase its prominence as a multidisciplinary resource for all of us in oncology—from trainees to attendings,” said Dr. Dizon. Dr. Dizon will use his editorial experience to modernize the content of the 2013 ASCO Educational Book “by taking advantage of richer ways we can impart data. By using an online format, we can embed multiple tools, whether they are surgical videos, pathology images, and radiographic findings. The challenge will be to modernize yet make it accessible everywhere, which is especially important given ASCO’s global reach,” he said. In pursuit of these goals, Dr. Dizon encourages Annual Meeting faculty to submit articles to the 2013 Educational Book: “This is an opportunity for leaders in their respective disciplines to reach members beyond the Annual Meeting. Authors get to be a part of the creation of enduring materials, which go a long way in furthering the messages imparted during the Meeting itself.” ascoadmin Thu, 20 Dec 2012 18:34:30 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3403 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3364/In-Memoriam-ASCO-Remembers-John-Durant-MD-ASCOs-First-Executive-Vice-President.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3364 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3364&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3364/In-Memoriam-ASCO-Remembers-John-Durant-MD-ASCOs-First-Executive-Vice-President.aspx Dear ASCO Members, This week, ASCO and the oncology community at large lost an inspirational leader, an exemplary physician, and a true gentleman. It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of John R. Durant, MD, former ASCO President and ASCO's first Executive Vice President. Dr. Durant died at his home in Birmingham, Alabama, on Sunday, October 28, and will be laid to rest November 1, near his home. Dr. Durant's generous nature and steadfast commitment to improving the lives of people with cancer were reflected throughout his career. His volunteer work with ASCO culminated in his serving as the Society's President for the 1985-1986 term. His fondness for ASCO continued; 10 years later, Dr. Durant joined ASCO on a more permanent basis as the Society's first-ever Executive Vice President. The responsibility that Dr. Durant took on during that time was no small feat. The Society had just begun a transition from contract management to handling its own administrative activities, and Dr. Durant quickly recruited a senior staff of talented individuals and established the dynamic headquarters office in Alexandria, Virginia, transforming ASCO into the world-class organization that it is today. The growth of the organization during his five-year tenure speaks for itself: under his leadership, ASCO's membership increased by almost 50%; the number of ASCO's programs, services, and products grew exponentially; and the Society's revenues doubled. He also envisioned specific, ambitious guidelines for the future of the organization, developing a strategic plan to outline our mission and vision and provide steps to achieve it. Because of the groundwork Dr. Durant laid, the Society has realized his vision of becoming the world's leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. Prior to joining ASCO, Dr. Durant served as Founding Director of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center, where he championed the important role that multidisciplinary cancer care and research play in caring for the whole patient, and advancing translational and clinical research. He also previously served as President and CEO of the Fox Chase Cancer Center. Dr. Durant has left an indelible mark on the Society. Everything we do today in ASCO is built on the foundation that he established, and each of us who enjoyed the privilege of working with him will remember the passion he showed for his work, the patients he served, his family, and our organization. We will never forget the impact he had on ASCO, and will truly miss him. Sincerely,Allen Lichter, MDChief Executive Officer, ASCO amy.fries Thu, 01 Nov 2012 12:33:58 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3364 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3351/November-2012-Member-News-Networking.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3351 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3351&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3351/November-2012-Member-News-Networking.aspx Nadeem R. Abu- Rustum, MD, led a team of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) surgeons that have pioneered a way to eliminate the need for extensive pelvic lymph node removal in most patients undergoing surgery to treat some early-stage gynecologic cancers. The approach employs sentinel lymph node mapping.         Carlos L. Arteaga, MD, of Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC), joined the Scientific Advisory Board of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Breast Cancer Research Foundation.         ASCO Connection Editorial Board member Joseph S. Bailes, MD, was named Chair of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Foundation Board of Directors         José Baselga, MD, PhD, was named Physician-in-Chief of MSKCC Memorial Hospital. He will begin on January 1, 2013. Currently, Dr. Baselga is Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Associate Director of the MGH Cancer Center.         Joseph O. Jacobson, MD, took on the position of Journal of Oncology Practice (JOP) Associate Editor for a second term. Read more about his role here.         A team of investigators from MSKCC has shown for the first time that tumor growth, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance are connected to the same molecular changes inside breast cancer cells. ASCO Past President Larry Norton, MD, served as a co-author of the study, which was published July 6, 2012, in Cell.         ASCO Past President Richard L. Schilsky, MD, was presented with the 2012 Bob Pinedo Cancer Care Prize at the Third Annual Society for Translational Oncology Annual Meeting. The award recognizes Dr. Schilsky’s clinical and research leadership in the areas of gastrointestinal cancers and cancer pharmacology coupled with his compassionate care of patients with cancer.         To determine the impact of EPHA3 mutations on human lung cancer cases, biostatisticians Yu Shyr, PhD, and Fei Ye, PhD, of VICC, helped identify a mutational signature from existing patient data that strongly correlated with poor patient survival. The team also found that both gene and protein levels of EPHA3 were decreased in patient lung tumors. These findings were published in the July 24, 2012, issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.         “Using Social Media in Oncology for Education and Patient Engagement,” by ASCOconnection.org columnists Michael A. Thompson, MD, PhD, and Robert S. Miller, MD, FACP, and member Anas Younes, MD (left to right), was published in the September 2012 issue of Oncology.             Zeljko Vujaskovic, MD, PhD, was named Professor and Director of the new Division of Translational Radiation Sciences in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.         “Profiles in Oncology Social Media,” by Robert A. Wascher, MD, FACS, of Cancer Treatment Centers of America, was published in the August 25, 2012, issue of Oncology Times.         Wendell G. Yarbrough, MD, MMHC, was named Section Chief of Otolaryngology at Yale-New Haven Hospital and Yale School of Medicine. He also became Director of the Head and Neck Cancer Program in Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven and Co-Director of the Molecular Virology Research Program for Yale Cancer Center.   Please send your submissions for Member News & Networking to ascoconnection@asco.org. Merit Award Recipients The following researchers are ASCO members who received 2012 Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO Merit Awards for submitting high-quality abstracts.*: 2012 Breast Cancer Symposium Amanda Arrington, MD City of Hope Farrah Datko, MD Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Jiali Li, MD, PhD University of California, San Francisco, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center John Wilkinson, MD Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine 2012 Markers in Cancer Meeting Mona Lisa Alattar, MD University of Texas at Houston Health Science Center Aseem Bhatnagar, MBBS S.M.S. Medical College & Attached Hospitals Heather Cheng, MD, PhD University of Washington Jennifer Kanakry, MD Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Aaron Mansfield, MD Mayo Clinic Joaquin Mateo, MD The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research Ab Mir, MD Maulana Azad Medical College Andrea Necchi, MD Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori Gerald Prager, MD Medical University of Vienna Andrew Trister, MD, PhD University of Washington Susannah Yovino, MD Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine *For the complete list of recipients, visit markersincancer.org and breastcasym.org and select “Abstracts,” then “Merit Awards.” In Memoriam Chu Huai Chang, MD David S. Fischer, MD William E. Delaney, MD Eligible Members— Vote Today in the 2013 ASCO Election Voting for new ASCO leaders closes on November 20. Open positions include President-Elect, three seats on the Board of Directors, and three seats on the Nominating Committee. Information on each candidate is available at asco.org/election. Eligible voting members are Full Members and Emeritus Members who used to be Full Members. In order to vote, you will need your ASCO.org username and password to log in to the voting site. Results will be announced by January 2013. Questions should be directed to ascoelection@asco.org or 571-483-1316. ascoadmin Mon, 29 Oct 2012 19:23:37 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3351 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3347/Meet-Lillian-L-Siu-MD.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3347 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3347&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3347/Meet-Lillian-L-Siu-MD.aspx Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto; Cancer Care Ontario Research Chair, Experimental Therapeutics; Director of Phase I Program, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Hospital; and ASCO Board of Directors member AC: What led you to oncology? Dr. Siu: My mother developed breast cancer when I was in my second year of medical school; she lived thereafter for 12 years with this illness. I accompanied her to the hospital for every visit throughout these 12 years—sometimes to receive good news and other times, bad news. Long before the end of my internal medicine training, I knew medical oncology was my calling. AC: What’s the last book you read? Dr. Siu: Passion Capital: The World’s Most Valuable Asset, by Paul Alofs. Paul is a good friend, and he is President of the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. In his book, he describes ways to harness “passion capital”—the energy, drive, and tenacity we bring to our everyday undertakings—to lead to success. AC: What’s your favorite website? Dr. Siu: The “Letters of Note” website (lettersofnote.com). It is a fascinating collection of letters, postcards, memos, and photographs by all kinds of people. My favorite is a 1957 postcard from a young schoolboy to a top rocket scientist at the Woomera Rocket Range in South Australia, with his proposed rocket ship blueprint. AC: Who is the person you most admire? Dr. Siu: My 90-year-old father, who trained as an electrical engineer long before the era of computers. I remember vividly, even though it happened years ago, that he bought an old CPU, took it apart completely, and rebuilt it all back from scratch. He has taught me the importance of being curious. AC: What career could you see yourself in if you weren’t an oncologist? Dr. Siu: I would have been a pencil artist. Art class was one of my favorites in high school. During one of our art class open houses, a visitor really liked one of my sketches and paid me $60 to sketch a print of her favorite horse! It was a tough career choice to make between art and science. AC: What hobbies do you enjoy? Dr. Siu: I enjoy traveling to different corners of the world and seeing the day-to-day lives of people in various countries. At home, I enjoy watching cooking shows because I am so deficient in culinary skills that I have to cook vicariously through others. AC: Do you have a personal motto? Dr. Siu: “The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work,” by Mark Twain. AC: What is your fondest memory? Dr. Siu: My close interactions with many young oncologists from all over the world from over a dozen “Methods in Clinical Cancer Research” workshops during the past decade in Vail, Colorado, and in Flims, Switzerland. AC: What would you say to a young physician thinking about entering the field of oncology? Dr. Siu: Oncology is an intellectually and emotionally challenging but very stimulating and fulfilling field. Use your curiosity and creativity to their fullest capacity. Read an online exclusive interview with one of Dr. Siu’s mentees, Philippe Bedard, MD, FRCPC, a 2012 recipient of a Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO Career Development Award ascoadmin Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:29:21 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3347 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3302/September-2012-Member-News-Networking.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3302 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3302&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3302/September-2012-Member-News-Networking.aspx The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, a part of the NIH, awarded a $6.1 million grant over the next five years to Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) to establish the Center of Excellence for Health Disparities in Washington, DC. Lucile L. Adams-Campbell, PhD, Associate Dean for Community Health and Outreach for GUMC, is a Co-Principal Investigator of the grant. Dr. Adams-Campbell is also Associate Director for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.         Olaide Ifelola Ajayi, MBBS, joined the medical staff at Tennessee Oncology’s Clarksville location, serving as a medical oncologist and hematologist.         Carlos L. Arteaga, MD, of Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, was awarded a five-year Clinical Research Professorship grant from the American Cancer Society. The $400,000 award is a renewal of a previous grant to Dr. Arteaga in 2007 and will support his research, which is focused on the study and development of molecule-targeted therapies in breast cancer.         A study led by Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center investigators has identified a gene expression pattern that may explain why chemotherapy prior to surgery isn’t effective against some tumors and suggests new therapy options for patients with specific subtypes of breast cancer. Justin M. Balko, PharmD, PhD, served as lead author of the study, which was published online June 10, 2012, in Nature Medicine, in advance of print publication.         Hematologist/oncologist Kenneth A. Dressler, MD, received the St. Vincent de Paul Mission Award as St. Vincent’s Medical Center’s 2012 Physician of the Year. Dr. Dressler is Chief of St. Vincent’s Hematology/Medical Oncology Division.         Paul Eder, MD, was named Director of Experimental Therapeutics at Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven.         Geraldine M. Jacobson, MD, MPH, MBA, joined the West Virginia University School of Medicine as the founding Chair of the newly established Department of Radiation Oncology.         Daniel P. Petrylak, MD, joined Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven as lead of the genitourinary cancers medical oncology team at Smilow Cancer Hospital, Director of the prostate cancer research group, and Co-Director of the Signal Transduction Research Program.         A new free app developed at the University of Michigan (U-M) Health System allows users to create a photographic baseline of their skin and photograph suspicious moles or other skin lesions, walking users step-by-step through a skin self-exam. Michael Sabel, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery at the U-M Medical School, was the lead physician involved in developing the app.         Max S. Wicha, MD, of the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center, served as senior author on a study that found that an IL-6 inhibitor in combination with trastuzumab may be a valuable addition for treating patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. Results of the study were published in the August 24, 2012, issue of Molecular Cell.   In Memoriam J. Michael Carroll, MD David DeBiose, DO Isaac Djerassi, MD James J. Fischer, MD, PhD Herbert D. Kerman, MD, FACR, FASTRO Louis D. Meta, MD James G. Morphis John R. Mueh, MD Thomas E. Murphy, MD Roger W. Rodgers, MD, FACP Paul W. Scanlon, MD Stephen Shibata, MD Hiroya Takiuchi, MD, PhD Edward E. Tennant Valentina I. Tzekova, MD, PhD Please send your submissions for Member News & Networking to ascoconnection@asco.org. Eligible Members— Cast Your Vote in the 2013 ASCO Election Voting for new ASCO leaders will open on October 15. The open positions are President-Elect, three seats on the Board of Directors, and three seats on the Nominating Committee. Information on each candidate will be available on ASCO.org. Eligible voting members are Full Members and Emeritus Members who used to be Full Members. In order to vote, you will need your ASCO username and password to log in to the voting site. The election closes on November 20, and results will be announced by January 2013. Any questions should be directed to ascoelection@asco.org or (571) 483-1316. ascoadmin Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:05:06 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3302 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3294/Meet-Daniel-F-Hayes-MD.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3294 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3294&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3294/Meet-Daniel-F-Hayes-MD.aspx Professor of Internal Medicine, Stuart B. Padnos Professor in Breast Cancer, and Clinical Director of the Breast Oncology Program at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as 2011-2014 ASCO Board of Directors member AC: What led you to oncology? Dr. Hayes: Dr. Larry Einhorn. I was a junior medical student at Indiana University in 1977, and I was assigned to the oncology ward. He and his colleagues (in particular the late Dr. Stephen D. Williams) were in the middle of proving that testicular cancer could be cured, and he was the attending physician for the last two weeks of the month. I was inspired, and to this day those two weeks (and a subsequent two months during my senior year that I spent with them) have shaped my career. AC: What’s the last book you read? Dr. Hayes: I’m currently reading Charles Dickens’ Bleak House. Prior to that I read several books on fly-fishing. Perhaps I’m preparing for my old age? AC: What’s your favorite website? Dr. Hayes: LetsRun.com. It’s a website related to all things track and field. AC: Who is the person you most admire? Dr. Hayes: Just one person? That’s tough. My mother and father, who passed away in 2006 and 2007. They taught me about honesty, respect for others, hard work, and love of life; my older brother, who like all older brothers has always seemed smarter, better looking, and more charming than I am; and my wife, who has served as a sounding board for me over the last 40 years, with great advice that has been nearly 100% spot-on. AC: What career could you see yourself in if you weren’t an oncologist? Dr. Hayes: I was accepted into medical school during the semester of my senior year when I was doing my student teaching. I had plans to teach high school biology and coach basketball and track and field. AC: What hobbies do you enjoy? Dr. Hayes: Running/track and field, fishing, playing golf, and hiking. Other than hiking, sadly I’m not very good at any of these anymore! AC: Do you have a personal motto? Dr. Hayes: “Don’t talk an airline pilot into flying or a surgeon into cutting.” If they don’t want to, it’s probably a bad idea! AC: What is your fondest memory? Dr. Hayes: The births of my two sons (now 32 and 29), vacations with my wife and sons (too many to recount), and an occasional running accomplishment from 40 to 45 years ago. AC: What would you say to a young physician thinking about entering the field of oncology? Dr. Hayes: The field is entering an exciting time, and smart, young doctors can really take advantage of it. However, old-fashioned principles still pertain: remain organized and systematic— otherwise you’ll make mistakes that you’ll regret; stay focused on the patient—every one of them should be your sister, brother, or you; and if you are going into academics—at the end of every clinic there should be an experiment, and at the end of every experiment there should be a patient. ascoadmin Wed, 29 Aug 2012 18:26:33 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3294 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3262/July-2012-Member-News-Networking.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3262 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3262&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3262/July-2012-Member-News-Networking.aspx A study stemming from ASCO’s QOPI® initiative and published in the April 2012 issue of Health Affairs showed that a group of oncology practices from across Michigan largely adhere to standard treatment guidelines for common cancers but had gaps in managing end-of-life care. Past ASCO President Douglas W. Blayney, MD, served as the study’s lead author.         Past ASCO President Lawrence Einhorn, MD, a physician/researcher at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, was honored by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) with the Joseph H. Burchenal Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement in Clinical Cancer Research.         Lyndsay Harris, MD, was appointed Medical Director of the Breast Cancer Program at University Hospitals Case Medical Center Seidman Cancer Center and proposed for appointment as Professor of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.         ASCOconnection.org columnist Heather Hylton, MS, PA-C, joined Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) as Lead Physician Assistant in the Department of Medicine.         Michelle M. Le Beau, PhD, of the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, has been elected to serve on the AACR Board of Directors for the 2012-2015 term.         Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center investigator Mia Levy, MD, PhD, was awarded a global innovation grant by the “GE Healthymagination Cancer Challenge” for the project My Cancer Genome. The My Cancer Genome online resource, developed by Dr. Levy and William Pao, MD, PhD, educates clinicians, researchers, patients and caregivers on tumor mutations and available targeted therapies.           A study published in the April 18, 2012, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association found a dramatically better survival rate for patients with kidney cancer who have only part of their kidney removed, compared to those who have their entire kidney removed. David C. Miller, MD, MPH, of the University of Michigan, served as the study’s lead author.           Manish Monga, MD, joined West Virginia University and the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center as Medical Director of the Clinical Trials Research Unit.         Lajos Pusztai, MD, DPhil, was named Director of the Breast Cancer Research Group and Co-Director of the Cancer Genetics Research Program at Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven. He will also lead breast cancer medical oncology. Dr. Pusztai will begin his new appointment at Yale in August.         Past ASCO President and current ASCOconnection.org columnist George W. Sledge, Jr., MD, and Patrick J. Loehrer, Sr., MD, both of the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, are providing clinical expertise to help shape new health care solutions for health insurer WellPoint. WellPoint is developing commercial applications utilizing IBM Watson to help improve patient care and support physicians in their efforts to make the most informed, personalized treatment decisions possible.           ASCOconnection.org columnist Michael A. Thompson, MD, PhD, of ProHealth Care Regional Cancer Center, was nominated as Man of the Year (Southeast Wisconsin region) in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man & Woman of the Year campaign, a fundraising competition in communities across the United States.   Please send your submissions for Member News & Networking to ascoconnection@asco.org. In Memoriam Fred J. Ansfield, MD Scott Cameron Blair, MD Kurt W. Brunner Wilbur F. Burger, MD David Flinker, MD Roger F. Lange, MD Harry J. Miller Nancy J. Stubbe, MD New ASCO Committee Members Take Office The Society’s newest slate of committee members took office following the 2012 Annual Business Meeting. To view the full list of 2012 ASCO committee members, visit ASCO.org, select “About ASCO,” then “Committees.” 2012 ASCO Annual Meeting Education Program at your Fingertips Educational Book articles highlight standards of care and look toward future therapeutic possibilities. The 2012 Educational Book contains 141 articles from 80 sessions. An expert panel reviewed each article’s fair/balanced nature, as well as its clinical relevance, educational value, accuracy, and completeness. Visit asco.org/edbook for more information. ascoadmin Mon, 02 Jul 2012 17:25:38 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3262 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3258/Meet-Gary-I-Cohen-MD.