Howard Weinstein, MD, runs to raise funds for cancer research

Weinstein elaborates on personal achievements, professional advancements and running marathons.

Howard Weinstein, MD, is the chief of pediatric hematology and oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. In this position, he plays an integral role in fundraising and shaping the program’s research agenda while also overseeing quality and safety issues. He is also responsible for recruitment and retention of the program’s faculty and nurse practitioners.

Besides these responsibilities, Weinstein also remains involved with teaching, clinical care and clinical investigation. He accomplishes this through his position at MassGeneral and also as the endowed R. Alan Ezekowitz Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.

What are a few of your personal and professional achievements in the field?

I’m most proud of my trainees, most notably Michael Link, MD, of the University of Stanford and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, and Holcombe Grier, MD, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children’s Hospital. I have also gotten great satisfaction from making important contributions to improving the outcomes for children with acute myelogenous leukemia and the malignant lymphomas. In addition I was very honored to have received the R. Alan Ezekowitz Professorship of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not practicing medicine?

Foremost, I enjoy spending time with my family, which includes my wife and three teenage children. I also enjoy marathon running. Last year, I ran my twentieth consecutive Boston Marathon to raise money for cancer research. I also play tennis and bike ride when I can find time in the summer.

What would you have done if you hadn’t gone into medicine?

To be honest, I have never really considered a different career. But since you asked, I would have thought about being a camp counselor and a middle school or high school science teacher.

What would you consider one of the biggest successes in pediatric oncology during your career?

One of the biggest successes I noted during my career was the recognition that the majority of NHLs in children are widespread at diagnosis despite a localized or regional presentation. Using this knowledge, the approach to these diseases changed from local therapy to systemic therapy (often modeled after ALL regimens) and this led to marked improvements in overall outcomes.

Howard Weinstein, MD, completed his twentieth consecutive Boston Marathon last year. Photo courtesy H. Weinstein, MD

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Listen to your patients’ parents very carefully and always pay attention to detail.

Whom do you consider a mentor?

I consider Emil Frei, MD, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and David G. Nathan, MD, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children’s Hospital, as two of my most important mentors during my career. Dr. Frei was very instrumental in mentoring me while I was learning how to be a clinical investigator. Dr. Nathan was my chief for many years and taught me the importance of integrating biology into all of our clinical trials.

What do you think will have the biggest influence on pediatric oncology in the next 10 years?

I think our ability to unravel genetic and epigenetic pathways in leukemias and solid tumors will focus our treatments in a more targeted fashion. This will both increase the cure rates and minimize toxicities to normal tissues and organs in children.

What was the last book you read?

The last book I read was Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann. It is a fascinating book about a tightrope walker who walked between the World Trade Center towers. The book then offers stories about the lives of many New Yorkers whose worlds intertwined with the tightrope walker’s. I found it really fascinating.

What kind of diet and exercise regimen do you have?

I don’t have a specific diet, although I try to avoid red meat as much as possible. I also try to avoid Fenway Franks, despite being a huge Boston Red Sox fan. In regards to an exercise regimen, my training isn’t terribly consistent during the year. However, when I’m preparing for marathons, I really ramp up my weekly mileage. In all honesty, I do try to stay in shape all year long.

Do you have a favorite travel destination?

I love Costa Rica. The people are wonderful and the geography is so varied. It’s a fascinating place to visit.

What is your favorite food?

I love Thai food, pasta and frozen yogurt. I could dine on those every day.

Do you have any pet peeves?

I like being on time for meetings and trips. I also like to hear very concise take home messages when I go to talks or conferences, which also follows with respect to hearing brief but comprehensive presentations from medical students, residents and fellows.