Looking forward to doing much more scientific research and attending far fewer meetings,
McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine
faculty member Ronald Herberman, MD (pictured), steps down as Director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI). During his tenure, UPCI began as an inspiration which today is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in western Pennsylvania. Since its start and under Dr. Herberman’s leadership, UPCI has been committed to improving the understanding of how cancer develops; to characterizing new lifesaving approaches for cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment; and to educating future generations of scientists and clinicians.
Now as the senior adviser to the new UPCI director, Dr. Herberman will spend more time in the laboratory focused on his research interests that include cancer immunology, biological therapeutics, biomarkers, and dissemination of cancer research results. He currently is co-principal investigator of a grant entitled “Integrating NK and DC into Cancer Therapy.” In addition to his research efforts, Dr. Herbman is the associate vice chancellor for cancer research within the School of Medicine, Department of Health Sciences. In this capacity, he has the responsibility for enhancing and facilitating the basic and clinical research activities of the six schools of the health sciences and of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Other appointments include chief of the Division of Hematology/ Oncology and the Hillman Professor of Oncology. He is also a professor of Medicine and Pathology.
Today, UPCI is ranked 10th in National Cancer Institute funding, including three competitive Specialized Program of Research Excellence grants focusing on head and neck, lung, and skin cancers. The UPCI and UPMC Cancer Centers network represents more than 2,100 experts in surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, otolaryngology, neuro-oncology, palliative care, behavioral medicine, and gynecologic oncology; scientists; administrative staff; and other health care professionals working closely together to help people with cancer. Through its hub-and-satellite network of more than 45 community-based locations in western Pennsylvania and two centers in Ireland, cutting-edge treatments and technologies, including more than 150 clinical trials, are available closer to home.
Dr. Ronald Herberman arrived in Pittsburgh in 1985 to a small office in Eye & Ear Hospital in Oakland, a staff of two, and Senior Vice Chancellor Dr. Thomas Detre's vision of building a cancer institute. Through his guidance and the culmination of 24 years of dedication and service, UPCI is presently internationally recognized for its leadership in the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Thank you, Dr. Herberman.
Illustration: McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
Read more…
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (01/31/09)
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
Bio: Dr. Ronald Herberman