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3258 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3258&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3258/Meet-Gary-I-Cohen-MD.aspx Medical Director of the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at Greater Baltimore Medical Center; Administrative Director of the Sidney Kimmel Foundation for Cancer Research; Assistant Professor of Oncology at Johns Hopkins University; and ASCO Board of Directors member   COURTESY OF DR. COHEN AC: What led you to oncology? Dr. Cohen: My grandmother, who had cancer in the 1960s. At that time, nobody ever spoke the word “cancer.” She was the matriarch of a very large, close-knit family, and it really made the family splinter apart because nobody wanted to talk to her about her illness. I thought, “This can’t continue this way.” So when I chose a specialty area after medical school, I decided this was a field that needed work, both scientifically and socially. AC: What’s the last book you read? Dr. Cohen: Cutting for Stone, by Abraham Verghese. He’s written a very compelling novel about medicine in the third world. This was also on George Sledge’s list of “best books.” I have to say though, it’s uncommon that I read a novel; most of the time I read nonfiction. Before Cutting for Stone, I read Thieves of Baghdad by Matthew Bogdanos. AC: What’s your favorite website? Dr. Cohen: My homepage is CNN.com. I try to get as much news as I can, from as many different angles. Of course I have my bias, but I listen to everybody. AC: Who is the person you most admire? Dr. Cohen: Benjamin Franklin. He was like every man rolled into one. He was a patriot, a scientist, he changed the world in so many ways with his inventions, he influenced people with his extensive writing—and he did it all with a sense of humor. AC: What career could you see yourself in if you weren’t an oncologist? Dr. Cohen: That’s easy. If I weren’t an oncologist, I’d be a rock star! I wrote about 100 songs and I used to play them with a band. I played guitar, bass, and piano. I’ve often felt that if I were growing up today, where you can write songs, put them on YouTube, and somehow get a following, my life would have been very different—certainly not nearly as enriching, but a hell of a lot of fun. These days, music is just for the comfort of my soul. AC: What hobbies do you enjoy? Dr. Cohen: Tennis and golf. I try to play them both, and I play them both lousy. I’m not trying to compete to be the best; I’m just trying to have fun. AC: Do you have a personal motto? Dr. Cohen: The most important thing we can do is not feel like we’re above someone, professionally or socially. I try to think of everyone as my equal. AC: What is your fondest memory? Dr. Cohen: I’ve been married to the same woman for 41 years, and we have three terrific kids; every one of them has given me joy and happy memories. AC: What would you say to a young physician thinking about entering the field of oncology? Dr. Cohen: If you wake up every morning saying, “I love what I do and I really help people,” then you’ll never be wanting of anything. If your work is satisfying, so is the rest of your life. ascoadmin Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:40:53 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3258 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3202/May-2012-Member-News-Networking.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3202 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3202&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3202/May-2012-Member-News-Networking.aspx Amy Abernethy, MD, and Eric H. Bernicker, MD, joined the Journal of Oncology Practice Editorial Board.         Michael B. Atkins, MD, joined Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center as its Deputy Director. Dr. Atkins was previously a Professor of Medicine and Deputy Chief of the division of Hematology/Oncology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, as well as Associate Director for Clinical Research for the Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center.         The first book on melanoma devoted entirely to targeted therapeutics was published and edited by Thomas Gajewski, MD, PhD, of the University of Chicago Medicine. The book describes both established signal transduction inhibitors as well as emerging molecularly guided immunotherapies, and includes up-to-date data from current clinical phase I–III trials.         Michael Maitland, MD, PhD, of the University of Chicago Medicine, has been chosen as the recipient of the Leon I. Goldberg Young Investigator Award from the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.         Yusuke Nakamura, MD, PhD, joined the University of Chicago Medicine as Professor of Medicine. Dr. Nakamura plans to apply his expertise in cancer research and personalized medicine to his work on pharmacogenomics.         Stephen D. Nimer, MD, was named the Director of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Nimer was previously the Alfred P. Sloan Chair in Cancer Research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.         Mitchell C. Posner, MD, has assumed the role of Medical Director of Clinical Cancer Programs at the University of Chicago Medicine. Dr. Posner, an internationally recognized expert in gastrointestinal cancers, will lead the institution’s efforts to develop a strategic plan for cancer services. He will also help build an implementation plan to increase clinical volume and raise the cancer program’s profile.         Investigators from Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) and 12 other centers have found that a new drug for patients with metastatic melanoma nearly doubled median overall survival. Results from the phase II trial, led by Co-Principal Investigators Jeffrey Sosman, MD, of VICC, and Antoni Ribas, MD, of the University of California, Los Angeles, were published in the February 23 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.           Russell Szmulewitz, MD, of the University of Chicago Medicine, was awarded a Young Investigator Award by the Cancer Research Foundation for his work, “Does glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling compensate for androgen receptor (AR) function in castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)?”         New research published in the February 21, 2012, issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Early Edition suggests why Avastin® and Sutent® have had limited impact on breast cancer. Max S. Wicha, MD, of the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, served as study author.   ASCO Connection Editorial Board Announcements Susan Lerner Cohn, MD, joined the ASCO Connection Editorial Board. She is Director of Clinical Sciences, Section of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, at Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago and a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Chicago. Dr. Cohn’s research interests include pediatric cancers, particularly neuroblastoma, and blood diseases. Melissa M. Hudson, MD, transitioned off of the ASCO Connection Editorial Board, on which she served from 2005–2011, to become chair of ASCO’s Cancer Survivorship Committee. She is Director of the Cancer Survivorship Division, Co-leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program, and a member of the Department of Oncology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Hope S. Rugo, MD, joined the ASCO Connection Editorial Board. She is a medical oncologist and hematologist specializing in breast cancer research and treatment at the University of California, San Francisco. She is also a Professor of Medicine, Director of the Breast Oncology and Clinical Trials Education, and the principal investigator of multiple clinical trials focusing on combining novel targeted therapeutics with standard treatment to improve the treatment of both early- and late-stage breast cancer. Antonio C. Wolff, MD, FACP, was named Associate Editor of the Journal of Clinical Oncology (read more). Dr. Wolff previously served on the ASCO Connection Editorial Board from 2006–2012. Merit Award Recipients The following fellows and residents are ASCO members who received Conquer Cancer Foundation Merit Awards for submitting high-quality abstracts.* 2012 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium Merit Award Recipients Daniel Abbott, MD University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Amanda Arrington, MD City of Hope National Medical Center Genevieve Boland, MD, PhD University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Sebastian De La Fuente, MD H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute Mary Guye, MD City of Hope National Medical Center Alex Haynes, MD, MPH University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Melissa Labonte, PhD University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Anna Leung, MD John Wayne Cancer Institute at St. Johns Health Center Abigail Milby, MD Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Manali Patel, MD Stanford University Medical Center Jose Pimiento, MD H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Akihiro Suzuki, MD University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Takashi Taketa, MD University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Ryan Thomas, MD University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center George Van Buren, MD University of Pittsburgh 2012 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium Merit Award Recipients Arjun Balar, MD Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center James Chen, MD The University of Chicago Petros Grivas, MD, PhD University of Michigan Christopher Hallemeier, MD Mayo Clinic Thai Ho, MD, PhD University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Mark Jesus Magbanua, PhD University of California, San Francisco Kenneth Nepple, MD Washington University School of Medicine Phillip Palmbos, MD, PhD University of Michigan Nathan Sheets, MD University of North Carolina Ben Tran, MBBS Princess Margaret Hospital Che-Kai Tsao, MD Mount Sinai Medical Center *For the complete list of recipients, visit gicasymposium.org and gucasymposium.org. Recipients from the 2011 Breast Cancer Symposium can be found at breastcasym.org. In MemoriamHui-Yen Chang, MDKiyoyuki Furuse, MD Michael Brian McKenna, MD Albert F. Muhleman, MD Please send your submissions for Member News & Networking to ascoconnection@asco.org. ascoadmin Thu, 19 Apr 2012 02:52:26 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3202 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3198/Meet-Clifford-A-Hudis-MD.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3198 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3198&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3198/Meet-Clifford-A-Hudis-MD.aspx Chief of Breast Cancer Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and 2012–2013 ASCO President-Elect AC: What led you to oncology? Dr. Hudis: I chose oncology because I loved taking care of patients and confronting serious health challenges with them. I had a tremendous optimism that the field would rapidly evolve throughout my career, and I thought that would be an exciting thing to be a part of. AC: What’s the last book you read? Dr. Hudis: I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor’s Journey, by Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish. It’s a nonfiction story about a Gaza fertility specialist who is trained and works in Israel, and his resilience and optimism in the face of an unspeakable tragedy during the Israeli occupation of Gaza. It’s a great book and he’s an amazing person and physician. AC: What’s your favorite website? Dr. Hudis: I’m a news junkie. The website I visit the most is news.google.com. I like that it aggregates the top stories—not just news and politics, but also science, entertainment, and whatever else you find interesting. AC: Who is the person you most admire?Dr. Hudis: My father. He was born in a time of turmoil (1938, at the end of the Depression and beginning of World War II) and lived in an environment of relative privilege, where kids went to college, and some got to travel—but he didn’t. He became a self-made businessman who built something for our family from absolutely nothing. The business he built is called Quaker Valley Foods, a wholesale food business. My brother and cousin currently own it. AC: What career could you see yourself in if you weren’t an oncologist? Dr. Hudis: I could have seen myself as an economist—but my friends and colleagues say they could have seen me as a prosecutor because I’m a “persistent questioner.” AC: What hobbies do you enjoy? Dr. Hudis: When I have time for hobbies, I surf, I bicycle, and I ski. But what I do that’s sillier is buy a lot of technology and play with it. My wife notes that I have a closet filled with all kinds of cables and junk that represents the failed little experiments of my technology life. I have a stack of different kinds of hard drives, computers, keyboards, mice, and headsets. My only defense is that it does not take up much space and I don’t have a garage or a basement! AC: Do you have a personal motto? Dr. Hudis: The Golden Rule: “Treat others as you would have them treat you.” AC: What is your fondest memory? Dr. Hudis: Sitting and enjoying lunch and conversation in the tropical shade with my wife and sons. AC: What would you say to a young physician thinking about entering the field of oncology? Dr. Hudis: Ignore the widespread perceptions that medicine is besieged or that oncology is a difficult field. Oncology offers us the greatest opportunities for a fulfilling and rewarding life—for the same reason today that it did when I went into it almost 25 years ago. This is a specialty where you get as close to patients as possible. You help them confront and manage their worst fears, you help families the same way, and at the same time you deal with the most cutting-edge and exciting technology in medicine. I know there’s a popular focus on the economics—but as with all other pursuits in life, the greatest satisfaction will come to those who are able to put that part of our profession a bit to the side and really just focus on what they love. ascoadmin Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:50:27 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3198 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3162/Meet-Eric-P-Winer-MD.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3162 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3162&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3162/Meet-Eric-P-Winer-MD.aspx Chief of the Division of Women’s Cancers, Director of the Breast Oncology Center, and Thompson Senior Investigator in Breast Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Professor, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; and ASCO Board of Directors member   Dr. Winer from the 2003 Tour of Hope™. | Courtesy of BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB AC: What led you to oncology? Dr. Winer: The challenges and rewards of taking care of patients with cancer and the incredible opportunities that exist to make improvements in cancer care through research. When I was training, oncology was most compelling to me—I was really drawn in. AC: What’s the last book you read? Dr. Winer: I am currently reading Steve Jobs’ biography by Walter Isaacson. AC: What’s your favorite website? Dr. Winer: The American Airlines website. I do so much traveling for work, and I’m obsessed with getting the best flights and the best seats. I occasionally worry that I have taken over George Clooney’s flying strategies in Up in the Air. AC: Who is the person you most admire? Dr. Winer: I don’t know that there is any single person. I am awed by people who are able to overcome adversity and achieve great works. Stephen Hawking would be high on my list. AC: What career could you see yourself in if you weren’t an oncologist? Dr. Winer: I studied Russian and Russian History in college, and I thought about life as a college history professor. More recently, I have also wondered what it would be like to be an architect. I am fascinated by space and the ways in which space and design affect function. AC: What hobbies do you enjoy? Dr. Winer: I cycle and have done so for many years. I don’t race (too much bike-to-bike contact and way too much risk), but do long rides. For the last 14 years, I’ve done the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, a double century that raises funds for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In 2003, I rode in the Tour of Hope™ and went across the country from L.A. to Washington, DC. I ride every weekend I am in town, and I miss it when I don’t. And so far, I keep getting stronger each year that passes. AC: Do you have a personal motto? Dr. Winer: “Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but of playing a poor hand well,” a quote from Robert Louis Stevenson. AC: What is your fondest memory? Dr. Winer: If I could bottle how I felt in the 10 minutes after our first son was born and release it slowly for the rest of my life, I’d be a happy guy forever. AC: What would you say to someone thinking about entering the field of oncology? Dr. Winer: They should do it, but should realize it requires a significant commitment. In clinical oncology, physicians can help patients get through a difficult process. Some patients with cancer emerge even stronger than they were to begin with. Oncology research is on the cusp of phenomenal advances in the next two decades. This is really the golden time to be an oncologist because so much is going to unfold in front of us. ascoadmin Fri, 24 Feb 2012 01:27:41 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3162 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3152/March-2012-Member-News-Networking.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3152 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3152&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3152/March-2012-Member-News-Networking.aspx Wadih Arap, MD, PhD, and Renata Pasqualini, PhD, both of the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, were featured in the February 2012 issue of Real Simple magazine. The couple was interviewed about how they met, their marriage of 18 years, and their shared laboratory research at M. D. Anderson.Read an ASCOconnection.org Online Exclusive about this husband-and-wife research time.         Soumit K. Basu, MD, PhD, joined the Osborn Hematopoietic Malignancy and Transplantation Program at the West Virginia University (WVU) Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center. Before joining WVU, Dr. Basu was acting instructor in the Division of Hematology at the University of Washington Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.         More than 300 community members joined ASCO Connection Editor-in-Chief and Stanford Women’s Cancer Center (SWCC) Director Jonathan S. Berek, MD, MMS; Stanford University President John L. Hennessy; Stanford Hospital & Clinics CEO Amir Dan Rubin; Stanford Cancer Institute Director Beverly S. Mitchell, MD, and others during the third annual Under One Umbrella benefit for SWCC. Sheryl Crow—singer/songwriter/record producer/actress—lent her star power to the event, held November 18, 2011, which helped raise more than $1 million.Read an ASCOconnection.org Online Exclusive about this event.     (L-R) Dr. Berek, Sheryl Crow, and Dr. Mitchell | Courtesy of MARK ESTES       Researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M) Health System found a new indicator that may predict which patients with a common type of throat cancer are most likely have the cancer spread to other parts of their bodies. Douglas B. Chepeha, MD, MSPH, served as senior author of the study, which was published in the January 13, 2012, edition of Head & Neck.         Ezra Cohen, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, recently became Associate Director for Education. In this new position, Dr. Cohen will expand, integrate, and coordinate cancer-related educational efforts for trainees as well as health care professionals at The University of Chicago.         Lucy Godley, MD, PhD, of the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, was elected to the American Society of Clinical Investigation. Dr. Godley was chosen for her contributions to cancer biology research, specifically her work in uncovering the molecular mechanisms that drive tumorigenesis.         Andrzej Jakubowiak, MD, PhD, joined University of Chicago as a Professor of Medicine in the Section of Hematology/Oncology and as Director of the Myeloma Program. Dr. Jakubowiak is a national leader in the development of new drugs for the treatment of multiple myeloma.         V. Craig Jordan, OBE, PhD, DSc, FMedSci, of Georgetown University Medical Center, was selected as recipient of the 2012 ASPET Goodman and Gillman Award in Drug Receptor Pharmacology by the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET). Dr. Jordan was selected because of his contributions in developing the breast cancer drug tamoxifen.         Lisa A. Mills, MD; Jennifer G. Reeder, MD; and Michael B. Wax, MD, of Summit Medical Group, were honored by the American Cancer Society, Metro NJ Region, for their work in promoting the importance of cancer screenings and follow-up appointments, educating patients about what to expect from cancer treatment, and providing exemplary patient care.     (L-R) Dr. Reeder, Dr. Wax, and Dr. Mills | Courtesy of SUMMIT MEDICAL GROUP       Olatoyosi Odenike, MD, of the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, was promoted to Associate Professor of Medicine. As a clinician, Dr. Odenike provides expert care to adult patients with leukemia, chronic myeloproliferative diseases, and myelodysplastic syndromes.         William Pao, MD, PhD, and Mia Levy, MD, PhD, of Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center—who created the online medical decision support tool “My Cancer Genome”—were named winners of a $20,000 health care technology award sponsored by NCI. The contest was presented as part of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology’s Investing in Innovation (i2) program.         Researchers from the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center found that a natural enzyme derived from human blood plasma showed potential in significantly reducing the effects of graft-vs.-host disease. Pavan Reddy, MD, served as senior author of the study, which was published in the January 10, 2012, edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.         The University of Michigan (U-M) Comprehensive Cancer Center and Michigan Center for Translational Pathology completed a pilot study aimed at solving the practical challenges involved in quickly and systematically sequencing genetic material from patients with advanced or treatment-resistant cancer in order to match them with existing clinical trials based on the biomarkers identified. U-M physicians Moshe Talpaz, MD, Stephen Gruber, MD, PhD, and Kenneth J. Pienta, MD, played key roles in the clinical implementation of this exploratory protocol.         In Memoriam Margarida Dederick, MD Donna Mae Fukumoto, MD Donald G. Gallup, MD Saswati Gupta, MD Heine H. Hansen, MD, PhD, FRCP* Mahesh Durgadas Kanojia, MD Maimu Ohanian, MD * Expanded tribute article Send your submissions for Member News & Networking to ascoconnection@asco.org. ascoadmin Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:54:44 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3152 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3140/Tribute-ASCO-Remembers-Dr-Heine-H-Hansen.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3140 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3140&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3140/Tribute-ASCO-Remembers-Dr-Heine-H-Hansen.aspx   Dr. Heine H. Hansen | photo courtesy of the Nepal Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (NESOG) Heine H. Hansen, MD, PhD, FRCP—whose name is synonymous with the development of medical oncology as a specialty in Europe and who was an ASCO member for nearly 40 years—passed away on September 16, 2011. Dr. Hansen placed a major emphasis on lung cancer throughout his career. In 1972, he arrived at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a visiting fellow from Denmark. During that time, “NCI was doing a lot of studies in lymphomas and Hodgkin disease. These of course were not the most common cancers,” said Paul A. Bunn, Jr., MD, of the University of Colorado, in an interview with ASCO Daily News. Dr. Bunn is a former colleague of Dr. Hansen through NCI and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), and is a Past ASCO President. NCI soon started an intramural program with branches in breast cancer and lung cancer. The lung cancer branch, where Dr. Hansen worked, was located at the Washington, DC, Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. Eventually Dr. Hansen returned to Denmark, where he continued his work at the Finsen Institute on clinical trials in lung cancer. The studies led by Dr. Hansen established the role of etoposide in small cell lung cancer, the importance of staging lung cancers before therapy, the importance of response evaluation and rebiopsy, the importance of the central nervous system as a sanctuary site, and the importance of prognostic features and study design, explained Dr. Bunn. Dr. Hansen’s work at NCI took place during the early stages of development of medical oncology in the United States. Accordingly, medical oncology was yet to be recognized as a specialty in Europe. “Thoracic surgeons largely took care of patients with lung cancer, and breast cancer surgeons largely took care of patients with breast cancer, etc.,” said Dr. Bunn. “It would be fair to say that Dr. Hansen was really the father of medical oncology in Europe, where only recently it was recognized as a defined medical specialty.” In addition, Dr. Hansen was instrumental in creating the European Society of Medical Oncology [ESMO]-ASCO Recommendations for a Global Curriculum in Medical Oncology—a set of common guidelines with a global perspective for the clinical training required for a physician to qualify as a medical oncologist. “He was a kind and generous man who had a passion for the specialty of medical oncology and how standards were set for educating the next generation of medical oncologists,” said Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) CEO Paula Rieger, RN, MSN, CAE, FAAN, who worked with Dr. Hansen on the Curriculum. She noted how through his involvement with ASCO and through his contacts and past leadership positions in ESMO—where he served as President and Chair of the ESMO Central Eastern European Task Force—Dr. Hansen helped to create “one unified curriculum that was consistent between the two organizations.” He also served ASCO as Chair of the International Affairs Committee; he was a member of the Scientific Program Committee (Lung Cancer Subcommittee); and was recipient of the 2011 Distinguished Service Award for Scientific Achievement. Beyond his ASCO service, Dr. Hansen was instrumental in developing the IASLC in 1974. He served in various capacities including President, Executive Director, and member of the Board of Directors. In 1985, he founded Lung Cancer, the official IASLC journal, and was Editor-in-Chief until 2005. Furthermore, he was President of the IASLC’s 2nd World Conference on Lung Cancer, held in Copenhagen in 1980. In 2008, Dr. Hansen was honored with the IASLC-ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in the field. “He had a huge interest in disseminating information about lung cancer on a worldwide basis and multidisciplinary care of lung cancer so that he was able to bring together people from diverse backgrounds, including pathologists, surgeons, pulmonologists, oncologists,” said Dr. Bunn. Dr. Hansen leaves behind his wife, Lise, as well as his two children, Thomas and Marie, and their families, according to IASLC Newsletter. ascoadmin Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:04:17 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3140 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3126/Let-Me-Down-Easy.