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ASCO to present special awards
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ASCO will present awards to several leaders of cancer care during the society’s annual meeting, scheduled for June 1-5 in Chicago.
"These oncology leaders’ remarkable contributions are improving care for people with cancer on a global scale,” Daniel F. Hayes, MD, FACP, FASCO, immediate past president of ASCO and chair of the special awards selection committee, said in a press release. “We are delighted to honor these inspiring honorees with ASCO's most prestigious awards for their leadership and exceptional service, and for making a difference in cancer care.”
Honorees are:
• Ralph R. Weichselbaum, MD — Weichselbaum, professor and chairman of the department of radiation and cellular oncology and codirector of Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research at University of Chicago, received the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award and Lecture. The award recognizes an oncologist who has made outstanding contributions to cancer research, diagnosis or treatment.
• Gabriel N. Hortobagyi, MD, FACP, FASCO — Hortobagyi, professor in the department of breast medical oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, will receive the Gianni Bonadonna Breast Cancer Award and Lecture. The award recognizes an active clinical or translational researcher with a distinguished record of accomplishments in advancing the field of breast cancer and with exceptional mentoring abilities.
• Douglas Lowy, MD — Lowy, deputy director of NCI, will receive the Science of Oncology Award and Lecture. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to basic or translational research in cancer.
• Karen H. Lu, MD — Lu, senior vice president and chief medical officer ad interim at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, will receive the ASCO-American Cancer Society Award and Lecture. The award recognizes significant contributions to cancer prevention and control research or practice.
• Nancy E. Davidson, MD, FASCO — Davidson, senior vice president and director of the clinical research division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, will receive the Allen S. Lichter Visionary Leader Award and Lecture. The award recognizes a recipient who has drastically changed the oncology field or who has made significant contributions to advance the mission of ASCO, CancerLinQ LLC or ASCO’s Conquer Cancer Foundation through his or her ability to lead and inspire.
• Gregory Reaman, MD, FASCO — Reaman, associate director for oncology sciences in the Office of Hematology and Oncology Products in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, will receive the Pediatric Oncology Award. The award recognizes the career and achievements of an individual who has contributed outstanding scientific work of major importance to the field of pediatric oncology.
• Supriya Gupta Mohile, MD, MS — Mohile, professor of medicine in the division of hematology/oncology at University of Rochester Medical Center, will receive the B.J. Kennedy Award and Lecture for Scientific Excellence in Geriatric Oncology. The award recognizes an ASCO member who made outstanding contributions to the research, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the elderly, and brought an understanding of geriatric oncology to fellows and junior faculty.
• John Mendelsohn, MD — Mendelsohn — L.E. & Virginia Simmons senior fellow in the division of health and technology policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute, as well as director of Zayed Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy and professor of genomic medicine at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center — will receive the Distinguished Achievement Award. The award recognizes leadership or mentorship by a scientist, practitioner or researcher in any subspecialty of oncology that has benefited ASCO members or their patients.
• Gregory P. Kalemkerian, MD, FACP — Kalemkerian, professor of medicine in the division of hematology/oncology at University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, will receive the Excellence in Teaching Award. The award recognizes an ASCO member who has had a demonstrable impact on their trainees and who has inspired and shaped their trainees’ practice of cancer medicine.
• Danielle Leach — Leach, senior director of advocacy and government relations for St. Baldrick’s Foundation, will receive the Partners in Progress Award. The award recognizes a person involved in patient advocacy activities that have an impact on public awareness about cancer.
• Gideon M. Blumenthal, MD — Blumenthal, acting deputy office director of the Office of Hematology and Oncology Products and associate director for precision oncology in the FDA Oncology Center of Excellence, will receive the Public Service Award. The award recognizes a person involved in legislative, political action or community service activities that have an impact on public awareness about cancer.
• Julie Gralow, MD, FASCO — Gralow — Jill Bennett endowed professor of breast medical oncology and professor of global health at University of Washington School of Medicine, member of the clinical research division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and director of breast medical oncology at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance — will receive the Humanitarian Award. The award recognizes an oncologist who personifies ASCO’s mission and values by going above and beyond the call of duty by providing outstanding patient care through innovative means, or exceptional service or leadership.