Thomas Duffy Honored With Duffy Hematology Firm

Thomas P. Duffy, MD, Professor Emeritus of Medicine (Hematology) at Yale School of Medicine, was honored earlier this month at a naming ceremony for the Duffy Hematology Firm at Yale New Haven Hospital. Duffy began his career at Yale in 1976 and has served as a distinguished physician, teacher, mentor, and role model for generations of house staff and fellows.

He is highly respected for his dedication and care of his patients, his incredible regard and talent for teaching, and his mentorship at Yale Cancer Center and Yale New Haven Hospital. Duffy is well-deserving of the honor of the Duffy Hematology Firm.

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Thomas P. Duffy, MD. Thomas P. Duffy, MD

Ohio State Lands Distinguished Surgeon, Top Liver Cancer Expert as New Chair

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has appointed a nationally recognized surgeon and liver cancer expert to lead its surgical and surgical oncology programs, beginning Aug. 1.

Approved by The Ohio State University Board of Trustees, Timothy Pawlik, MD, MPH, PhD, will become the new chair of the Medical Center's Department of Surgery and will also be The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research.

Pawlik comes to Ohio State from Johns Hopkins Hospital Department of Surgery, where he was the John L. Cameron Professor in Alimentary Tract Diseases, chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology, program director of the Surgical Oncology Fellowship and director of the Johns Hopkins Liver Tumor Center. He's been at Johns Hopkins since 2005 as professor of Surgery and Oncology.

Timothy Pawlik, MD, MPH, PhD. Timothy Pawlik, MD, MPH, PhD

"We're excited to welcome Tim to the Medical Center. His widely respected surgical acumen and expertise in liver cancer offers tremendous opportunities and advantages to our Department of Surgery. We're confident that his broad background in clinical program building, research excellence and team building will enhance the department's mission," said Dr. Sheldon Retchin, executive vice president of health sciences and CEO of the Medical Center.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Scientist Named Pew-Stewart Scholar

Paul A. Northcott, PhD, of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has been named a Pew-Stewart Scholar for Cancer Research, a program that supports young, innovative cancer researchers.

Northcott is an assistant member of the St. Jude Department of Developmental Neurobiology, whose research focuses on medulloblastoma, the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. His projects include using genome sequencing techniques to understand why medulloblastoma recurs. The findings from these studies should aid development of much-needed therapies for patients who relapse.

Paul A. Northcott, PhD. Paul A. Northcott, PhD

"This announcement continues a long legacy of support from Pew Charitable Trusts and its partners for St. Jude researchers at different stages of their careers," said James R. Downing, MD, St. Jude president and chief executive officer. "At St. Jude, we value that support, which helps early career researchers like Dr. Northcott tackle fundamental scientific questions, including unanswered questions in cancer biology, and use those insights to fill gaps in our understanding and treatment of medulloblastoma and other pediatric cancers."

Northcott is one of five new Pew-Stewart Scholars who were selected based on their dedication to pursuing innovative leads to cure cancer. The award includes four years of research funding. The program is a partnership between the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Alexander and Margaret Stewart Trust.

VICC's Levy named Komen Scholar for Breast Cancer Research

Mia Levy, MD, PhD, Ingram Assistant Professor of Cancer Research and director of Cancer Health Informatics and Strategy at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC), has been named a Komen Scholar by the Susan G. Komen organization.

Levy, assistant professor of Medicine and Biomedical Informatics, is among 15 leaders in breast cancer research and advocacy who will join the international advisory group to help guide Komen's research and scientific programs, education and public health efforts in the United States and abroad.

Mia Levy, MD, PhD. Mia Levy, MD, PhD

Levy, who treats breast cancer patients at VICC, was also selected for her expertise in big data and precision medicine. "I am deeply appreciative of this honor and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to the important work performed by the Komen organization," she said.

As a result of her selection as a Komen Scholar, Levy was eligible for and received a 3-year research grant.

Komen Scholars are chosen for their knowledge and leadership within the scientific and research communities, and for their own contributions to breast cancer research. Scholars bring a wide range of proficiencies across the spectrum of breast cancer science and care, including metastatic breast cancer, immunology, prevention, public health, disparities and patient advocacy.

Program Director Named for Oncology Center of RWJ Hamilton

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJ Hamilton) have announced the appointment of breast surgeon Firas Eladoumikdachi, MD, FACS, as Program Director for the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at Hamilton-the cancer center at RWJ Hamilton. He will be responsible for clinical leadership of the oncology service line at RWJ Hamilton including medical, surgical and radiation oncology.

"In having the opportunity to provide patient care on both campuses, it is clear that providing patient-centered, leading edge, comprehensive care is critical," noted Eladoumikdachi. "In my new role, I look forward to expanding that mission by further collaborating with my New Brunswick colleagues to develop enhanced oncology services for the people of Hamilton, Mercer County and the region."

Firas Eladoumikdachi, MD, FACS. Firas Eladoumikdachi, MD, FACS

According to Richard Freeman, president and CEO of RWJ Hamilton, Eladoumikdachi's strong emphasis on patient-physician communication and his collaboration with other specialists in performing breast-conserving surgery "affords the high-level leadership quality required in this role to work with others across various disciplines to meet the complex needs of our patients."

"Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey has the ability to provide patients at affiliate locations like RWJ Hamilton access to unique oncology services that may not be available at traditional community hospitals. Eladoumikdachi's strong interest in clinical research and knowledge of both campuses will afford patients in the Hamilton region an opportunity to receive such services, as can only be provided by a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, while remaining close to home," added Rutgers Cancer Institute Interim Director Bruce G. Haffty, MD, who is also professor and chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Rutgers Cancer Institute, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

A resident of Montgomery Township, Eladoumikdachi is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He has been with RWJ Hamilton and the Stacy Goldstein Breast Cancer Center at Rutgers Cancer Institute in New Brunswick for the past year. Prior to that, Eladoumikdachi served as the Director of the breast program at Genesis Health Care System in Ohio and Vice Chair of Ohio Integrated Care Providers.