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3126 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3126&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3126/Let-Me-Down-Easy.aspx Anna Deavere Smith’s popular play—Let Me Down Easy—which will premiere on the PBS series Great Performances on January 13, explores the American health care system through characterizations of patients and physicians, including ASCO member and Dean of the Stanford School of Medicine Philip A. Pizzo, MD. After the broadcast premiere, the program will be available for screening in its entirety at pbs.org/gperf.         Jonathan S. Berek, MD, MMS Member since: 1983 Specialty: Gynecology oncology Institution: Director of the Stanford Women’s Cancer Center, Stanford Cancer Institute ASCO activity: Editor-in-Chief, ASCO Connection; former member of the Cancer Education Committee, the Scientific Program Committee, and the Tumor Markers Expert Panel     Playwright Anna Deavere Smith portraying ASCO member and Dean of the Stanford School of Medicine Philip A. Pizzo, MD, in the play, Let Me Down Easy | Photo credit: Joseph Sinnott/WNE7 In the following interview, ASCO Connection Editor-in-Chief Jonathan S. Berek, MD, MMS, Director of the Stanford Women’s Cancer Center, talks to award-winning playwright and actor Anna Deavere Smith about the themes of her play, including the need for better physician-patient communication and the importance of treating “the whole person.” Ms. Smith was nominated for the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for her play Fires in the Mirror and can currently be seen as hospital administrator Gloria Akalitus on Showtime’s Nurse Jackie. Dr. Berek: What led you to write about health care? Ms. Smith: Back in the ‘90s, I was invited to be a visiting professor at Yale School of Medicine by then Chair of Internal Medicine Ralph Horwitz. He wanted me to interview doctors and patients about the doctor-patient relationship with the idea that there are many things that inhibit the doctor from listening to a patient, and in doing so, you might treat the disease but not the person. I had created about three different productions of the play by fall of 2009 when it was time to bring it to New York. President Obama was bringing forward the health care bill and debate was full-fledged. I decided to make sure the play would focus on health care reform in a way that it could be part of the conversation. Dr. Berek: Is the theme of Let Me Down Easy health care reform, terminal illness, the doctor-patient relationship, or all of the above? Ms. Smith: It’s about all of that. A play is different than an essay. It’s different than a political argument. I think of every audience as bringing their own experience. I think of my work as trying to give people an opportunity to think in a different way and hopefully more deeply about things that are going on in their lives. Doctors have been very attracted to this play because it does look at the doctor-patient relationship, and I think it causes some doctors to think: "Wow, I went into this in the first place as a healer but what are the things that make that challenging?" Not just health care, but the fantastic advances in technology—in many ways—change what a doctor is. It’s a very interesting moment in the history of medicine. The “Marcus Welby” days are long gone. It pleases me that when I performed this play in Washington both [HHS] Secretary [Kathleen] Sebelius and Francis Collins [NIH Director] asked me to talk to their staffs. That’s the type of thing I wanted the play to do—to speak to broader audiences and to be observant to the people for whom this is a reality—as this industry and this field of knowledge changes. Dr. Berek: What kind of research did you do? Ms. Smith: The play is based on verbatim interviews I did with more than 320 people. I interviewed people from the Dean of the Stanford School of Medicine, Phil Pizzo, to well-known cancer patients—from Governor Ann Richards and ABC film critic Joel Siegel and Lance Armstrong—to people not in the public eye, including a wonderful young doctor in New Orleans who I talked to after Katrina. She worked in a public charity hospital, and she speaks very sparingly about what happened to her patients—poor people who were left in the hospital for six days before they were evacuated. It was interesting to me that the audience who comes to the theater—educated people, middle-class people, people with resources—they responded to this character very powerfully. Many Americans are concerned that we may be becoming more and more a winner-takes-all society and that we will not be a society that takes care of people as people. Dr. Berek: What surprised you while doing these interviews?   Anna Deavere Smith in character in Let Me Down Easy at Second Stage Theatre, in New York City. | Photo credit: Joan Marcus Ms. Smith: The most surprising thing was how much I took to the material. When Dr. Horwitz invited me to come to Yale, I really stalled for a very long time. I didn’t know what I had to say to these very smart people. It looked to me like a project for scientists. So I was surprised by how much this really was useful to me. I’m a student of expression. Unlike other projects that I’ve done, when I interviewed someone compromised by disease, I really only had to ask one question: “What happened?” And then the vigor with which they spoke and the imaginative way in which they expressed themselves helped me see that, if someone is sick, hurt, compromised, or someone they love is sick, hurt, compromised, they love to go to the mountaintop to tell me their story. I had all the time in the world; a doctor has a brief amount of time—15 minutes probably, less than that now—to do the physical exam. As a result, many patients feel unheard. One thing I learned is that doctors need to become better listeners. You can only discover a patient’s true feelings by listening. Dr. Berek: How can physicians become better listeners while dealing with the time constraints inherent in their work? Ms. Smith: It’s important to effectively incorporate other health care workers and train them in communication skills, particularly in the area of breaking bad news and providing a good support system after the delivery of bad news. Dr. Berek: Let Me Down Easy involves a politically charged subject; how do you get past that to tell the human side of this story? Ms. Smith: I think it’s a travesty that we don’t have universal health care in this country. This may amuse you—I also play a hospital administrator on Nurse Jackie. She’s a kind of toughie. I have the opportunity as her to cite some of the problems we have in health care, not in my words but in the words of the writers. My background [via the play] helps me to give the words life. My goal is not to judge anything but to try to present things in a holistic way and then leave it up to the audience to draw their own conclusions. Dr. Berek: Is there anything you’d like to communicate to oncology professionals? Ms. Smith: I did a lot of my research at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Oncology is an area that has special opportunities because unlike something like plastic surgery or rheumatology or orthopedics, cancer care invites all kinds of teamwork. Cancer is also extraordinarily demographic. It’s an equal opportunity employer. It has the world’s attention. I think it’s a place where innovation can happen not just in science but in the nature of care itself. So what I would like to say [to oncology professionals] is I admire them. I admire the opportunity they have to make a difference in all kinds of ways. This is an opportunity to bring a different idea of healing that has to do with healing the whole patient, giving dignity to the whole patient, giving authority to the whole patient. For more on the development of Let Me Down Easy, including insight into the characters portrayed, view a video interview with Anna Deavere Smith on the Stanford School of Medicine website (tinyurl.com/ADSinterview) Behind the Scenes with Philip A. Pizzo, MD One of the people portrayed in Let Me Down Easy is ASCO member and Dean of the Stanford School of Medicine Philip A. Pizzo, MD, who discusses his experience as a character in the play.         Philip A. Pizzo, MD Member since: 1976 Specialty: Pediatric oncology and infectious diseases Institution: Dean and the Carl and Elizabeth Naumann Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine ASCO activity: Board of Directors member (1996-1998); former member of the Cancer Education Committee and Publications Committee; 2007 Statesman Award recipient     Philip A. Pizzo, MD | Photo credit: Norbert Von Der Groeben AC: How did you become one of Anna Deavere Smith’s characters in Let Me Down Easy? Dr. Pizzo: I first met Anna Deavere Smith when she visited Stanford a few years ago to participate in our annual strategic planning leadership retreat. Among the topics we were addressing was the impact of unconscious bias on leadership, diversity, and career development. In preparation for her participation, Anna interviewed a number of Stanford faculty, including me. We had a far-ranging discussion about medicine and health care. At that time, she was conceptualizing an outline for what eventually would become Let Me Down Easy. Initially, I believe she wanted to tell a story about “the human body.” Over time that evolved to a portrait of death and dying. As the conceptual framework evolved, Anna returned to Stanford to interview me again. I suspect that she wanted to connect the stories of other individuals within a factual context about health care, which is what I provided. AC: A Los Angeles Times review singled out your character’s lines as having the most impact, particularly in regard to health care reform and end-of-life issues. How do these tie together for you? Dr. Pizzo: I did see the review in the LA Times and was, of course, pleased that the writer found my comments to be meaningful. That said, I have no way to assess whether that reviewer’s comments would be matched by others or not. From my perspective, Let Me Down Easy is very much about the human condition and the inevitability of death and dying and how we approach the end of life individually and collectively. While the characters and individuals she performs come from remarkably different life journeys, Anna is able to weave the individual stories into a uniquely connected portrait, albeit one that will look and feel differently to each individual observing the performance. What at first seems to be unconnected vignettes become pieces of a complex puzzle, which emerge with varying degrees of transparency over time. Her performance is dynamic and organic and interconnects observations that are at once profound and light, deeply moving and funny. AC: What was it like to see yourself depicted on stage? Dr. Pizzo: I have seen Let Me Down Easy only once. I felt (and still do) self-conscious about “being performed.” Of course, while the show was touring, I received messages from colleagues and friends that Anna had really “nailed my character.” If anything, that made me even more self-conscious. When I did attend the performance, I found myself deeply moved by the play. As a pediatric oncologist and also a physician who was deeply involved in the care of children with AIDS early in the epidemic, I have been all too well-versed in death and dying. Despite that, I derived unique and special insights from the various perspectives offered by the seamlessly interconnected but amazingly diverse words spoken by the characters Anna performed. I must admit that when it came to my character, I felt no identity or connection, and in many ways, found myself an observer. It didn’t seem to be me, although that is not what my family felt. My own ego is not tied to this performance, and so my only hope is that whatever role I played helps to heighten awareness, sensitivity, compassion, and care about about life, dying, and death. ascoadmin Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:27:29 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3126 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3115/ASCO-Remembers-Michael-C-Perry-MD.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3115 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3115&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3115/ASCO-Remembers-Michael-C-Perry-MD.aspx The Society mourns the loss of Michael C. Perry, MD—a member of ASCO since 1977—who died of polycystic disease and cancer on October 23, 2011, at the age of 66. Within ASCO, Dr. Perry served as Editor of the ASCO Educational Book from 1995-2006 and ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings from 1991-2000. He was on the Board of Directors from 2003-2006 and was a member of the Board of Directors Executive Committee from 2005-2006. In 2001, he received a Board of Directors Appreciation Award, and in 2008, an ASCO Statesman Award. Dr. Perry was also a member of the following committees: Cancer Education (Education Products Subcommittee Chair, 2008-2009), Scientific Program, Strategic Planning, Finance, Career Development, and Governance Task Force. Much of Dr. Perry’s professional career was centered at the University of Missouri (MU), where he joined the faculty of the Department of Internal Medicine in 1975. According to the MU School of Medicine’s obituary, Dr. Perry served as Director of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine, and a Senior Associate Dean. He also was the Nellie B. Smith Chair of Oncology, Medical Director of Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, and Medical Director of Clinical Trials for MU’s Institute for Clinical and Translational Science. He became a professor emeritus in 2010. On a national level, Dr. Perry was appointed to the FDA’s Oncology Drug Advisory Committee in 2004. He was a member of the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) for over 30 years and was Chair of the Membership Committee for 32 years, according to Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD, CALGB Chair of Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology. He also served as principal investigator for MU and was a member of the CALGB Board of Directors. Dr. Bertagnolli noted that Dr. Perry was active in the Group’s respiratory and breast committees and served as Chair and Co-Chair of four CALGB studies. He also registered hundreds of patients on studies and authored or co-authored 49 CALGB publications. “We will remember him for his keen intellect, sharp wit, and most of all his kindness and generosity to those who shared his dedication to our work,” said Dr. Bertagnolli in an email to CALGB members. ASCO Past President Richard L. Schilsky, MD, noted that “few people have been so dedicated to any single institution as Mike was to the University of Missouri.” Dr. Schilsky, who was Chair of CALGB from 1995-2010 and a faculty member at MU from 1981-1984, described Dr. Perry as a “great clinician and teacher. Dedicated to excellence. A ‘go-to’ guy whom you could always rely on to get the job done.” “My strongest memories of Mike will be his tireless commitment to education, regardless of the format,” said Bruce Roth, MD, who was a colleague of Dr. Perry through the Southern Association for Oncology and ASCO. “Few oncologists have demonstrated the lifelong commitment to education and training that he did. While I personally will miss him as a friend and colleague, the rest of the oncology community will surely feel the loss of this educator for a long time.” According to his obituary, Dr. Perry leaves behind wife, Nancy; daughters, Rebecca and Katherine; brother, Paul; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. ascoadmin Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:21:32 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3115 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3110/January-2012-Member-News-Networking.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3110 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3110&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3110/January-2012-Member-News-Networking.aspx Rafat Abonour, MD, an oncologist and researcher at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, led a pack of bicyclists on Miles for Myeloma, a 200-mile cycling tour to raise awareness of multiple myeloma. This was Dr. Abonour’s seventh consecutive Miles for Myeloma. To date, Dr. Abonour has raised nearly $1.5 million for multiple myeloma research. All of the funds are used by researchers at the Simon Cancer Center.   IU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE     Carlos L. Arteaga, MD, Professor of Medicine and Cancer Biology and Associate Director for Clinical Research at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee, was named a recipient of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Brinker Awards for Scientific Distinction for his work explaining the role of several key proteins and growth factor receptors in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. His translational research helped provide the rationale for several of the new targeted cancer therapies.     Andrew Artz, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago, assumed responsibilities as Interim Director of the Bone Marrow Transplant Program. Dr. Artz was joined by Associate Professor of Medicine Todd Zimmerman, MD, who assumed responsibilities as Director of Autologous Blood and Marrow Transplantation.       Jonas de Souza, MD, and Hongtao Liu, MD, PhD, both joined the faculty at The University of Chicago as Instructors of Medicine.       A team of researchers at the University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, found a biomarker that may help rapidly identify graft-versus-host disease in patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood disorders who have received a bone-marrow transplant of new, blood-forming cells. James L. M. Ferrara, MD, served as co-lead author of the study and is Director of the University of Michigan Combined Blood and Marrow Transplant Program. The findings were published in the journal Blood.     Raymon Grogan, MD, joined the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center as Assistant Professor of Surgery.     Researchers from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a specific molecule that alters how breast cancer cells move. Sofia Merajver, MD, PhD, Scientific Director of the Breast Oncology Program at the center, served as lead study author. The findings were published in the journal Cancer Research.     William Pao, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, and Cancer Biology, and Director of Personalized Cancer Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, was named Director of the Division of Hematology and Oncology in the Department of Medicine.     Jamie L. Renbarger, MD, a pediatrician and researcher at IU School of Medicine, was named a recipient of a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers by President Obama. The Presidential awards are the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.     Ravi Salgia, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago, was named Associate Director for Translational Science for the university’s Comprehensive Cancer Center and the new Vice Chair for Translational Research for the Department of Medicine.     Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center were awarded a $3.5 million grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure® to study cancer stem cells in an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that disproportionately affects African-Americans. Max S. Wicha, MD, Distinguished Professor of Oncology and Director of the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, serves as principal investigator. UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER     Two University of Chicago researchers, Michael J. Thirman, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, and Ralph Weichselbaum, MD, Professor of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, received Innovation Awards, which are funded by the University of Chicago’s Office of Technology and Intellectual property to support proof-of-concept projects.   DAN DRY/UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO     Antonio C. Wolff, MD, FACP, was promoted to Professor of Oncology, Breast Cancer Program, at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. The following ASCO members were elected to the Pancreatic Cancer Research Team (PCRT) Board of Directors. PCRT is an international network of clinical trials sites organized under TGen Drug Development (TD2), a subsidiary of Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen). Executive Board Chair: Ramesh K. Ramanathan, MD TGen and the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center Clinical Trials at Scottsdale Healthcare Board Vice Chair: Tomislav Dragovich, MD, PhD Arizona Cancer Center at the University of Arizona Daniel D. Von Hoff, MD TGen and Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center Clinical Trials at Scottsdale Healthcare Manuel Hidalgo, MD, PhD Centro Nacional Integral de Oncologia “Clara Campal” Vincent J. Picozzi, MD Virginia Mason Cancer Center John Crowley, PhD Cancer Research and Biostatistics Mitesh J. Borad, MD Mayo Clinic ArizonaThe following ASCO members were recognized by NCI with 2011 Leadership Awards. These awards recognize exceptional clinical investigators for their contributions to the advancement of clinical research through collaborative team science. Julie E. Bauman, MD, MPH University of New Mexico Cancer Center Tanios S. Bekaii-Saab, MD Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Anthony B. El-Khoueiry, MD University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center David E. Gerber, MD Harold C. Simmons Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Andrew H. Ko, MD Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Antonio Marcilio Padula Omuro, MD Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Chong-xian Pan, MD, PhD UC Davis Cancer Center John Sarantopoulos, MD Cancer Therapy & Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Scott Schuetze, MD, PhD University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center Tait D. Shanafelt, MD Mayo Clinic Brenda Weigel, MD Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota In Memoriam Roland R. Alexander, MD Robert A. Buckman, MD, PhD Rafael S. De Los Santos, MD Stephen D. Feldman, MD Dieter Huhn, MD David Wilson Kennedy, MD, PhD Santiago Pavlovsky, MD, PhD Michael C. Perry, MD Stephen V. Rigberg, MD Please send your submissions for Member News & Networking to ascoconnection@asco.org. ascoadmin Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:38:05 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3110 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3102/Music-with-a-Mission.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3102 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3102&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3102/Music-with-a-Mission.aspx Members of the rock band No Evidence of Disease—most ASCO members and all gynecologic oncologists—play for fun and cancer awareness “Doctor” and “rock star” are common responses to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Among the lucky few getting to realize both of those dreams are the six multi-talented oncologists (John Boggess, MD; Joanie Mayer Hope, MD; Nimesh Nagarsheth, MD; William Robinson, MD; John Soper, MD; and William Winter, MD) who make up the rock band No Evidence of Disease (N.E.D.) and use music as a platform for raising awareness about women’s cancers. ASCO member and N.E.D. vocalist Dr. Joanie Mayer Hope, of Denali OBGYN Clinic, Anchorage, Alaska, spoke with ASCO Connection about her love of music and medicine.   Joanie Mayer Hope, MD Member since: 2011 Specialty: gynecologic oncology Practice: Denali OBGYN Clinic, Anchorage, Alaska Education: Medical degree, State University of New York Downstate; residency and fellowship, New York University     No Evidence of Disease band members (from left to right): John Soper, MD; Joanie Mayer Hope, MD; Rusty Robinson, MD; John Boggess, MD; Nimesh Nagarsheth, MD; and Will Winter, MD AC: When did your interest in music start? Dr. Hope: I’ve been singing and playing guitar since I was a kid, but I’ve never been in a rock band until this one. A lot of the guys in the band, who are all gynecologic oncologists, have been playing for years as well. AC: What led you to oncology as a career? I became interested in gynecologic oncology when I was an OBGYN resident. I was impressed by the breadth of patient care that the field offered, with surgical and chemotherapy management, and the nature of the patient-doctor relationship, as many times you’re with the patient from the time they walk in the door of clinic for the remainder of their life. AC: How did N.E.D. originally come together? Dr. Hope: We first formed as a novelty act at the 2008 Society for Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) conference. One of the event planners, Larry Maxwell, thought it would be really fun to have a membership rock and roll concert. He knew four GYN oncologists who were musicians and asked them if they’d be willing to do a show—they reluctantly said “yes.” They also sent out a call for auditions to the SGO membership. My fellowship director at the time forwarded that to me and I submitted a tape. We laugh now because only two people responded to that call for auditions—our bass player and me. Many of us didn’t meet until the hotel lobby in Tampa when the conference started. We practiced some rock-and-roll cover songs a few times and then did the show. We had a great time. Because some of us were living in New York at the time, we had the idea that this could be a powerful medium for education and change, so we brought up the idea of doing original songs and got an audition in front of Motema Records, a small record label. We collaborated and got six songs out with a professional producer, and that was our first EP. AC: How do you keep the collaboration going with band members living in different cities? Dr. Hope: We write over the Internet—someone will get an idea and send it to someone else, who will develop it further and send it on, and that’s how songs get generated. We have a conference call every two weeks to strategize. We’ve also been doing shows around the country that have been part fundraising and part educational, and we spend time rehearsing before those performances. AC: How would you describe your sound and influences? Dr. Hope: U2 meets Bonnie Raitt. We have a pretty wide range of music, probably because we started out as six individuals writing music. Moving forward, I think we’ll develop and hone our sound. Some of our songs are a little harder and edgier, others are more soft and bluesy, some have a country twang, but it’s all rock and roll. AC: What’s the story behind your new album? Dr. Hope: It’s called Six Degrees. It represents the idea of “six degrees of separation” connecting everyone, because everyone is touched by cancer, and also the fact that we’re six MDs. On the album, I really like the songs “Celestial Visions” and “Let the Singing Begin.” I wrote the song “Intoxication” about my daughter, so it’s near and dear to me. All the songs touch different things in me. AC: Do your patients come to your concerts? Dr. Hope: We haven’t performed in my home state yet, but there have been a few shows where my patients happened to be there. Not many of my patients have heard us live, although a lot of them are really excited by the idea and have our albums. We’ve played in the other members’ communities so their patients have had a chance to come hear us play. AC: What do you hope patients with cancer and cancer survivors take away from your music? Dr. Hope: Music can be healing in and of itself—it can be spiritually uplifting, and it enables you to process your emotions. But the fact that we’re six oncologists making music with a mission of raising awareness about women’s cancer can be a powerful medium for making positive change and bringing the spotlight to cancers that deserve more attention. AC: What’s next for N.E.D.? Dr. Hope: A documentary is being made about us: “Dancing with N.E.D.” The crew has been following us and some of our patients for more than two years, and it will tell the story of our music and our work. Being in the band has been an amazing journey and even if it ended tomorrow, it’s exceeded every expectation I had. I hope we’re able to take it to a bigger scale, but we’re moving one step at a time.Visit nedtheband.com to learn more about N.E.D’s members and mission, browse their music, and find updates on their upcoming documentary, “Dancing with N.E.D.” ascoadmin Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:40:35 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3102 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3101/Meet-Robin-Zon-MD-FACP.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3101 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3101&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3101/Meet-Robin-Zon-MD-FACP.aspx Director of Research at Memorial Hospital, South Bend, Indiana; medical oncologist, partner, and Vice President of Michiana Hematology Oncology, PC; principal investigator, Northern Indiana Cancer Research Consortium; and ASCO Board of Directors member   Photo courtesy of Dr. Zon AC: What led you to oncology? Dr. Zon: I was drawn to oncology as a result of my background in chemistry, research, and industry. With respect to community oncology, I found it offered the intriguing challenge of being the “perfect storm” by blending the daily care of patients, the conduct of clinical research, and the responsibilities as a business owner. AC: What’s the last book you read? Dr. Zon: I tend to read several books simultaneously. I recently finished Cleopatra’s Daughter, by Michelle Moran, and Good to Great, by Jim Collins, and am currently reading From Values to Action: The Four Principles of Values-Based Leadership, by Harry M. Jansen Kraemer, and The Emperor of All Maladies, by Siddhartha Mukherjee. AC: What’s your favorite website? Dr. Zon: In addition to Cancer.Net, I tend to use Google frequently. The website I’ve been using recently is notredameonline.com, as I complete my Executive Certificates in Business Administration. AC: Who is the person you most admire? Dr. Zon: Abraham Lincoln, who was mentioned by Dr. James Abbruzzese in the October column. My close second is a tie between two artists. From past eras, I am in awe of Michelangelo, who never permitted surrounding destructive forces and political strife to overpower his creativity or prevent immortalization of his values in his art. From contemporary times, I marvel at Alexander McCall Smith, whose expression of virtue transcends all cultures; he impresses me as being a “modern” Renaissance man. AC: What career could you see yourself in if you weren’t an oncologist? Dr. Zon: I could envision a career in law, aspiring to set precedents in the Supreme Court. Alternatively, I would enjoy a career related to ancient studies involving travel and teaching. AC: What hobbies do you enjoy? Dr. Zon: Traveling, walking/hiking, entertaining, and listening to fusion/smooth jazz. In fact, I was introduced to Spyro Gyra and Chuck Mangione as a teenager and heard them play in their original hometown venues! AC: Do you have a personal motto? Dr. Zon: My personal mottos change depending on the phase of my life. The general themes tend to revolve around equipoise, perseverance, self-reflection, vision, and creativity. AC: What is your fondest memory? Dr. Zon: There is no one memory I wish to highlight, though the fondest generally include my family, dear friends, or surroundings filled with magnificent beauty. AC: What would you say to a young physician thinking about entering the field of oncology? Dr. Zon: Do it! Oncology is the most fabulous and honorable specialty in medicine, which will continue to greatly impact global health. For me, being an oncologist means being involved in something larger than ourselves. The future holds promise, especially as technologic advances may potentially transform the practice of oncology. ascoadmin Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:10:48 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3101 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3094/Sheryl-Crow-Lends-Voice-to-Stanford-Event.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3094 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3094&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3094/Sheryl-Crow-Lends-Voice-to-Stanford-Event.aspx Benefit for Stanford Women’s Cancer Center Garners More Than $1 Million   Sheryl Crow performing at Under One Umbrella More than 300 community members joined ASCO Connection Editor-in-Chief and Stanford Women’s Cancer Center (SWCC) Director Jonathan Berek, MD, MMS; Stanford University President John L. Hennessy; Stanford Hospital & Clinics CEO Amir Dan Rubin; and others during the third annual Under One Umbrella benefit for SWCC. Sheryl Crow—singer/songwriter/record producer/actress—lent her star power to the event, held November 18, which helped raise more than $1 million.The Under One Umbrella benefit was launched in 2009 by a group of community volunteers with the vision of creating a comprehensive patient care program aimed specifically at the needs of women with breast and gynecologic cancers. That fall, award-winning actress Nicole Kidman and her husband, country music star Keith Urban, hosted the inaugural luncheon with a lively combination of conversation and music (see photo from previous interview with Dr. Berek). The following year, husband-and-wife country music stars Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks performed. Since her own diagnosis of breast cancer in 2006, Sheryl Crow has served as a passionate advocate for early diagnosis, speaking publically about cancer prevention and detection. Now cancer-free, Ms. Crow told guests her own story of survivorship: “Every time I do a meet and greet, every time I walk through an airport, every time I’m at a mall, wherever I am, someone comes up to me and says, ‘I’m a cancer survivor.’ And for me, that is so life-affirming, I can’t tell you. I have moments when I recognize myself first as a mom and second as a cancer survivor.” Lisa Schatz, co-chair of the Under One Umbrella Steering Committee, launched the organization after her own successful treatment for uterine cancer. “It is my passion to ensure that the women in this community receive the best possible treatment and care right here in our backyard at Stanford Women’s Cancer Center.” Ms. Schatz and co-chair Lainie Garrick led an active team of 10 volunteers in conceiving and executing the annual Under One Umbrella benefits. Funds were originally directed toward opening the center, including key leadership recruitments, and funding for research and patient supportive services.    Dr. Berek, MD (L), Sheryl Crow (Center), and Dr. Beverly Mitchell, Director of the Stanford Cancer Institute (Right) “The Stanford Women’s Cancer Center maximizes the coordination of expert care in an environment designed to address the special needs of women,” said Dr. Berek, who is also professor and chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Stanford. “The center promotes a partnership between clinical and research programs to ensure access to leading-edge clinical trials, drugs and other new treatments. We intend to offer women with breast, ovarian and other gynecologic cancers the best possible care and supportive services for themselves and their loved ones.” An internationally renowned expert in ovarian cancer, Berek added that Stanford researchers are investigating new methods for early detection and prevention, a comprehensive program in genetics, vaccines and immunotherapies and studies involving cancer stem cells—the possible sources of malignant tumors. For more information on the Under One Umbrella benefit event, visit underoneumbrella.stanford.edu. ascoadmin Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:53:24 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3094 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3090/ASCO-Remembers-Robert-A-Buckman-MD-PhD.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3090 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3090&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3090/ASCO-Remembers-Robert-A-Buckman-MD-PhD.aspx The Society sadly marks the passing of oncologist, author, and performer Robert A. Buckman, MD, PhD, who passed away in his sleep on October 9, 2011, at age 63.Robert A. Buckman, MD, PhDPhoto courtesy of M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Dr. Buckman, an ASCO member since 1986, most recently worked as a medical oncologist at the Princess Margaret Hospital and Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto. He was an adjunct Professor at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. He previously held positions at Toronto-Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Center and University College Hospital, London. He received his medical degree from St. John’s College at Cambridge University, and his doctorate degree at London University and The Royal Marsden Hospital. In 2003, Dr. Buckman was awarded the Fleming Medal of the Royal Canadian Institute for the Advancement of Science; in 2004, he received the Order of the Chevalier of the Hospitaller Society of St Lazarus (International Palliative Care). In 1979, Dr. Buckman was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease dermatomyositis, which was expected to prove fatal and led to his creation of a documentary film about dying, Your Own Worst Enemy. He in fact recovered from the illness and lived more than 30 years after the initial diagnosis. A prolific writer, Dr. Buckman authored 14 books, a weekly column for the Toronto Globe & Mail, and numerous articles. Many of his writings and broadcasts are on physician-patient communication, a subject on which he was passionate. (View Dr. Buckman’s 2002 ASCO Annual Meeting presentation on communication.) Together with his colleague Walter F. Baile, MD, of M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Buckman created a series of videos on CD-ROM that could be used to teach communications skills to physicians. The series remains part of the M. D. Anderson Interpersonal Relationship and Communication Enhancement Program (I*CARE) online collection of resources and is “a fitting memorial and testimony to Rob’s imagination and creativity,” Dr. Baile said. Dr. Buckman consults with a patient. Photo courtesy of M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Dr. Buckman had a love of comedy and a long side career in broadcasting, particularly in popular science. He participated in panel shows and scientific programs on BBC Radio in the 1970s-1980s. He contributed scripts to the sitcom Doctor on the Go and acted in the Pink Medicine Show comedy show. He was one of the performers and writers of the first Secret Policeman's Ball fundraiser in 1979, with actors Billy Connolly, John Cleese, and Eleanor Bron. After emigrating to Canada in 1985, Dr. Buckman continued broadcasting. He won a Gemini Award for his series Magic or Medicine?; his latest series, Human Wildlife: The Life that Lives on Us, aired on the Discovery Channel and won two awards at the Chicago Television Festival in 2003. He produced more than 45 humorous medical information videos with Mr. Cleese. At the time of his death, Dr. Buckman was making a series of short films on Top Ten Tips for Health. “Rob loved to be on TV,” recalled Dr. Baile. “He surprised me when I was visiting Toronto by announcing we were going on a TV talk show. I was terrified because this was not my shtick. However, Rob had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand with his wit and ability to tell stories. Soon I was laughing too and got relaxed enough to answer a few questions—but I never forgot this little surprise he pulled on me.” Dr. Buckman was active in the humanist philosophy movement, serving as president of the Humanist Association of Canada and as chairman of the Advisory Board of the International Humanist and Ethical Union’s bio-ethics center at the United Nations. In 1994 Dr. Buckman was named Canadian Humanist of the Year. “Rob was sort of a Renaissance man—a scholar who liked to quote Dante, a gifted clinician, a great teacher, and an accomplished scientist. And, like many comedians, he had the ability to see the ironies of life and turn them into something funny, revealing those kernels of truth that we all seek to distill from experience,” Dr. Baile said. Dr. Buckman is survived by his first wife, Joan-Ida van den Ende, and their two daughters, Joanna and Susie, and by his second wife, Dr. Patricia Shaw, and their two sons, James and Matthew. ascoadmin Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:31:30 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3090 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3029/October-2011-Member-News-Networking.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3029 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3029&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3029/October-2011-Member-News-Networking.aspx Oncologist and former White House adviser Ezekiel J. Emanuel, MD, PhD, joined the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania as a Diane v.S. Levy and Robert M. Levy University Professor, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives, and Chair of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy in the Perelman School of Medicine. He was also appointed to the Department of Health Care Management in the Wharton School.         Jonathan W. Friedberg, MD, MMSc, of the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, was named an Associate Editor of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.         Fadlo R. Khuri, MD, was selected as the new Editor-in-Chief of Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society. Dr. Khuri is Professor and Chair of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Emory University, Deputy Director for the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, and Roberto C. Goizueta Distinguished Chair in Cancer Research. He has served as editor for the journal’s lung section since 2005.         Mark G. Kris, MD, received the Society’s inaugural Humanitarian Award at the 2011 ASCO Annual Meeting. The ASCO Humanitarian Award honors an oncologist who personifies ASCO’s mission and values by going above and beyond the call of duty in providing outstanding patient care through innovative means or exceptional service and leadership in voluntary, uncompensated endeavors in the United States or abroad. Dr. Kris is Chief of the Thoracic Oncology Service and the William and Joy Ruane Chair in Thoracic Oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, as well as Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College.         Hematologist/Oncologist Liana Makarian, MD, joined the medical staff of Ozark Medical Center’s Cancer Treatment Center, West Plains, Missouri.         Gamini S. Soori, MD, MBA, FACP, FRCP, Medical Director of Alegent Bergan Mercy Cancer Center, was appointed to the Council on Graduate Medical Education (COGME) by Kathleen Sebelius, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). COGME provides an ongoing assessment of physician workforce trends, training issues, and financing policies, and makes recommendations to the Secretary of HHS, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and the House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce. Dr. Soori is a partner at Nebraska Cancer Specialists and Clinical Professor of Medicine at Creighton University School of Medicine.         Samir D. Undevia, MD, a hematologist and medical oncologist, has joined the Edward Cancer Center, Naperville, Illinois. Dr. Undevia has particular interests in bone and soft tissue sarcomas, benign and malignant hematology, and genitourinary malignancies. In addition, Dr. Undevia is Director of the Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Program for the University of Chicago Hospitals, where he remains on faculty.         Julie Vose, MD, graduated from the University of Colorado Denver Business School with an Executive MBA in Health Administration on July 23, 2011. Dr. Vose is Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and an ASCO Board of Directors member.         Sandra L. Wong, MD, MS, of University of Michigan Health Systems, was named an Associate Editor of the Journal of Oncology Practice.   In MemoriamAntonella Brughera, MD Peter A. Cassileth, MD John G. Curd, MD Robert H. De Bellis, MD Paul Michael Derderian, DO Guy Ely, MD Leonard Allan Feldman, MD Gerald M. Gawlik, MD James B. Nachman, MD George A. Omura Renee Royak-Schaler, PhD Please send your submissions for Member News & Networking to ascoconnection@asco.org. ascoadmin Mon, 12 Sep 2011 22:22:58 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3029 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3013/Meet-James-Abbruzzese-MD-FACP.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3013 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3013&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3013/Meet-James-Abbruzzese-MD-FACP.aspx Chair of the Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and ASCO Board of Directors member AC: What led you to oncology? Dr. Abbruzzese: I was influenced by one of my biology professors in college who gave a lecture on the origin of cancer and the discovery of cancer-related oncogenes—and I was hooked. AC: What’s the last book you read? Dr. Abbruzzese: I have a Kindle so I tend to read multiple books at the same time. I just finished re-reading Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand. The two other books I finished reading around the same time are called The Bullpen Gospels: Major League Dreams of a Minor League Veteran, by Dirk Hayhurst, and Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry Into the Value of Work, by Matthew B. Crawford. I tend to read Atlas Shrugged periodically because it captures a lot of my own views about personal responsibility for one’s actions and career. The other two books come at the question of “the meaning of life” from different angles, and they’re both excellent. AC: What’s your favorite website? Dr. Abbruzzese: I’m a big fan of any websites that have to do with weather. I enjoy meteorology, weather, hurricane tracking—all that stuff. AC: Who is the person you most admire? Dr. Abbruzzese: Abraham Lincoln. He was essentially an individual who was self-taught and then succeeded, despite tremendous amounts of skepticism about his personal abilities and tremendous criticism during the Civil War. He was also a brilliant writer and orator. AC: What career could you see yourself in if you weren’t an oncologist? Dr. Abbruzzese: I’d probably be a meteorologist. My family and I have lived through some substantial meteorological events over the past few years, including Hurricane Ike. We also have a small home on Galveston Island, Texas, that had a lot of flooding and have experienced some substantial tropical storms in Houston. AC: What hobbies do you enjoy? Dr. Abbruzzese: Running and fishing. I started running when I was an oncology fellow in Boston. I run for relaxation and general health benefits—I don’t pretend to be a long-distance– marathon kind of guy. Fishing was something I picked up when I was a kid, and now that I live near the Gulf Coast I can go fishing whenever I want. AC: Do you have a personal motto? Dr. Abbruzzese: My personal motto really has to do with my practice in medicine: “First, do no harm.” When I am practicing medicine, I want to make sure I don’t make things worse for patients. We’re trying to make things better for them. AC: What is your fondest memory? Dr. Abbruzzese: The birth of my son, Jason. AC: What would you say to a young physician thinking about entering the field of oncology? Dr. Abbruzzese: It allows one to practice a very meaningful kind of medicine that has a tremendous impact on patients. It offers the opportunity to stay engaged in the evolving excitement around understanding cancer, how it works, how to prevent it, and how to treat it more actively. It’s by far the most interesting and impactful area in medical practice. ascoadmin Wed, 07 Sep 2011 23:16:41 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3013 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3006/ASCO-Updates-Membership-Category-Names.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=3006 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3006&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/3006/ASCO-Updates-Membership-Category-Names.aspx At the 2011 ASCO Annual Business Meeting, the membership approved the following name changes to the Society’s member categories to better describe the roles of each oncology professional eligible for membership. In addition, one new category was added. Full Member (formerly Active & Active-Junior) Member in Training (formerly Associate) Allied Physician/Doctoral Scientist (formerly Active-Allied) Affiliated Health Professional (formerly Affiliate Member) International Corresponding or Emeritus (no change) New member category: Student/Non-Oncology Resident Membership Category Descriptions: Full Member (formerly Active & Active-Junior) Available to experienced licensed physicians or other health professionals at the doctoral level of any nation who devote a majority of their professional activity to cancer patient care and/or research or education in the biology, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of human cancer. Discounted dues are available to physicians during the first three years after completion of an approved oncology subspecialty training program and who qualify for Full membership. Member in Training (formerly Associate) Available to physicians and other health professionals at the doctoral level who are participating in a subspecialty training program in oncology or another field that would lead to eligibility for Full or Allied Physician/Doctoral Scientist membership. Allied Physician/Doctoral Scientist (formerly Active-Allied) Available to health professionals and other health professionals at the doctoral level (e.g., epidemiologists, biostatisticians, public health specialists, nurses, other scientists) or individuals with equivalent academic ranks who are not eligible for Full Membership and who have a predominant interest in the biology, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of human cancer. Affiliated Health Professional (formerly Affiliate Member) Available to affiliated health professionals in oncology, including oncology nurses, physician assistants, and other health specialists who are not eligible for Full membership or Allied Physician/Doctoral Scientist membership and who devote a majority of their professional activity to the care and treatment of patients with cancer. Membership shall be limited to those personnel who function as integral members of a team of oncologists responsible for the care of such patients or who engage in the conduct of clinical trials. Also available to individuals who hold leadership positions or have taken a distinguished leadership role in a nationally or internationally recognized not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to cancer patient advocacy or survivorship. International Corresponding Membership (no change) Available to experienced licensed physicians who are eligible for Full Membership but who reside in a developing nation or a nation with a low per capita income, as defined by the World Bank List of economies classification low, lower-middle and upper-middle incomes. Those that reside in eligible countries and who meet these requirements have the option of applying for Full membership or International Corresponding membership. Student/Non-Oncology Resident (new) Available to medical residents, medical students, graduate students, and undergraduate students who are enrolled in a biomedical, nursing or allied health program, and who have a predominant interest in the biology, diagnosis, prevention or treatment of human cancer. Visit the ASCO member benefits microsite at benefits.asco.org. ASCO has more than 30,000 members worldwide, comprised of clinical oncologists from all oncology disciplines and sub-specialties including medical oncology, therapeutic radiology, surgical oncology, pediatric oncology, gynecologic oncology, urologic oncology, and hematology; physicians and health care professionals participating in approved oncology training programs; oncology nurses; and other health care practitioners with a predominant interest in oncology. International members make up 30% of the Society’s total membership and represent more than 100 countries. ascoadmin Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:21:41 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3006 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2993/Oncologist-Wins-Big-on-Jeopardy.aspx#Comments 1 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2993 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2993&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2993/Oncologist-Wins-Big-on-Jeopardy.aspx November 2011 Update ASCO member Jay Rhee, MD, reached the semifinals for the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions. In the first video below, Dr. Rhee discusses with Alex Trebek his experience being interviewed by ASCO Connection. In the second video, he discusses the earnings from his original Jeopardy! run. Also, visit Dr. Rhee's Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions page on Facebook.     Dr. Rhee (right) with Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek. Photo courtesy of Jeopardy Productions, Inc. ASCO member Jay Rhee, MD, made the news this summer with his five-win streak on the trivia game show Jeopardy!. Dr. Rhee, of Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, won more than $100,000 during his tenure on the show, but told ASCO Connection that he would never quit his day job in medical oncology. In the interview below, Dr. Rhee discusses his game-show experience and his dedication to medicine. AC: What made you decide to try out for Jeopardy!? Dr. Rhee: I played College Bowl when I was a junior and senior. I’ve watched Jeopardy! on and off, and I’d always thought about trying out. I tried out once before in 2002 and never got a callback, which is apparently standard. Most people who are on the show don’t get called back after their first try. AC: What was the audition process? Dr. Rhee: I received an email with an invitation to take the Jeopardy! online test, which is how they do their screening now. About six weeks after taking the test, I was invited to an in-person interview. Regional interviews take place throughout the country and mine happened to be in Washington, DC, not far from Annapolis. There, you take a written test and participate in a mock game. That was in June 2009, and at that point they say you’re in the “active contestant file” for 18 months. They didn’t call within 18 months, but in January [2011], I got the call! I went to LA at the end of February [2011], taped my shows, and then had to keep a moratorium on the results until they aired. AC: Did you do anything special to prepare? Dr. Rhee: I already read the news, like the New York Times, almost every day. I got a subscription to Entertainment Weekly because I wasn’t up on Justin Bieber or American Idol. I bought a global almanac, which had lists of everything—Nobel Prize winners, presidents, etc.—and I did some reading on Wikipedia. But it can get boring and after work you don’t always feel like studying. So on the flight to LA, which took about six hours, I did a lot of cramming on things like state and world capitals. I’m sure if you asked me now I wouldn’t remember half of that stuff, but I was hoping it would get into my short-term memory. AC: Were there any categories that you hoped wouldn’t come up? Dr. Rhee: Medicine! It’s really bad to get a category in your profession because you can’t win. If you get the questions right, everybody says, “Well, you should get it right, you’re a doctor.” And if you get it wrong, or even if you know the answer and get beaten to the buzzer, you get razzed. Sometimes you know too much about a category and overthink it, so you can get it wrong that way as well, and it makes you look like a fool. AC: Did you get to know the other contestants? Dr. Rhee: I was sequestered with them for over three hours before taping started. Most of the time is spent going over standard practices, filling out forms, and taping spots for your local affiliate. We spent some time going over our humorous stories or anecdotes [which are shared with the audience and viewers following the first commercial break]. We bonded over the fact that none of us had been on the show before. It’s almost like the first day of residency—you feel a sort of kinship because you’re all about to share an experience. AC: Was it difficult to think of so many amusing anecdotes to share on air, since you need something different for each game? Dr. Rhee: It was getting pretty difficult. Some people just regurgitate their CVs, but I went in the opposite direction: I thought of the most embarrassing things I could say about myself and hoped people would laugh. AC: What was the hardest part of the game? Dr. Rhee: The buzzer. Most of the time all three contestants know the answer, but you can’t just buzz in when you see the clue. What you don’t see on TV is that someone activates the buzzers after [host] Alex Trebek reads the question. Lights come on around the game board and that’s when you can buzz in. You have to be quick without buzzing in too early and getting locked out. AC: What was going through your mind after the first win? Dr. Rhee: It was unreal. Before the taping, when I talked with my wife about my expectations, I said, “I hope I don’t look like an idiot. I hope I don’t end up dropping out of Final Jeopardy because I’m in the negative.” If I won a game, I’d be over the moon because then you can say you won on Jeopardy!. We had some pie-in-the-sky hopes about how many times I might win and the possibility of five wins was nowhere in there. When you look at the history of who wins five games, I don’t consider myself to be in the same class as those players. Luck plays a huge part in how you do. A lot depends on the contestants you play and the categories that come up. You could be awesome but get a Final Jeopardy clue that you don’t know anything about. Or you be on the show with someone like [74-time Jeopardy! winner] Ken Jennings—you could be the second-best player in the show’s history and no one will ever know. A lot of things have to go your way to win even once. To win five times is like playing blackjack; you just ride it to the top. AC: Do you have any special plans for your winnings? Dr. Rhee: I bought a sump pump for our basement, and then the basement flooded anyway. Now we have a huge engineering project, Panama Canal-style, to redo the pipes around the basement, and I think a lot of the winnings will be spent on that. Unfortunately, the fancy Chanel bag that I promised my wife on TV is also still very much on the table! AC: Now that you’ve had a very successful run on Jeopardy!, what’s next? Dr. Rhee: Jeopardy! was a great experience. There’s a rumor that there will be another Tournament of Champions. I’d love to participate if that happens. But really, not much else has changed. Colleagues joke that I can retire now, but I have a day job while trivia is a hobby. The priority is what I do day in and day out: treating patients, participating in clinical trials. If I had to pick between doing what I do every day versus going on Jeopardy!, it’s not even a decision. AC: Did your experience as an oncologist help you on the show? Dr. Rhee: It helped me feel more relaxed. Sometimes when you’re immersed in facts it can be difficult to interact with people, but as an oncologist, you have so many personal interactions with your patients and colleagues. Oncology also puts things in perspective: you brood after you lose or get a tough question, but when you come into the office and see a patient with metastatic disease, it’s very hard to feel sorry for yourself. AC: What led you to oncology? Dr. Rhee: Even when I did my internal medicine residency, I knew I wanted to go into oncology. It’s a field where you can make a vast difference in peoples’ lives. In some cases, you can extend somebody’s survival not by one or two years but by decades, and there aren’t many fields of medicine in which that is possible. Even when you can’t, you can help people in so many ways: physical, emotional, spiritual. It’s very humanistic, and it’s very close to what you think about when you’re 12 years old and say you want to be a doctor. ascoadmin Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:47:16 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2993 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2956/A-Passion-for-Medicine-Family-and-Art.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2956 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2956&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2956/A-Passion-for-Medicine-Family-and-Art.aspx July 2010: Jonathan S. Berek, MD, MMS, is a Professor and the Director of the Stanford Women’s Cancer Center at the Stanford Cancer Jonathan S. Berek performing with actress JoBeth Williams in a Brown University production of King Lear. Photo courtesy of Dr. Berek.  Dr. Berek and actress Nicole Kidman at a fundraising event for the Stanford Women’s Cancer Center. Photo by Drew Altizer. Institute, and the Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Berek is Editor-in-Chief of ASCO Connection and has served the Society as a member of the Cancer Education Committee, the Scientific Program Committee, and the Tumor Markers Expert Panel. He is President of the Council of University Chairs of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Immediate Past President of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society. Dr. Berek’s many awards include the President’s Award from the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists and the 2010 John C. Fremont Pathfinder Award, which “honors native Nebraskans who have made outstanding contributions to mankind.” In 2007, he was nominated for TIME magazine’s Person of the Year for his work on behalf of women. AC: What is your professional focus right now? Dr. Berek: My main focus as the Director of the Stanford Women’s Cancer Center is administrative, including the expansion of our translational research program in women’s cancer. We’re about to launch a new Stanford Women’s Cancer Center this summer, which will double the existing space and provide centralized care for women with breast and gynecologic cancers. We’re also substantially expanding our supportive care programs, including social services, nutrition guidance, and palliative care, sexual health, and psychological counseling. AC: What are the critical issues in the field of gynecologic oncology? Dr. Berek: By the time we see most patients with ovarian cancer, they have advanced-stage disease; therefore, it’s a tremendous challenge to extend the level of care necessary to provide the very best support to these women and their families. We are working toward identifying other risk factors that predispose women to this disease and that will allow us to develop preventive strategies. There is also an intensive investigative effort into screening methods that are reliable and affordable. Currently, there’s no test like mammography for ovarian cancer. Translational researchers are also piloting a number of different approaches toward a solid tumor vaccine for ovarian cancer similar to the recently approved prostate cancer vaccine, the first solid tumor vaccine since those developed for melanoma. AC: In such a challenging field, how do you find balance? Dr. Berek: I take solace in spending time with my family—my wife, Deborah, our three wonderful children, and two grandchildren. My wife and I have been married for 41 years. It’s a long-term, happy relationship. We recently collaborated on a textbook, the 15th edition of Berek & Novak’s Gynecology, with Deborah as content editor. She is also an artist and has done some of the art design for the 5th edition of Berek & Hacker’s Gynecologic Oncology. AC: How did you select this field? Dr. Berek: When in medical school at Johns Hopkins, I did a number of rotations in oncology—hem-onc, medical, pediatric, and surgical oncology. I also did research in immunology. Gynecologic oncology was a way to combine multiple interests. Before turning to medicine, I was a theater arts major at Brown University. I thought I was headed for a career in the theater, directing and writing. One of my plays was produced, a musical called Pits. I also played a number of stringed instruments, including guitar. I toured and recorded as part of a group called the Vagabonds. I have copies of our album—Rider—although it’s no longer available. That’s all in the past. I gave it all up when I switched to medicine, and I’m very pleased that I did because medicine was the right career choice for me. AC: Are you still involved in the arts? Dr. Berek: I play for myself and do a little singing. It’s very relaxing. My children are all in the entertainment industry; one son is a recording engineer and the other a composer, and my daughter works in public relations for the music industry. Part of their inspiration comes from growing up in Southern California surrounded by the entertainment industry, but there’s also a lot of music in my family. One of the things my wife and I enjoy most is going to musical performances, particularly the symphony. Deborah and I started as artists, and my wife paints—mostly figurative paintings and still life. She was in the graduate program in art history at Johns Hopkins. She took a pass on staying in that career as an art historian, but together we’ve probably seen almost every major museum in the world. We spend a lot of time thinking, looking, and doing art. We often say that she went to osmosis medical school, and I got an osmosis art history degree. AC: Do you have any advice for early-career oncologists? Dr. Berek: My advice is to continue to enhance your lives outside your medical profession by actively pursuing your other interests and hobbies. This will help you to sustain your career as a productive oncologist. In order to remain dedicated to your patients, to your work, and to your profession, it is essential to maintain a good work-life balance. ascoadmin Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:46:02 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2956 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2955/Meet-Julie-Vose-MD.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2955 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2955&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2955/Meet-Julie-Vose-MD.aspx Last Page introduces you to one of ASCO’s active volunteers in nine quick questions. AC: What led you to oncology? Dr. Vose: My father is a pathologist, and I used to work in his lab during summers in high school and college. I became fascinated with cancer and decided that hem/onc was a way to combine the study of cancer with helping people directly. AC: What’s the last book you read? Dr. Vose: I am currently finishing up an MBA in Health Administration, so all reading for the past two years has been related to the health care industry and business aspects of the industry. So, my last book was Strategic Management in Healthcare. AC: What’s your favorite website? Dr. Vose: It would have to be Google as it is such a powerful tool for researching almost everything. AC: Who is the person you most admire? Dr. Vose: I admire my mentor, Dr. James Armitage, as he has always been remarkably able to balance work with family and still have a very successful career. AC: What career could you see yourself in if you weren’t an oncologist? Dr. Vose: If I was not an oncologist, I would be an interior decorator. I love design, color, and putting a room together. AC: What hobbies do you enjoy? Dr. Vose: I run, do boot-camp classes, and Pilates. I also enjoy painting—either watercolor or acrylics. AC: Do you have a personal motto? Dr. Vose: Make each day count. Or another one—life is short so eat dessert first! AC: What is your fondest memory? Dr. Vose: Going on exotic vacations with my parents to locations that I never would have seen otherwise, such as Tibet, Nepal, and Laos. AC: What would you say to a young physician thinking about entering the field of oncology? Dr. Vose: It is very important to have a good mentor and be in an excellent system that supports young faculty members. However, much of the drive for success has to come from the individual. Dr. Vose is Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a member of ASCO's Board of Directors. She is also the Neumann M. and Mildred E. Harris Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She serves as the ASCO Board Liaison to the Professional Development Committee and recently completed a term on the Publications Committee.Update: ASCO Connection congratulates Dr. Vose, who graduated from the University of Colorado Denver Business School with an Executive MBA in Health Administration on July 23, 2011. ascoadmin Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:54:18 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2955 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2946/July-2011-Member-News-Networking.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2946 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2946&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2946/July-2011-Member-News-Networking.aspx Ahsan M. Basha, MD, joined Riverside Medical Center, where he will practice at Riverside’s newest location—Riverside Medical Center Specialty Services, in Watseka, Illinois. Dr. Basha specializes in medical oncology and hematology. Prior to joining Riverside Medical Center, he was a partner and practiced general medical oncology and hematology at Desert Oncology Associates, LLC, in Mesa, Arizona. Clara D. Bloomfield, MD, of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center–Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, is among 212 leaders in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, the arts, business, and public affairs who are members of the 2011 class of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She is one of only 11 members elected in the Medical Sciences (including Physiology and Pharmacology), Clinical Medicine, and Public Health section of the academy. John P. Curtin, MD, of the division of gynecologic oncology in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York University School of Medicine, was elected the 43rd President of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO). Leon H. Dragon, MD, FACP, was honored at the 15th Annual Myra Rubenstein Weis Health Resource Center Luncheon, “Knowledge for Life.” Dr. Dragon is Medical Director of the Kellogg Cancer Center at NorthShore Highland Park Hospital, in Illinois, and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Medical oncologist-hematologist Nancy F. McKinney, MD, was appointed to the medical oncology staff of Saint Anne’s Hospital’s Hudner Oncology Center, in Fall River, Massachusetts. Dr. McKinney was also appointed to the medical staff of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and as an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. In Memoriam Edward V. Hannigan, MD Howard Hansen Angela Manns, MD Joseph Phillips, DO Yosef H. Pilch, MD, FACS Melvin L. Samuels, MD* Robert F. Thompson, MD Westley Douglas Wong, MD *Expanded tribute article Membership Notes Did you know? Members-only housing and registration will open soon for the 2012 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois. Receiving advance access to the closest and most sought-after hotels and substantially discounted registration rates are two of the many exclusive ASCO member benefits. Make sure to register before the early registration deadline to receive the discounted registration rate; visit chicago2012.asco.org. Please send your submissions for Member News & Networking to ascoconnection@asco.org. ascoadmin Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:45:07 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2946 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2903/ASCO-Remembers-Dr-Melvin-L-Samuels.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2903 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2903&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2903/ASCO-Remembers-Dr-Melvin-L-Samuels.aspx May 2011: The Society mourns the loss of testicular cancer research pioneer Melvin L. Samuels, MD—a member of ASCO since 1965—who died January 23, 2011, at the age of 88. Derek Raghavan, MD, President of the Levine Cancer Institute, described Dr. Samuels in a letter to ASCO leadership as a “giant in the field” whose work paved the way for the platinum-based chemotherapy regimen that dramatically increased survival rates for patients with testicular cancer. Dr. Samuels joined the staff of M. D. Anderson Center in 1955 and retired in 1986 with the title of Professor of Medicine, Chief, Section of General Medicine and Clinical Oncology, Department of Medicine, according to his obituary in the Houston Chronicle. His colleague, Christopher J. Logothetis, MD, Chairman and Professor, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, submitted the following tribute for publication in ASCO Connection.Dr. Samuels stands among the pioneers of the Texas Medical Center for his contributions to the conquest of testicular cancer. The city and nation should be proud of his life’s work. In the early days of oncology at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, discoveries in testicular cancer breached the wall of solid tumors. We were striving with little success to mirror the advances in childhood cancers in the more common solid tumors of adults. Suddenly, the once-impenetrable wall seemed vulnerable—the effect was electric.  Those of us who were privileged to witness a magical moment in medical history recognized its significance. Dr. Samuels’ principles of detailed knowledge and dedicated work became the foundation for success. Perhaps more importantly, he created in us the confidence to overcome the challenges of cancer. Many of today’s achievements in cancer therapy are modeled on his approach. Thousands of young men are alive today because of Dr. Samuels. Melvin Samuels was comfortable living in relative obscurity while he quietly pursued his mission. He spent countless hours with patients, encouraging them through the difficult days and nights of treatment. To them, he saved lives and gave them futures they deserved. He deeply mourned those he lost; but rather than be defeated, the experience seemed to strengthen his resolve to conquer cancer. Melvin Samuels stands among those pioneers who created an outpost of excellence in care in the Texas Medical Center, which has attracted patients seeking promise and hope from around the world. In this time of rapid health care changes, we must remember that skill, dedication, boldness, and confidence in the scientific method, along with uncompromising self-criticism, are the elements that transform medicine. In death, Dr. Samuels’ legacy still carries on. Arul M. Chinnaiyan, MD, PhD, of the University of Michigan, is recipient of the 16th Annual Melvin L. Samuels Award for Excellence in Patient Care, and presented an accompanying lecture on April 29 in Dallas, Texas. The award is a part of the M. D. Anderson Center’s Recognition and Awards Program, which pays tribute to faculty who have been recognized by their M. D. Anderson colleagues as outstanding in their respective fields. Dr. Samuels is survived by his wife of 58 years, Estelle; his children and their spouses—Douglas Samuels (Karen), Lynn Samuels (Fred Morales), William Samuels (Peggy), Patti Smith (Eric), and Tracey Samuels (Robert McNamara); and grandchildren Patrick and Ryan Samuels, Emily and Jacob Samuels, and Rachel, Rebecca, and Zachary Smith. A photo gallery of Dr. Samuels can be found on DignityMemorial.com. membernews@asco.org Mon, 02 May 2011 18:50:17 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2903 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2864/Meet-Jan-C-Buckner-MDProfessor-of-Oncology-at-Mayo-Clinic-and-member-of-ASCOs-Education-Products-Subcommittee.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2864 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2864&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2864/Meet-Jan-C-Buckner-MDProfessor-of-Oncology-at-Mayo-Clinic-and-member-of-ASCOs-Education-Products-Subcommittee.aspx April 2011 issue: Last Page introduces you to one of ASCO’s many volunteers in nine quick questions.   Dr. Jan Buckner and his wife, Paula, at Lake Superior AC: What led you to oncology? Dr. Buckner: The patients. Patients have a need for compassionate, technically competent physicians, and patients usually demonstrate amazing courage under difficult circumstances. After more than 25 years, I still thoroughly enjoy each day in the clinic. Then there is the scientific basis of cancer and its treatment. It is endlessly interesting and continually changing. Never once since entering the field have I been bored. It is a terrific specialty for a lifelong professional journey. AC: What’s the last book you read? Dr. Buckner: The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman. This is a nonfiction story about the experience of a Hmong family whose daughter has epilepsy. The book highlights the differences in beliefs about the causes and treatment of medical illness between the Hmong and Western culture. It causes us to question our assumptions about how we approach patients from other cultures, especially non-Western ones. AC: What’s your favorite website? Dr. Buckner: Weather.com. When you live in Minnesota, the reasons are clear. AC: Who do you most admire? Dr. Buckner: My father. Although it took me too many years to realize it, his work ethic, generosity, patience, and servant leadership style were truly worthy of emulation. He started a small business from scratch, nurtured it over time, and made it a success. He was committed more to the welfare of his family than to himself. Along the way, he gained both the affection and admiration of his rural community and small-town acquaintances. I still miss him. AC: What career could you see yourself in if you weren’t an oncologist? Dr. Buckner: It’s hard to imagine any other career at this point in life. But I suppose I could see myself very satisfied in a general internal medicine practice. Patient care is still patient care. I could also envision working as a medical writer for a lay audience. I believe there is a real need for Americans to understand the scientific basis of medicine more clearly. There can be unwarranted hyperbole in media reports of very preliminary laboratory or clinical observations. Good writing could help the public gain appropriate perspective over both the immediate and long-term implications of medical research. AC: What hobbies do you enjoy? Dr. Buckner: I really enjoy being outdoors—kayaking, fishing, hiking, or just cruising along the shores of the cold clear Minnesota and Wisconsin lakes in a boat—and gardening. Digging in the dirt is good therapy. My wife and I also thoroughly enjoy the arts opportunities in the Twin Cities—especially the Minnesota Orchestra, the Guthrie Theater, and of course A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor. AC: Do you have a personal motto? Dr. Buckner: Love God and love your neighbor. AC: What is your fondest memory? Dr. Buckner: That’s a tough one. Fortunately, I have a lot of wonderful memories both from childhood and adult life. I would say that my favorite childhood memory is afternoon naptime on my grandmother’s couch, listening to the ticking of the clock on the mantle in an otherwise perfectly quiet house, and feeling her cover me with a blanket as I drifted off to sleep. AC: What would you say to a young physician thinking about entering the field of oncology? Dr. Buckner: It’s a great field if you want to be challenged and rewarded for the rest of your life—go for it! There are so many venues that need your skills—in practice, academia, industry, and government. There is almost always a satisfactory niche for talented, dedicated physicians. At the end of the day, it is a worthwhile way to spend a life. In addition to positions identified in the introduction, Dr. Buckner previously served on ASCO’s Scientific Program Committee and the Journal of Clinical Oncology Editorial Board. membernews@asco.org Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:50:15 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2864 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2863/The-Great-EscapeUp-close-and-personal-with-Karnofsky-Award-recipient-and-oncology-superstar-Daniel-D-Von-Hoff-MD.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2863 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2863&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2863/The-Great-EscapeUp-close-and-personal-with-Karnofsky-Award-recipient-and-oncology-superstar-Daniel-D-Von-Hoff-MD.aspx April 2011 issue: Daniel D. Von Hoff, MD, FACP, discusses with ASCO Connection how his love for railroads and railroad model building began as a childhood pastime, developed into a real-life summer job, and ultimately blossomed into a lifelong passion.   AC: What sparked your interest in railroads? Dr. Von Hoff: It’s in the genes. Both my grandfathers worked on railroads. In terms of model railroading, an uncle of mine spent a lot of his time building models. He sent me my first Lionel train car when I was about eight years old. Then, to help get myself through college, I went to work on the railroads as a gandy dancer. Gandy dancers are the guys who put in the track. In order to do this, you’ve got to spike the rail onto the ties. And because you have to be very accurate in spiking, gandy dancers used to have all these chants to help them out. If there were three people putting in a spike, they’d go around and each one would give a hit with a rhythm [as they chanted]. The Great Escape So I went in as a gandy dancer, putting ballast stone between the ties for the Green Bay and Western Railroad. The railroad went from Lake Michigan in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, all the way across the state to Winona, Minnesota. Green Bay and Western is out of business now, but I worked on it for about four summers. It helped put me through college and got me something to eat while in medical school. As I got into my fellowship in medical oncology, I always kept an interest in model railroading. AC: Tell us about your membership in the National Model Railroaders Association (NMRA). Dr. Von Hoff: The NMRA has various ranks. If you’re really good, you become a Master Model Railroader, which is very difficult to get. Almost as difficult as passing the oncology boards. I’m not very talented with my fingers. That’s why I wasn’t a surgeon. But that’s one aspiration I have—to get good enough to qualify as a Master Model Railroader. So what I model now is the Green Bay and Western Railroad. In our house, I have two rooms devoted to just model railroads. One is a Lionel (which is a big one)—and that’s an O-gauge train. Then I have another room devoted to HO—“half O” trains. My dream is to build an entire replica of the Green Bay and Western Railroad. I’ll collect anything that has to do with the Green Bay and Western. In a spare moment, I may go to eBay to see if anybody’s got something like a car, a track plan, or an old schedule. I discovered that’s what I want to do in my old age. The NMRA holds a national meeting every year, which thousands of people attend. I’ve never been able to get away and do that, though it’s one of those things I dream of doing eventually. AC: Is there a certain model you built that you’re most proud of? Dr. Von Hoff: I’ve been able to build a model railroad for my grandchildren. I have a layout that is on the indestructible side. I’ve got four grandchildren— two boys and two girls. They’ll sit there with railroad caps on—just like I used to—and be mesmerized by the trains. It’s really something to see. It’s great that I can pass on that love of railroads to the next generation. AC: What other hobbies, people, or experiences help you strike a good work/life balance? Dr. Von Hoff: Most of my friends would actually say, “Dan Von Hoff has the worst possible work/life balance of anybody in the free universe!” I’ve been blessed with good health and do spend most of life working. I feel though that if I need a quick mental escape, thinking about “how I’m gonna build that railroad” is the way to go. I’m building the railroad in my head because anybody interacting with patients knows that you do need to have some [mental] relief from a situation. I’m very pleased to spend most of my time taking care of people and trying to do better for them. But model railroading has been a good hobby because I don’t need to have my hands on them all the time. I could just think about them and re-create the entire Green Bay and Western Railroad in my head. What’s interesting is there are many other oncologists who do model railroading. You’d be surprised. Also, many of my patients have a hobby of model railroading. I am so proud to be a part of oncology. It’s a real privilege to work with people who are really trying to help others. My escapism is being able to interact with people I work with every day who have performed such acts of kindness.  Dr. Von Hoff is Physician-in-Chief and Distinguished Professor at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen); Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic; Chief Scientific Officer at Scottsdale Healthcare and U.S. Oncology Research; and Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona. He was the recipient of the 2010 David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award and a 2007 ASCO Statesman Award, and has served on the ASCO Board of Directors, the Special Awards Selection Committee, the Cancer Education Committee, the Nominating Committee, and the Journal of Clinical Oncology Editorial Board. membernews@asco.org Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:17:53 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2863 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2825/April-2011-Member-News-Networking.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2825 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2825&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2825/April-2011-Member-News-Networking.aspx Ahsan M. Basha, MD, joined Riverside Medical Center, where he will practice at Riverside’s newest location—Riverside Medical Center Specialty Services in Watseka, Illinois. Dr. Basha specializes in Medical Oncology and Hematology. Prior to coming to Riverside Medical Center, he was a partner and practiced general medical oncology and hematology at Desert Oncology Associates, LLC in Mesa, Arizona.     Richard C. Frank, MD, of Norwalk Medical Group, Norwalk, Connecticut, won a 2010 American Medical Writers Association First Place Award for his book, Fighting Cancer with Knowledge & Hope, published by Yale University Press.     “Feasibility of New-generation Infrared Imaging Screening for Breast Cancer in Rural Communities,” by ASCO member Francisco Gutierrez-Delgado, MD, PhD, FACP, of the Centre for Study and Prevention of Cancer, Oaxaca, Mexico, and José G. Vázquez-Luna, PhD, was recently published in the US Oncological Review and US Radiology. The paper was previously selected for poster presentation at the 2009 ASCO Meeting.     V. Craig Jordan, OBE, PhD, DSc, FMedSci, received the 2011 St. Gallen Breast Cancer Award, conferred at the 12th St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference this March in St. Gallen, Switzerland, for his pioneering work in the adjuvant treatment and prevention of breast cancer. He is the Scientific Director of the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC. The St. Gallen Breast Cancer Award is given every two years to a scientist who has made exceptional contributions to the field of breast cancer research. Accordingly, Dr. Jordan has pioneered translational research that established the scientific principles for the use of tamoxifen as a long-term breast cancer treatment and then as a preventative agent.     Natasha B. Leighl, MD, was chosen as the Associ­ate Editor for the ASCO Educational Book. She will support Editor-in-Chief Ramaswamy Govindan, MD, in the review of all faculty-submit­ted manuscripts. Dr. Leighl is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto. She is a past recipient of ASCO Young Investigator and Career Development Awards.     Olufunmilayo I. Olopade, MBBS, FACP, was appointed as a member of the National Cancer Advisory Board by U.S. President Barak Obama. Dr. Olopade is the Walter L. Palmer Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine & Human Genetics, Associate Dean for Global Health, and Director of the Center for Clinical Cancer Genet­ics at the University of Chicago. She is also a practicing clinician and Director of the University’s Cancer Risk Clinic. Dr. Olopade received a Conquer Cancer Foundation (formerly the ASCO Cancer Foundation®) Young Investigator Award in 1991 and was the 2010 recipient of the ASCO/American Cancer Society Award and Lecture. Vote on 2011 Proposed Amendments to ASCO Bylaws The ASCO Board of Directors and Bylaws Committee are recommending amendments to the ASCO Bylaws. A vote of ASCO members is needed to approve the amendments. Eligible ASCO members are encouraged to vote “in favor of” or “against” the set of proposed amendments through a proxy ballot on ASCO’s official website, ASCO.org. Proxy ballots must be voted between March 22 and May 18, 2011, to be counted. A copy of the Bylaws with the proposed amendments and sum­maries of the proposed changes are available at webapp.asco.org/bylaws during the proxy voting period, or look for the “click here to vote” button on the homepage of ASCO.org. The proxy ballots will be cast by the ASCO President or his designee dur­ing the 2011 Annual Business Meeting of the members on June 6, 2011, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM, at the Hyatt McCormick Place, Regency Ballroom, in Chicago, Illinois. The main proposed substantive changes are: Add a new Student/Non-Oncology Resident Membership Category to attract students to oncology and ASCO; cannot hold office, vote, or be voting committee members. Change the names of some member­ship categories to be more descriptive. Remove Bylaws language detailing requirements for sponsorship of membership and abstracts to stream­line the Bylaws. Requirements can be specified in other governing docu­ments and the Board can periodically review. Add the Chair of the Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology formerly The ASCO Cancer Foundation®) as an ex-officio, nonvoting member of the ASCO Board to enhance communica­tion and strategic planning. Extend the term of the designated community oncologist on the Nomi­nating Committee from one to three years to enhance effectiveness and be on par with other Nominating Committee members. Have the mem­bers elect the designated community oncologist on the Nominating Com­mittee. The Clinical Practice Commit­tee will identify nominees, from which the Nominating Committee will select ballot candidates. Streamline the Bylaws by referencing only committees tied to fundamen­tal governance (Executive, Finance, Audit, Compensation, and Nominat­ing Committees). Other multiple ASCO committees will continue to be addressed in other governing documents. Clarify that both the Board and mem­bers must approve Bylaws amend­ments and use the quorum number (100) as the number of members needed to propose Bylaws amendments. In Memoriam Gamal El-Wahidy, MD John J. Fuery William Gordon, MD, PhD E. Dieter Hager, MD, PhD Kamran Hassidim, MD Gary D. Kruh, MD, PhD Fred Kolhouse, MD Georges Mathé, MD Bo Nilsson, MD, PhD Ramesh V. Patwardhan, MD David Prager, MD Ernest H. Rosenbaum, MD, FACP Arthur Sawitsky, MD Aurelio C. Tiro, MD John J. Whitaker, MD   membernews@asco.org Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:57:07 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2825 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2811/Tribute-to-Gary-D-Kruh-MD-PhD.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2811 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2811&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2811/Tribute-to-Gary-D-Kruh-MD-PhD.aspx February 2011: Director of the University of Illinois at Chicago Cancer Center and longtime ASCO member Gary Kruh, MD, PhD, died on January 5 from a traumatic brain injury. He was 59. As a clinician, Kruh specialized in the treatment of lung cancer patients. His research focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that enable cancer cells to resist chemotherapy agents. Kruh came to the University of Illionois (UIC) in 2007 from Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia where he was an attending physician, associate professor of medical oncology, and acting head of the pharmacology department. "Dr Kruh was a physician deeply committed to both cancer biology and cure, and in building a high quality and state-wide cancer program," said Joseph Flaherty, MD, dean of the UIC College of Medicine. "He worked tirelessly on bringing all parts of the UI community together on this and moved our goal forward considerably. He will be deeply missed personally and professionally." Kruh became interested in cancer “because the biology of it is so rich, there are so many questions to be answered, and there is so much opportunity for helping patients,” he said in an interview discussing his plans to bring together researchers, educators and clinicians from all six of UIC’s health sciences colleges: Medicine, Applied Health Sciences, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy and the School of Public Health, as well the colleges of Engineering and Liberal Arts and Sciences, in the fight against cancer. Kruh worked to unite the efforts of 180 laboratory, clinical science and population science researchers who annually receive a total of $49 million for cancer-related research at UIC. He reconfigured the Cancer Center’s research programs to focus on cancer control and population science, carcinogenesis and chemoprevention, experimental therapeutics and imaging, and tumor cell biology. In December 2010, Dr. Kruh celebrated with the American Cancer Society the opening of the first Comprehensive Patient Navigation Center at UIC. He was instrumental in the year-long partnership development effort between ACS and UIC clinical oncology programs, which led to this event. “Gary will be remembered for his leadership, vision, energy, sense of humor, and integrity. During his three years as our director, he made great strides in creating a strong Cancer Center identity and unifying a very diverse group of cancer clinicians and researchers,” said JoAnne Sylvester, associate director for administration at the UIC Cancer Center. "His strong grasp of how to bring disparate groups together and inspire them toward a common goal was truly a gift and inspires us to remain committed to work together to carry on his vision and build on the momentum he established for our center."   Courtesy UIC News Release membernews@asco.org Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:36:18 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2811 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2772/January-2011-Member-News-and-Networking.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2772 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2772&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2772/January-2011-Member-News-and-Networking.aspx January 2011: Alan Hilary Calvert, MD, of the University College London Partners, United Kingdom, received the 2010 European Society for Medical Oncology Congress Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in introducing carboplatin as a major anticancer agent for patients with ovarian cancer, and for his role in the development of antifolates (raltitrexed and pemetrexed) and PARP inhibitors. Kristen M. Carr-O’Dwyer, MD, of Rochester University Medical Center, joined the institution’s Wilmot Cancer Center team, where she works on translational research in leukemia as well as myelodysplasia and myeloproliferative diseases. Board of Directors member Eduardo L. Cazap, MD, was designated by Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner as Deputy Director of the recently launched National Cancer Institute (NCI) of Argentina. Carletta M. Collins, MD, joined Baptist Medical Group of Pensacola, Florida, as a hematologist/medical oncologist. Philip J. DiSaia, MD, of the University of California Irvine Medical Center, was elected as Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) Chair for a third term. As Group Chair, Dr. DiSaia is the principal investigator of the six-year GOG cooperative group grant from NCI and is Chair of GOG’s Board of Directors and Principal Investigators committee. Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD, FACP, has been named Chief of Medical Oncology and Associate Director for Translational Research at Yale Cancer Center. Beginning in March, Dr. Herbst will lead the section of medical oncology at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven. Dr. Herbst comes to Yale from the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Courtney A. Jensen, MD, joined Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) as a radiation oncologist, where she practices at CMMC’s Cynthia A. Rydholm Cancer Treatment Center, in Lewiston, Maine. V. Craig Jordan, OBE, PhD, DSc, FMedSci, was honored at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with a Scientific & Medical Distinction Award during the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. The award recognized Dr. Jordan’s contributions to the discovery and development of SERMs for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer. He has also been inducted into the “Investigator Hall of Fame” by Susan G. Komen for the Cure that recognizes individuals who have advanced the mission to eradicate breast cancer. Dr. Jordan is the Scientific Director of the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University. Damian A. Laber, MD, FACP, was named Professor of Medicine, Gussman/Adelson Chair, Chief of Hematology and Medical Oncology, and Director of the OU Tulsa Cancer Center at the University of Oklahoma (UO) in Tulsa. He was formerly Associate Professor of Medicine, Director of the Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship Program at the University of Louisville, and Scientist and Director of the Genitourinary Cancer Clinical Research Program at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center. Maurie Markman, MD, is the new Vice President of Patient Oncology Services and National Director for Medical Oncology at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Dr. Markman also serves patients as a medical oncologist at the hospital network’s Philadelphia location. Tina Rizack, MD, MPH, joined the staff at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island in the Program in Women’s Oncology. She also serves as clinical instructor of medicine at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Nicholas J. Sarlis, MD, PhD, joined Incyte Corporation, in Wilmington, Delaware, as Vice President and Head of Medical Affairs. He was formerly Senior Medical Director for the Oncology Portfolio–Medical Affairs at sanofiaventis U.S. Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers: No More Unnecessary Biopsies, Radical Treatment or Loss of Sexual Potency, by Ralph H. Blum and ASCO member Mark C. Scholz, MD, of Prostate Oncology Specialists, in Marina Del Rey, California, was published in August 2010 by Other Press. Mahesh Seetharam, MBBS, joined the Scottsdale and Phoenix offices of Arizona Oncology, which is a part US Oncology, as a medical oncologist. Dr. Seetharam is also an assistant clinical investigator at the Translational Genomics Research Institute, based at Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare. Nicholas J. Vogelzang, MD, of the Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, which is a part of US Oncology Research, was awarded the Eugene P. Schonfeld Award from the Kidney Cancer Association. He is also Chair-Elect of the ASCO Communications Committee. Board of Directors member Robin Zon, MD, FACP, of Michiana Hematology Oncology, began seeing patients at the group’s new cancer center location in Niles, Michigan, as part of an overall expansion of cancer care services to the greater southwest Michigan region. In Memoriam J. Bradley Aust, MD, PhD Hayden G. Braine, MD William G. Bruce, MD Jean-Claude Bystryn, MD Claude Y. L. Chong, MD Solomon Estren, MD Thomas E. Goffman, MD, FACP James R. Grissom, MD Samuel Gross, MD Petre Nicolae Grozea, MD Thomas W. Hauch, MD Karen A. Johnson, MD, PhD, MPH Paul J. Kaminski, MD Mohammad Qaseem Khan, MD Mani Kurien, MD R. David Lauper, PharmD George C. Lewis, MD Victor M. Lira-Puerto, MD Janet A. MacKinnon, MD Brian D. Norris, MD John Eric Olson, MD Aaron R. Rausen, MD Wlodzimierz Ruka, MD, PhD Stanley A. Schwartz, MD Bruce I. Shnider, MD, FACP, FRCP, FCCP Harold W. Ward, MD ASCO members: If you have news you’d like to share with your colleagues, send an e-mail to ascoconnection@asco.org. membernews@asco.org Tue, 04 Jan 2011 19:21:35 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2772 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2771/The-Big-Leap-Facing-fears-and-unwinding-both-in-the-air-and-at-home.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2771 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2771&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2771/The-Big-Leap-Facing-fears-and-unwinding-both-in-the-air-and-at-home.aspx January 2011 issue: Every human being knows what it feels like to be afraid. But when wearing the metaphoric white coat and stethoscope, oncologists have a responsibility to manage their fears by weighing options and basing decisions on rational thought. Outside of that realm, however, ASCO member Kathy Miller, MD, prefers to embrace her fears head first—with ankle harnesses and elastic cords. As a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, Dr. Miller discusses with ASCO Connection her experience as a bungee jumper, as well as her more down-to-earth pursuits—hiking, skiing, and unplugging with her family. AC: What sparked your interest in bungee jumping? Dr. Miller: I saw a 60 Minutes special about bungee jumping years before my first jump. I was fascinated by the history and the spirit of A.J. Hackett, one of the pioneers of modern bungee jumping, who turned his passion into a successful commercial venture. I have always been a bit of an adrenaline junkie. When my first swim lesson group (age four) got to jump off the diving board as a special treat on our last day, I insisted on jumping from the high board—backwards. Fast forward to 1991, my husband and I were planning a vacation to New Zealand. I knew I had to jump, and I had just the spot. The Kawarau Bridge spans a beautiful river gorge just outside of Queenstown. We arrived in perfect time for me to be one of the first jumpers of the day. When my turn came, Dad took pictures. Mom sat on a rock looking the other way with her eyes closed. After stepping on the scale (this is not a time to guess how much you weigh), you get wrapped up (imagine padded restraints tightly binding your ankles together), waddle to the edge of the platform, count down, and off you go. Yes—I screamed. Many people assume there is a sudden stop but the elastic results in a more gradual deceleration, followed by momentary stillness and a sudden bounce way up. That’s your time to play, twist, somersault, and enjoy the scenery. As you come to a stop, a boat floats below you to help you down and back to the side to start the climb back up the gorge. I couldn’t stop smiling. AC: Was this a one-time experience, or have you bungee jumped more than once? Dr. Miller: It’s addicting! My husband wasn’t interested in jumping initially but on our way out of Queenstown he decided to give it a try. My mother was so disappointed. As she put it, “I knew [Kathy] was crazy, but I thought you had more sense.” Since we were stopping anyhow, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to jump again and work on my form. We returned to New Zealand a few years later and jumped in Skippers Canyon—at the time, the highest jump available. Skippers Canyon is a remote spot accessible only by Jeep but it’s worth it. You can survey the canyon with a zip-line ride before getting strapped up to jump. The water in Skippers isn’t deep enough for a wet jump but the extra height makes up for it, and the jet boat ride out of the canyon is a nice bonus. I must admit that jumping in some parking lot over an inflated safety mattress has little appeal. But give me a beautiful natural setting, and I’m ready. We’ve also tried a reverse bungee jump in Mexico. Imagine a car seat in the middle of a metal cage suspended by tall bungee cords. Pull the cage down, strap into the seat, release the cords, and up you go. It’s not as exhilarating as the original, but still a decent ride. AC: What was going through your mind before, during, and after the jumps? Dr. Miller: I was terrified but I still did it. That’s the whole point really—pushing myself to overcome the fear was almost more exhilarating than the jump itself. Whenever I find myself afraid, I remember that I jumped off a bridge with nothing but big rubber bands tied to my ankles. My husband compares it to your first sexual encounter—lots of anticipation and a bit of fear, followed by a sudden rush of excitement that is over way too quickly, leaving you to wonder, “What was that?” and “When can I do it again?” AC: What other hobbies, activities, people, or experiences help you strike a good work/life balance? Dr. Miller: My other interests will seem tame in comparison but they balance my work life in different ways. I grew up in a rural area and need regular time outside in natural surroundings to be at my best. In my mind, the best vacations are a several-day hike or downhill skiing—either is fine as long as there are no phones, computers, TV, or Internet. When we can’t get away, I find other ways to get outside. My son loves digging in the dirt and helped plant the kitchen garden this year. We started everything from seed on the dining room table. Four-year-olds will eat arugula when they grow it themselves! My great aunt taught me to bake bread, so lately I’ve been enjoying passing that on to my kids as well. Our current favorite is a French sourdough from wild yeast native to our house. I also enjoy activities that allow me to be creative—whether it’s sewing our son’s first Halloween costume, painting the mural in our daughter’s room, or crafting animals from Play-Doh. It’s a great escape and helps break through mental barriers. I’m convinced it helps me be a better scientist. AC: Is there anything else you’d like to mention? Dr. Miller: If you have the chance, take the wet jump where the bungee is set to let you go in about waist deep on the initial plunge. On a hot day, there’s nothing more refreshing. As my Skippers Canyon T-shirt says, “If you are not living life on the edge, you are taking up too much room.” Dr. Miller is the Sheila D. Ward Scholar and Associate Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, as well as an attending physician at Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, and consulting physician at Wishard Memorial Hospital and Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center. She is Chair of ASCO’s Scientific Program Committee, Chair-Elect of the Best of ASCO® Planning Committee, and was a 2000 Career Development Award recipient.   membernews@asco.org Tue, 04 Jan 2011 19:14:01 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2771 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2769/Last-Page-Meet-Don-S-Dizon-MD-FACP.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2769 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2769&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2769/Last-Page-Meet-Don-S-Dizon-MD-FACP.aspx January 2011: Welcome to Last Page, a new column designed to introduce you each quarter to one of ASCO’s many volunteers in Dr. Dizon in Paris. nine simple questions. AC: What led you to oncology? Dr. Dizon: During my internal medicine rotation in the third year of medical school, I was assigned to a team at Strong Memorial Hospital, in Rochester, New York. My first patient was an older gentleman newly diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. I still remember taking his history, doing an exam, writing up all I could learn about AML, and presenting him on the day after his admission. I remember getting to know his wife and his adult kids—the oldest was just a few years older than me. Then he got very sick. One morning, about four days after his admission, my medical resident pulled me aside to tell me he had passed on that evening. Although he was critically ill, I never thought he would die. In those few days, I experienced what it was to be a doctor: to learn about a fascinating illness and its treatments, place it in a human context, and then explore another person’s world through his experiences and those of his family. This experience solidified my desire to be an oncologist because I wanted to be able to help patients through a critical period in their life and make treatments more effective. I wanted to make a difference, and I felt oncology could help me do that. AC: What’s the last book you read? Dr. Dizon: I just finished Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary by David Sedaris. It’s an interesting, funny, and sometimes disturbing take on human relations, cast in the animal kingdom. AC: What’s your favorite website? Dr. Dizon: I’m a bit of a liberal, so I love Talking Points Memo by Joshua Micah Marshall. I also love Huffington Post and check in regularly with ASCOconnection.org. They are all on my bookmarks bar on Safari. AC: Who is the person you most admire? Dr. Dizon: I most admire my mom. I lost my dad this year, and it’s been quite an amazing thing to see her recast herself as an independent person. She’s always been my motivation and my best friend. Beyond her, I am a big Hillary Clinton fan. I think she’s incredible. AC: What career could you see yourself in if you weren’t an oncologist? Dr. Dizon: Fashion designer—I could’ve been Thom Browne or Tom Ford. AC: What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work? Dr. Dizon: Working out, international travel, and photography. AC: Do you have a personal motto? Dr. Dizon: Carpe diem. I try to live by it every day. AC: What is your fondest memory? Dr. Dizon: The birth of my first child, Isabelle. My partner and I didn’t know what we would name her, until we saw her face. I still remember looking in to this gorgeous newborn baby girl’s eyes and just knowing, “This is Isabelle.” AC: What would you say to a young physician thinking about entering the field of oncology? Dr. Dizon: Oncology is about more than just being a good doctor. It’s about being a biologist, pharmacist, and ethicist. It’s about being honest with your patients without taking away hope. And it is the challenge of being close to your patients, while doing what you must to preserve your emotional well-being. Most of all, it is the privilege of being there for people at their most vulnerable, and appreciating the opportunity to share in their joys and sorrows on a daily basis. Dr. Dizon is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Medicine at the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University. He is a member of ASCO’s Cancer Education Committee and Chair-Elect of the Integrated Technology Committee. Dr. Dizon is a recipient of a 2002 Career Development Award from the Conquer Cancer Foundation (formerly known as The ASCO Cancer Foundation®). membernews@asco.org Tue, 04 Jan 2011 18:50:34 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2769 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2768/ASCO-Remembers-Past-President-Michael-J-Brennan-MD.aspx#Comments 2 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2768 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2768&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2768/ASCO-Remembers-Past-President-Michael-J-Brennan-MD.aspx   January 2011: The Society mourns the loss of visionary oncologist and former ASCO President (1965-1966) Michael J. Brennan, MD, FACP, who was influential in introducing the concept of specialized care and expanding the use of chemotherapy as a treatment for patients with cancer. Dr. Brennan died on September 22, 2010, at the age of 89. In a 2004 interview with ASCO, Dr. Brennan discussed the history of systemic treatment and how, at one time, this approach had only been aimed at the treatment of patients with metastatic cancers that could not be excised or treated with radiotherapy. But beginning around 1948, researchers were able to produce profound metastatic reductions of large lymph nodes throughout the body in patients with Hodgkin disease and various lymphomas. Advances in the treatment of childhood leukemia were also being made. By the Society’s inception in 1964, the year prior to Dr. Brennan’s one-year term as ASCO’s second president, “We were on the verge of a very large change in the possibilities of systemic medical treatment of people with cancer,” he said in the interview. “We had some hope that there were forms of neoplasia that could be destroyed by chemotherapy.” “He really had a vision for what cancer care was going to be,” said ASCO member and Dr. Brennan’s former colleague Robert M. O’Bryan, MD, FACP, of Great Lakes Cancer Management Specialists, in an interview with Detroit News. “He was ahead of his time.” Dr. Brennan attended medical school at Loyola University and trained at Cook County and Henry Ford Hospitals. He later became the founding chairman of the Oncology and Hematology Services at Henry Ford Hospital, where he remained until his appointment as President of the Michigan Cancer Foundation, now known as the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center. His appointments included serving on the Breast Cancer Task Force of the National Cancer Institute, the Committee on Cancer of the American College of Physicians, and the Public Health Committee of the Wayne County Medical Society, among others. He was also Professor Emeritus of Medicine at Wayne State University and the author of numerous published materials. As an ASCO member, Dr. Brennan’s accomplishments include receiving the Board of Directors Appreciation Award in 2004 and the Statesman Award in 2007. He served as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors Committee from 1964 to 1965, was a member of the Publications Committee from 1974 to 1975 and 1981 to 1985, and was a member of the Special Awards Selection Committee from 1964 to 1967. According to his obituary in the Detroit News, Dr. Brennan leaves behind his wife, Rita; his children, Catherine, John, Theresa, Timothy, Patricia, Mary, and Ann; 25 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.   membernews@asco.org Tue, 04 Jan 2011 18:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2768 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2765/Tribute-to-Merrill-Egorin-MD2009-Translational-Research-Professorship-TRP-Recipient.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2765 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2765&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2765/Tribute-to-Merrill-Egorin-MD2009-Translational-Research-Professorship-TRP-Recipient.aspx   Dr. Egorin speaking at the 2008 ASCO Annual Meeting January 2011: Merrill J. Egorin, MD, FACP, a world-renowned medicine and pharmacology expert, dedicated his life to improving the care and treatment of patients with cancer through his drug development research. Dr. Egorin’s research took on increasing urgency in 2005 when he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a blood cancer that occurs in bone marrow, and for which he later underwent a stem cell transplant and chemotherapy. On August 7, 2010, Dr. Egorin lost his brave and hard-fought battle to this disease he had worked so hard to eradicate. Born in Baltimore, he was raised by his parents in a loving home that included his maternal grandmother and great-grandmother, who imparted early on the values of hard work and family, and instilled in him an appreciation for language, music, art, sports, and literature. His paternal grandmother and grandfather were from Russia and Dr. Egorin learned to speak and read Russian at a very early age. According to his wife of 41 years, Karen Egorin, his intellectual skills were honed very early “because it was demanded,” and “he was always reading, learning, and doing more—that’s who he was.” He played a musical instrument for a time, and was an active lacrosse player in high school and college. "He truly believed in being an honest and true physician and in giving his students credit where due.” —Karen Egorin   The Egorins were married at 21, right before Dr. Egorin entered medical school. Karen was an elementary school teacher and felt blessed to have the opportunity to support her husband throughout his medical career. Dr. Egorin completed his undergraduate and medical oncology training at Johns Hopkins University, where he developed a real love of science while working in an embryology lab during his freshman year. He became interested in oncology during his junior year when he walked into the Baltimore Cancer Research Center looking for a summer job. There he met Dr. Nicholas Bachur, who would go on to become one of Dr. Egorin’s “idols” in the profession, a man whom he deeply admired and respected. “He felt most connected to oncology. He knew very early on he didn’t want to deliver babies—that wasn’t his thing. He saw where he could put his love for research and patient care together as an oncologist,” said Karen. Dr. Egorin became a staff physician at the University of Maryland Hospital, and later a professor of medicine and Head of the Division of Developmental Therapeutics at the university’s Greenebaum Cancer Center, from 1982 to 1998. In 1998, he joined the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine as a Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology and at the time of his death, he served as Co-Director of the Molecular Therapeutics and Drug Discovery Program and Director of the Clinical Pharmacology Analytical Facility at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.   Dr. Egorin with his long-time technician, Elly Zuhowski Dr. Egorin had a few other notable idols in his profession including Sir William Osler—humanitarian, founding professor of Johns Hopkins Hospital, and icon of modern medicine, and Dr. Paul Erlich, one of the first pharmacologists and inventor of the “magic bullet for syphilis.” Outside his profession, he respected Brooks Robinson, third-base player for the Baltimore Orioles, as well as Maimonides, the Jewish philosopher, physician, and writer of the Daily Prayer of a Physician. These men all shared the qualities of integrity, dedication to their work, honesty in all things, and the respect of their peers. The Egorins had two children, Noah Egorin and Melanie A. Egorin, PhD, who described him as an amazing father, a stern educator, and a man who required the best from them. Noah, the youngest, described him as “curious, engaged, passionate about anything he got involved in, a teacher, and someone who had just a general zest for enjoying what he was doing.” Although Dr. Egorin spent much of his time, including weekends, in the lab, he also relished the time he spent with family and friends. In his spare time, he enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including long-distance bicycling, sailing, gardening, and travelling. He also loved reading, was well versed in 20th-century American literature, and was somewhat of a wine connoisseur. He enjoyed model railroading and had trains all over his house. He enjoyed working on trains with his children and grandchildren, and taking them to see the real thing. “He really loved everything, except tennis and golf,” Karen said. He also had a “slightly offbeat sense of humor,” said Noah, as evidenced by his tie-dyed lab coat—a gift from two summer students who thought he was too “stodgy”—and his enviable frog paraphernalia collection. In the early 1970s, Dr. Egorin and his colleague, Dr. David Mehlman, would get a frog from the lab each year and enter it in the annual Baltimore frog-jumping contest. They never won, but it became a joke and people started buying him frog stuff. It was a “fun and great adventure,” said Karen. Noah believed that his father got the greatest joy in life from seeing people he cared about succeed—whether it was family and friends or people he taught, worked with, or interacted with. Seeing a student get into medical school, achieve tremendous success at the bench, or find a new approach to looking at data gave him a little “hop to his step,” said Noah. Karen Egorin believed that Dr. Egorin’s talent was people—engaging people and creating friendships. “He was really good at that—bringing people together.”   “Merrill led by example—he was the consummate physician, scientist, and educator. His accomplishments will live on in the way we treat patients today and in the future, thanks to the several generations of oncology physicians and scientists who are his scientific and medical progeny. Ed and I will strive to work according to the high standards that Merrill set.” —Nancy Davidson, MD Those who knew Dr. Egorin have said that his passion for teaching and mentoring aspiring physicians will be his greatest legacy. He truly believed in “Learn one, do one, teach one, and wanted young people to learn the love of science and intellectual curiosity,” said Karen. In fact, colleagues reported that Dr. Egorin used his own disease and treatment as teaching tools for junior faculty. He even took conference calls in his hospital room while he was being treated. According to his daughter, Melanie, in an interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, “For him to say what a cancer patient is experiencing or how they’re responding to treatment, it really meant something.” As mentor to five junior faculty members at the University of Pittsburgh (including Shannon Puhalla, MD, 2010 Career Development Awardee), Dr. Egorin and his colleagues were studying different approaches to using poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP) inhibitors. For this breakthrough research, as well as his dedication to mentoring and teaching, Dr. Egorin was awarded the 2009 Translational Research Professorship (TRP) by the Conquer Cancer Foundation (formerly known as The ASCO Cancer Foundation). The purpose of the TRP is to support qualified individuals who are dedicated to bringing advances in basic sciences into the clinical arena, and to mentoring other translational researchers. TRP recipients must also have made significant contributions that have changed the direction of cancer research. With the support of the TRP grant, Dr. Egorin planned to increase the coordination and expansion of the University of Pittsburgh’s program on the studies of the PARP inhibitor, ABT-888, as a single agent in BRCA-mutated or dysfunctional malignancies, or in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents against a broader range of cancers. “Merrill was the preeminent cancer pharmacologist in the United States throughout much of his career. Colleagues from around the world sought his advice on drug development, and his work contributed greatly to our knowledge of how best to use many standard cancer treatment agents. More importantly, though, Merrill was an outstanding friend, colleague, and teacher, a great mind but a humble man who reveled in the success of his students and improved the work of his collaborators.” — Richard L. Schilsky, MD   “PARP inhibitors are a very interesting class of compounds that can be used as adjuncts to other forms of chemotherapy, or possibly—the most exciting thing of all—using them in this concept of synthetic lethality, and going after an Achilles heel of tumor cells,” Dr. Egorin stated during a 2009 interview with ASCO Daily News. He went on to explain that the use of single-agent PARP inhibitors does not lead to myelosuppression, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, or immunosuppression. “By using them alone, you can spare the patient the side effects and toxicities associated with cytotoxic chemotherapy,” he added. Dr. Egorin led a discussion on PARP Inhibitors during a plenary session at the 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting, during which he discussed the biochemistry and function of this unique class of compounds. With the support of the TRP, Dr. Egorin had also planned to translate the UPCI Phase I studies of UBT-888 into Phase II studies in a variety of malignancies. While, sadly, Dr. Egorin did not live to see the fruits of his TRP research, his ideas live on, and the project continues under the capable leadership of his colleagues Nancy E. Davidson, MD, Director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, and Edward Chu, MD, Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology. Dr. Egorin strongly believed that receiving the TRP was “recognition of his younger colleagues.” Under Dr. Davidson and Dr. Chu’s leadership, Dr. Egorin’s five mentees have continued carrying out the work proposed in the TRP. According to their first annual progress report (July 2010), laboratory studies have established a possible role for combining PARP inhibitors with chemotherapy agents and have laid the foundation for early phase (phase I) clinical trials in patients to learn how to give these combinations in dosages that are safe and effective. The TRP awarded to Dr. Egorin has enabled the launch of six such trials and contributed to the career development and training of five young scientists who are carrying out the work. Some of these concepts have already moved into phase II testing, a major milestone in the development of new therapies against cancer. Not only was Dr. Egorin an inspirational teacher and colleague, he was also a dedicated ASCO volunteer. An active member of ASCO since 1979, he served as Subcommittee Chair of the Scientific Program Committee from 1997-1998 and as a member of the Cancer Education Committee from 2009-2010. Dr. Egorin was dedicated to his role as a teacher and a mentor, and mentorship is one of the core tenets of the Translational Research Professorship (TRP). “Merrill was a mentor in the truest sense of the word. His greatest joy was for his mentees to succeed. He never placed his own agenda before that of a junior colleague. You didn’t realize until a project was done not only how much he did to get it off the ground, but how much he taught you in terms of being able to do it yourself. I am so lucky to have been mentored by Dr. Egorin and grateful that he has helped to shape my career path,” said Dr. Puhalla. In fact, Dr. Egorin spoke about choosing a mentor and obtaining letters of support, a topic he was amply qualified to discuss, at the Grant Writing Workshop at the 2010 ASCO Annual Meeting. Watch Dr. Egorin and 2008 TRP recipient, Dr. Bruce Johnson, discuss the importance of mentoring the next generation of researchers in this video about the Research Professorships. In the words of his wife, “He was absolutely unique. He hoped what he did made a difference. The life and values he held dear were important and need to be taught to other people. He will be remembered for the quality of his work and its meaning for cancer patients, his gift of teaching, and for demanding and getting excellence from those with whom he interacted.”  The Conquer Cancer Foundation (formerly known as The ASCO Cancer Foundation) is currently accepting applications for a three-year Translational Research Professorship in Memory of Merrill J. Egorin, MD. Eligibility criteria, award details, and information on how to apply online can be found in the Cancer Professionals section of the Conquer Cancer Foundation website. membernews@asco.org Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:23:55 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2765 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2762/ASCO-President-George-Sledge-MD-Honored-with-Award-at-SABCS.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2762 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2762&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2762/ASCO-President-George-Sledge-MD-Honored-with-Award-at-SABCS.aspx ASCO President George W. Sledge, Jr., MD, received the 2010 William L. McGuire Memorial Lecture Award at the 33rd Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), held December 8-12, 2010. The award honors scientists who have made significant contributions to cancer research. Dr. Sledge is the Ballve-Lantero Professor of Oncology and professor of medicine and pathology at the Indiana University School of Medicine and a nationally recognized pioneer in the development of novel therapies for breast cancer. Dr. Sledge’s lecture at the symposium was entitled, “What Would Bill Do? Channeling Your Inner McGuire.” The William L. McGuire Memorial Lectureship was established in 1992 to commemorate the significant contributions of Dr. McGuire to the understanding of breast cancer biology and treatment. In the video below, ASCO Scientific Program Committee Chair, Kathy D. Miller, MD, interviews Dr. Sledge about his research and his work with Dr. William McGuire. membernews@asco.org Sat, 25 Dec 2010 04:01:27 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2762 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2741/42-Million-Donated-to-University-Hospitals-for-Cancer-Center.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2741 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2741&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2741/42-Million-Donated-to-University-Hospitals-for-Cancer-Center.aspx ASCO member Stanton L. Gerson, MD, recently announced the renaming of University Hospitals (UH) Ireland Cancer Center as the Jane and Lee Seidman Cancer Center, in recognition of the couple’s $42 million donation to UH. UH’s new freestanding cancer hospital, the only in Northeast Ohio and one of 12 in the nation, is scheduled to open spring 2011 on the UH Case Medical Center (CMC) campus, according to a UH press release. The medical center will consolidate all UH Ireland Cancer Center inpatient and outpatient services to optimize patient care and will triple the square footage the cancer services currently encompass in seven different locations on UHCMC’s campus. “Jane and Lee’s inspirational gift to University Hospitals has created a lasting legacy in Northeast Ohio,” said Dr. Gerson, MD, Director of the newly named UH Seidman Cancer Center. “UH has had a renowned cancer program dating back to our hospital’s earliest days and the Seidman Cancer Center will build upon that strong foundation to further establish our position as one of the premier cancer programs in the nation.” The Seidman’s donation to UH is the largest gift in the Cleveland-based health system’s history. Click here to read the full press release. membernews@asco.org Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:16:52 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2741 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2738/ASCO-Remembers-Dr-Karen-A-Johnson.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2738 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2738&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2738/ASCO-Remembers-Dr-Karen-A-Johnson.aspx   Karen A. Johnson, MD, PhD, MPH November 2010: The Society mourns the loss of long-time ASCO volunteer Karen A. Johnson, MD, PhD, MPH, who died of ovarian cancer on August 19, 2010, at the age of 64. Dr. Johnson was known by her colleagues as a researcher who was passionate about cancer prevention and translating it into patient benefit, even before her diagnosis, explained Leslie Ford, MD, of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Dr. Johnson was a long-time colleague and friend of Dr. Ford’s. “Karen never presented herself as a ‘cancer victim,’” said Dr. Ford. “People might have known her diagnosis, but I don’t think many people knew how often she went from chemo to being in an all-day meeting or even multi-day meeting. Her passion for her work kept her going.” With her first degree, a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Dr. Johnson began her professional journey in the sciences as a research chemist in Wilmington, Delaware. From there, she pursued her doctorate in inorganic chemistry in the 1970’s, and her medical degree in the 1980’s. “She was one of our first cancer prevention fellows [at the NCI Division of Cancer Prevention] back in the late 1980’s when I first met her,” said Dr. Ford. “She used to joke about getting a degree a decade, and then she got her master’s in public health [in 1995] after that.” Dr. Johnson first joined NCI in 1986. After two years, she returned to Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, first as a research oncologist, and later became an assistant professor. From 1991 to 1996, she returned to NCI as program director of the Community Oncology and Rehabilitation Branch. She then became medical reviewer for the Food and Drug Administration from 1996 to 1998, and eventually returned again to NCI once more, first as Medical Officer of the Division of Cancer Prevention, and then as Chief of Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Research Group for the same division. Dr. Johnson joined ASCO in 1999. She was most notable for her work on the Society’s cancer prevention efforts. Dr. Johnson became a member of the Cancer Prevention Committee in 2007. In this role, she strongly advocated for ASCO initiatives to increase participation in prevention-related clinical trials, particularly in the existing Community Clinical Oncology Program. Dr. Johnson pushed for greater emphasis on cancer prevention research in a broad sense, not just chemoprevention, but also epidemiology, tobacco control, biomarkers, biosample repository research, as well as interventions. In response to Dr. Johnson’s awareness-raising efforts, the Cancer Prevention Committee established a Clinical Trials in Prevention Working Group last spring to develop a plan regarding the development and dissemination of clinical trials for cancer prevention research. “The establishment of this working group and the enhanced awareness of the importance of clinical translation in prevention represent a real tribute to Dr. Johnson,” said Dean E. Brenner, MD, Cancer Prevention Committee Chair. “Dr. Johnson’s breadth and depth in the field of cancer prevention astonished me. She identified novel concepts in cancer prevention early in their development, then quietly found ways to support these concepts to drive the scientific agenda forward. She was particularly committed to our young investigators and recognized the importance of supporting them early in their careers to ensure a future generation of prevention scientists,” he added. “Karen had a unique set of skills that really brought a different perspective to the whole question of drug development,” said Dr. Ford. “She had an enormous wealth of knowledge and intellect, and wasn’t satisfied with the easy road. Karen always probed and questioned to get to the truth.” Article by Elyse Blye, Editorial Assistant membernews@asco.org Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:12:39 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2738 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2728/Mayo-Clinic-to-Build-Two-Proton-Therapy-Centers.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2728 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2728&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2728/Mayo-Clinic-to-Build-Two-Proton-Therapy-Centers.aspx November 2010: Mayo Clinic recently announced plans to establish a program that will utilize intensity modulated proton therapy. The Mayo Clinic Proton Beam Therapy Program will be a part of the Clinic’s national three-site cancer center in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida. The first treatment rooms are expected to be operational by late 2014 or early 2015. Based on pencil beam scanning, intensity modulated proton therapy is a more precise form of proton therapy treatment, according to a Mayo Clinic News Release. It allows greater control over radiation doses and treatment times, and has fewer side effects. It is also believed to be more cost effective in selected patients. Pencil beam scanning uses a narrower beam than a traditional proton beam. All eight treatment rooms at Mayo Clinic’s two new facilities will feature this advanced technology. “The benefit to children is especially clear,” said ASCO member Robert Foote, MD, Chair of Mayo Clinic’s Department of Radiation Oncology in Rochester. “Children with cancer suffer the greatest long-term harm from conventional x-ray therapy since their organs are still developing.” The technology also will help advance the science of pencil beam scanning, according to Dr. Foote. “All patients receiving proton therapy treatments will be part of a patient registry that will allow Mayo Clinic to track these patients prospectively into the future, determine which patients gain the most benefit, and incorporate these findings into new care models and services for cancer patients,” he said. The pencil beam scanning will be used by Mayo Clinic physicians and scientists in treating some head and neck, breast, gastrointestinal, lung, spine, and prostate cancers, and tumors in or near the eye. “Protons administer a smaller dose to normal tissues for a given tumor dose than conventional radiotherapy,” said ASCO member Steven Schild, MD, Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. “Our proton beam therapy program teams will work in concert to optimize patient care.” “Translating new discoveries to the patient is an essential part of Mayo’s mission,” said ASCO member Robert Diasio, MD, Director of Mayo Clinic Cancer Center in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida. “We believe additional benefits of proton beam therapy will include research opportunities that will help advance new therapies for future generations.” In the edited video below, Dr. Foote explains more about the planned Mayo Clinic Proton Beam Therapy Program, including patient benefits and research opportunities. Additional audio and video resources are available on the Mayo Clinic News Blog. membernews@asco.org Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:28:26 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2728 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2695/ASCO-Offers-Comprehensive-Benefits-for-Clinical-and-Translational-Researchers.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2695 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2695&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2695/ASCO-Offers-Comprehensive-Benefits-for-Clinical-and-Translational-Researchers.aspx October 2010 Issue: Improved outcomes for patients with cancer is the goal of all ASCO members, and innovative science is a critical means to that end. “Even almost 20 years ago, it was very clear that ASCO is the premier society for physicians and clinical researchers in hematology/oncology. As a practicing oncologist, clinical researcher, and teacher, ASCO and its activities, services, and meetings continue to be a resource for me,” said Maha Hussain, MD, FACP, of the University of Michigan and Chair of the Genitourinary Cancers Symposium Program Committee. Advocating for increased funding Conducting groundbreaking research requires a sound hypothesis, a keen scientific mind, a sense of discovery—and funding. ASCO is a long-time advocate for increased federal funding of cancer research, especially at a time when the current level of funding is insufficient to bring many proposals into reality. Providing grants and awards to ASCO members To help keep oncology research moving forward, The ASCO Cancer Foundation® offers a diverse portfolio of grants and awards. Active ASCO members compete only with each other for the following:  Young Investigator Award—one-year, $50,000 grant for oncologists in their last two years of final subspecialty training Career Development Award—three-year, $200,000 grant for oncologists in their first through third years of a full-time faculty appointment Advanced Clinical Research Award—three-year, $450,000 grant for oncologists in their fourth through ninth years of a full-time faculty appointment Translational Research Professorship—five-year, $500,000 grant for a full professor (or equivalent) Community Oncology Research Grant—one-year, $30,000 grant for a community practice seeking to enhance its clinical trials program Disseminating new research Even the best research can prove fruitless if the results are not disseminated and put into practice. Clinical scientists and translational researchers who are members of ASCO can sponsor their own abstracts for presentation at the ASCO Annual Meeting; nonmembers must find an Active or Active-Junior member to sponsor their abstracts, spending time and effort that could otherwise be devoted to research. (Restrictions apply based on membership category.) ASCO members who want to see the latest results of their colleagues’ exciting research save 30% to 60% off the nonmember registration rate at the ASCO Annual Meeting and co-sponsored symposia, as well as discounts on related educational products such as Virtual Meeting and podcast presentations. In addition, members receive meeting materials, including the Annual Meeting Proceedings, at no charge. Fellows and junior faculty who serve as first authors on abstracts submitted for presentation at the ASCO Annual Meeting and co-sponsored symposia are invited to apply for Merit Awards at the time of their submission. Active and Active-Junior members receive free print and online access to ASCO’s flagship research publication, the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO). Opening doors and fostering collaboration Membership in ASCO also opens the door to a vast network of investigators, fostering collaboration and idea-sharing. “One of the most rewarding aspects of ASCO and its versatile functions is the opportunity to connect, network, and collaborate with colleagues, not just regionally but nationally and internationally, and with those in other fields and other cancer interests,” said Dr. Hussain. “The Society provides a unique balance between science, practice, professional development, education, and advocacy that is really unparalleled.” membernews@asco.org Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:43:57 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2695 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2688/October-Member-News-and-Notes.aspx#Comments 0 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2688 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2688&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2688/October-Member-News-and-Notes.aspx October 2010: The Journal of Thoracic Oncology published “Screening for Lung Cancer with Low- Dose Computed Tomography,” by Shaad E. Abdullah, MD, of Montefiore Medical Center, in New York, and colleagues. Al B. Benson III, MD, became President of the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) at its 36th Annual Meeting. Dr. Benson is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago, Illinois, as well as Associate Director for Clinical Investigation at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. He recently completed a term of office as Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Comprehensive Care Network. Statesman Journal featured an article about Nancy S. Boutin, MD, of Salem Cancer Institute, in Oregon, in its ongoing column, “People in the SJ,” which focused on her new leadership role in palliative care. ASCO Connection blogger Anees B. Chagpar, MD, was named Director of the Yale Breast Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital, in New Haven, Connecticut, and appointed in the section of surgical oncology in the Yale School of Medicine Department of Surgery. She came from the University of Louisville School of Medicine, in Kentucky. M. Sitki Copur, MD, of St. Francis Cancer Treatment Center, in Grand Island, Nebraska, was quoted in a Grand Island Independent article about the institution receiving the 2010 Clinical Trials Participation Award (CTPA). Paula M. Fracasso, MD, PhD, will continue serving as Deputy Director of the University of Virginia Cancer Center in the institution’s new Emily Couric Cancer Center building, which is slated to open its doors April 2011, in Charlottesville, Virginia. She was also named one of the 2009-2010 Best Doctors in America by Best Doctors, Inc. ASCO Past President David H. Johnson, MD, was named Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, in Dallas, Texas. He was formerly Director of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Deputy Director of its Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Oncology Editor-in-Chief Nora A. Janjan, MD, MPSA, MBA, of Navasota, Texas, became Editor for the journal’s new Practice & Policy department. Joshua E. Meyer, MD, joined the Department of Radiation Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. William F. Pirl, MD, of Massachussets General Hospital, and Andrew J. Roth, MD, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, in New York, were mentioned in a HemOnc Today article that cited their 1999 Oncology article, “Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression in Cancer Patients.” Bruce J. Roth, MD, was named Professor of Medicine in the Division of Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was formerly Professor of Medicine and Urologic Surgery at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Philip A. Salem, MD, was named Chair in Cancer Research at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston, Texas. Dr. Salem is the first person to hold this position at St. Luke’s. Clinical Trials: What Patients and Healthy Volunteers Need to Know, by Lorna Speid, PhD, of Speid & Associates, Inc., in San Diego, California, was published by Oxford University Press. The book—reviewed by David A. Williams, MD, Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at Harvard Medical School, among other physicians, and with a Forward written by Mark D. Pegram, MD, of the University of Miami—explains the process of clinical trials in the drug development context. Antoinette R. Tan, MD, MHSc, was named Director of Phase I/Developmental Therapeutics at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, in New Brunswick. Abby R. Thrower, MD, PhD, joined the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care, in Augusta, Maine. In Memoriam H. Marvin Camel, MD Merrill J. Egorin, MD Mark Edward Ellis, MD Bernard C. Korbitz, MD, FACP Lois F. O’Grady Graciela V. Pasccon, MD Amadeu Pelegri, MD, PhD Lawrence E. Pierce, MD Stephen John Tebes, MD ASCO members: If you have news you’d like to share with your colleagues, send an e-mail to ascoconnection@asco.org. membernews@asco.org Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:22:26 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2688 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2685/Finding-Balance-in-the-Great-Outdoors.aspx#Comments 1 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=498&ArticleID=2685 http://connection.asco.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2685&PortalID=0&TabID=141 http://connection.asco.org/Magazine/Article/ID/2685/Finding-Balance-in-the-Great-Outdoors.aspx October 2010 Issue: For some people, relaxing means leaning back and putting their feet up. Not so for ASCO member W. Charles Penley, MD, of Tennessee Oncology, who finds relaxation paddling whitewater rapids. Dr. Penley—Immediate Past Chair of the Clinical Practice Committee and member of the Cancer Education Committee and The ASCO Cancer Foundation Board of Directors—is an avid outdoorsman and certified swiftwater rescue instructor. He discusses what he calls “my transition from the golf-shoe crowd to the Teva sandal crowd” with ASCO Connection. AC: What sparked your interest in outdoor activities like whitewater paddling?   Dr. Penley and his daughter brave the rapids on the Nantahala River, North Carolina. Photo courtesy of Dr. Penley. Dr. Penley: When I was in college, I was into camping and backpacking, but I had gotten pretty far away from all that in my everyday life. Until the early 1990s, I played golf two or three days a week and didn’t own a pair of jeans or a collarless shirt. My sons were getting to be 10 or 11 years of age and were starting Boy Scouts—they joined a troop that did a lot of whitewater canoeing. We grew to love it, and we spent a lot of our time together outdoors. We camped, canoed, hiked, backpacked—all the things that Boy Scouts and dads do. As my sons got older, we joined one of the canoeing clubs in Middle Tennessee because we couldn’t get enough of it. By that time, I’d resigned my country club membership and owned more T-shirts than collared shirts. I’m 53 now, so I paddle less, but I still like to do it. We have a 12-year-old daughter and I take her canoeing. We hike, we fish, we fly-fish, we backpack...and I still don’t play golf. And I feel pretty good about that. I went through the “golf-withdrawal program” in the early ’90s, and I haven’t been back! AC: How did you get involved in swiftwater rescue? Dr. Penley: In the first year or two that I was paddling, we were on a canoe trip with a group of friends on the Hiwassee River in southeast Tennessee, a pleasant class II whitewater stream, and I saw a young boy flip in a small kayak. He didn’t know how to do an Eskimo roll, and he couldn’t get out of his kayak. He was struggling to get his head above water. It was clear that he was in trouble, and I just stood there paralyzed by my lack of knowledge about what to do. Our canoe club offers an American Canoe Association (ACA) course on swiftwater rescue. That fall I took the course and became fascinated by it. I spent the time required to become certified by the ACA to teach that skill, and for about 12 years I’ve taught swiftwater rescue for our canoe club. AC: Any high-adrenaline experiences that you can share? Dr. Penley: There are very urgent life-threatening situations, like someone’s head being stuck underwater, and I have witnessed people being rescued by friends, but most of what happens in river-rescue situations is what we call “assists.” We paddle technical whitewater streams here in Tennessee, so there are lots of rocks and obstacles in the streams and that’s what makes it fun, but it also creates challenges. The water goes in places you can’t, and you get stuck between rocks or up against a big log in the river. We can use the skills that we learned to help someone get out of a quick jam, and the day goes on. I’ve saved myself a couple of times. Part of what we learn in swiftwater rescue is self-rescue skills, so that we don’t become victims. About four years ago, I got stuck up against a rock, underwater, on the Big South Fork River. I could see the surface—I just couldn’t quite get there. With a little bit of knowledge, and by not panicking, I was able to push myself up the rock against the water pressure and find some air. What swiftwater rescue training really does is make us better and more safety-conscious paddlers. Most of the trips I go on now, with friends that I’ve developed over the last 15 years, usually include two or three other people who’ve had swiftwater rescue training. Your level of confidence really goes up knowing that the group is generally a safe group. AC: What other hobbies, activities, people, or experiences help you strike a good work/life balance? Dr. Penley: My wife and I like to travel. We’ve gravitated toward what I call active travel—not true “adventure travel” like an expedition to Greenland or the South Pole, but outdoor active stuff. We’ve taken a couple of bicycle trips to Italy with guided groups, where you bike during the day and at night you stay in a nice inn and eat good Italian food and drink good Italian wine. We did a walking tour of Scotland this summer. Two summers ago we took a five-day rafting trip down the Snake River in Hell’s Canyon in Idaho, camping at night. My sons are now 28 and 26, so we invite them along when we can. My older son and I went to Belize on a fly-fishing trip, which was a nice getaway for the two of us. My younger son and his girlfriend went with us to the Snake River. Our daughter is almost 13, and she went rafting on the Snake River and biking in northern Italy. She humors us. I find it very relaxing to be outdoors, and outdoor activities give me a big break from my day-to-day practice responsibilities. It has helped me stay sane—as sane as anybody can be at 53 after practicing oncology for 20-plus years. membernews@asco.org Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:07:25 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2685