William Farrar, MD, was named CEO of The James after serving as interim CEO for nearly two years. Farrar has had a long and successful history as a surgical oncologist, serving on The James medical staff since the hospital opened in 1990. The late Arthur G. James, MD, for whom the hospital is named, mentored and later worked alongside Farrar, who has held a number of leadership positions. He also directs the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center at the OSUCCC – James.
Clara D. Bloomfield, MD, a Distinguished University Professor at Ohio State who serves as cancer scholar and senior adviser to the OSUCCC – James, received a European LeukemiaNet Merit Award for her contributions to international integration of leukemia research, particularly in acute myeloid leukemia. A globally known medical scientist, Bloomfield has earned many accolades since she came to Ohio State in 1997.
The American College of Nuclear Medicine (ACNM) re-elected Michael Knopp, MD, PhD, and Chadwick Wright, MD, PhD, to its board of directors. The ACNM is dedicated to enhancing the practice of nuclear medicine through the study, education and improvement of clinical practice. Knopp is a professor, Distinguished University Scholar and Novartis Chair of Imaging Research in the Department of Radiology at Ohio State. Wright is an assistant professor in the Department of Radiology. Knopp also is in the Translational Therapeutics Program at the OSUCCC – James.
The NCI appointed Lynne Abruzzo, MD, PhD, professor in the Department of Pathology at Ohio State and member of the Leukemia Research Program at the OSUCCC – James, to its Board of Scientific Counselors – Clinical Sciences and Epidemiology. Abruzzo focuses her research on low-grade B-cell leukemia and lymphoma, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
A study by Naduparambil Jacob, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Ohio State and member of the Translational Therapeutics Program at the OSUCCC – James, was one of 10 proposals selected by NASA to support astronaut health and performance on longer missions to the moon and Mars. Jacob aims to study predictive biomarkers for space radiation-induced cancer and cardiovascular injury risk assessment.
Floor Backes, MD, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Ohio State and member of the Cancer Control Program at the OSUCCC – James, has assumed the national role of co-chair for the NRG Oncology Developmental Therapeutics Committee. NRG Oncology is a nonprofit research organization formed to conduct national and international oncologic clinical research and to disseminate study results for informing clinical decision making and healthcare policy. Backes also was named local lead investigator for the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) Foundation Inc.
The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance (OCRFA) presented the Liz Tilberis Research Prize for Outstanding Early Career Investigators to Selvendiran Karuppaiyah, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Ohio State and member of the Translational Therapeutics Program at the OSUCCC – James. OCRFA bestows this distinction annually on one individual who has impacted the field of ovarian cancer research.
The American College of Gastroenterology presented Darrell Gray II, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Ohio State, a Service Award for Colorectal Cancer Outreach, Prevention and Year-Round Excellence for Best Community Service Delivery and Comprehensive Community Education Initiative. Gray is in the Cancer Control Program at the OSUCCC – James.
Larry Copeland, MD, professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Ohio State and member of the Translational Therapeutics Program at the OSUCCC – James, is president of the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) Foundation Inc. after previously serving as vice president. The GOG Foundation is an independent, international, non-profit organization that promotes the quality and integrity of clinical and basic scientific research in gynecologic malignancies.
Nilendu Gupta, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Ohio State, was elected as a Fellow of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM). The category of Fellow honors AAPM members who have distinguished themselves by contributions in research, education or leadership in the medical physics community. For the past decade Gupta has been the chief medical physicist in the Department of Radiation Oncology.
David Cohn, MD, chief medical officer at the OSUCCC – James, was elected president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) for the 2020-21 term year. Cohn’s four-year commitment began in March 2018 when he became president-elect II for one year. He is now serving as president-elect I, after which he will serve as president (2020-21) and past president (2021-22).
Ritu Salani, MD, MBA, professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Ohio State and member of the Cancer Control Program at the OSUCCC – James, was elected to a three-year term as co-chair of the Cervical Task Force established by the NCI’s Gynecologic Cancers Steering Committee. Her term extends through May 31, 2021. Salani also serves as chair of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society’s (IGCS) Education Committee, and as chair of the Compliance Committee for the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO).
The board of directors for the International Thyroid Oncology Group (ITOG) elected Manisha Shah, MD, professor in the Division of Medical Oncology, to a three-year term as chair of the ITOG. Her term began in 2018. Shah is in the Translational Therapeutics Program at the OSUCCC – James.
Barbara Andersen, PhD, a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Psychology at Ohio State and member of the Cancer Control Program at the OSUCCC – James, co-authored an expert commentary and accompanying podcast for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) on recognizing, assessing, referring and monitoring cancer patients with symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety or depression. Her co-author was Marlena Ryba, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at Coastal Carolina University. Their commentary appeared in ASCO Daily News.
Patrick Green, PhD, professor and associate dean for research and graduate studies in The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, was named associate director for basic sciences at the OSUCCC – James. He facilitates basic science throughout the cancer program and works with the other associate directors to foster translational research initiatives. Green is in the Leukemia Research Program and also directs Ohio State’s Center for Retrovirus Research.
Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, PhD, director of The Ohio State University Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research and a member of the Cancer Control Program at the OSUCCC – James, received the 2018 American Psychological Association Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions. Kiecolt-Glaser is a Distinguished University Professor in the departments of Psychology and Psychiatry at Ohio State. Her citation appeared in the journal American Psychologist.
John Grecula, MD, professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Ohio State and member of the Translational Therapeutics Program at the OSUCCC – James, was elected as president-elect of the International Society of Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (ISIORT). This organization provides a platform for scientists and clinicians from around the world to present new research, developments and clinical data. Grecula also is an elected board member of ISIORT.
Ann-Kathrin Eisfeld, MD, hematology/oncology fellow in the Physician Scientist Training Program at Ohio State, and Meixiao Long, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the Division of Hematology at Ohio State and member of the Leukemia Research Program at the OSUCCC – James, both received a 2019 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Scholar Award in the Basic/Translational Junior Faculty category. Eisfeld’s award will help her continue her research as a “Young Investigator,” receiving senior support from Elaine Mardis, PhD, Clara D. Bloomfield, MD, and Albert de la Chapelle, MD, PhD. Under the direction of John C. Byrd, MD, Long and colleagues are studying the immune modulatory effects of small molecule kinase inhibitors and their potential for immunotherapy. Also, Eisfeld was honored as one of 15 NextGen Stars for 2019 at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting. The NextGen Stars program represents one of the highest honors for young investigators at the AACR.
Jonathan Song, PhD, assistant professor in the College of Engineering at Ohio State and member of the Cancer Biology Program at the OSUCCC – James, received a $187,772 grant from The Mark Foundation® for Cancer Research to support his development of a preclinical disease model to precisely interrogate how brain metastases obtain vasculature through the co-option of pre-existing blood vessels. Song leads an interdisciplinary lab at Ohio State that applies microtechnology, principles from tissue engineering, and quantitative engineering analysis for studying dynamics of tumor and vascular biology.
Ricardo Carrau, MD, professor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Ohio State, has been elected president of the board of directors of the North American Skull Base Society, a professional medical society that facilitates communication worldwide between individuals pursuing clinical and research excellence in skull base surgery. Carrau is an otolaryngologist – head and neck surgeon at the OSUCCC – James who has many clinical and research interests.
Carolyn Presley, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Medical Oncology at Ohio State and member of the Cancer Control Program at the OSUCCC – James, received the 2019 Health in Aging Foundation New Investigator Award from the American Geriatrics Society. This national award recognizes individuals who are committed to a career in aging research. Presley is a thoracic and geriatric oncologist specializing in the treatment of older adults with advanced lung cancer.
The Society of University Surgeons (SUS) recently bestowed its Mid-Career Award on Clara Lee, MD, MPP, associate professor in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Ohio State and a member of the Cancer Control Program at the OSUCCC – James. Given to one person annually, this prestigious award supports Lee’s research on the implementation of breast reconstruction decision support in diverse practice settings.
The National Minority Quality Forum recognized Lanla Conteh, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Ohio State, as a 2019 40 Under 40 Leader in Minority Health. Representing the next generation of thought leaders in reducing health disparities, only 40 outstanding individuals are selected nationally each year for this honor. Conditions that Conteh treats as a physician include hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer.
The American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) elected Russell Lonser, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at Ohio State, as an ABNS director. The ABNS consists of 15 directors and officers elected from among practicing neurosurgeons certified by the board. Directors are elected to a single six-year term. As a neurosurgeon, Lonser provides treatment for several cancers.
Julia White, MD, professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Ohio State and member of the Translational Therapeutics Program at the OSUCCC – James, was co-principal investigator for a national clinical trial that the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) highlighted as a top-rated study at its annual meeting in Chicago. At the Plenary Session, White presented an abstract titled “Cosmetic Outcome From Post-Lumpectomy Whole Breast Irradiation (WBI) Versus Partial Breast Irradiation (PBI) on the NRG Oncology/NSABP B39-RTOG 0413 Phase III Clinical Trial.”
Elaine Mardis, PhD, professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Ohio State and member of the Translational Therapeutics Program at the OSUCCC – James, was elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), an organization that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. Election to the NAM is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine.
Allan Tsung, MD, professor and director of the Division of Surgical Oncology at Ohio State, was elected as president-elect of the Society of Asian Academic Surgeons (SAAS). The SAAS was founded to focus on the personal and professional development of Asian academic surgeons. Tsung also is in the Translational Therapeutics Program at the OSUCCC – James.
Ann-Kathrin Eisfeld, MD, a hematology/oncology fellow in the Physician Scientist Training Program at Ohio State, was selected to receive an American Society of Hematology (ASH) Abstract Achievement Award for her abstract titled “The 2017 European Leukemianet Genetic Risk Classification Performs Poorly in Older Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Should be Refined to Identify Patients Requiring Additional or Alternative Treatment.” The abstract was featured at the 61st ASH Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla.
Joel Mayerson, MD, professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at Ohio State and medical director of Perioperative Services and the Sarcoma Service Line at The James, was inducted to a one-year term as president of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) at the 2019 MSTS annual meeting in Portland, Ore. The MSTS is the premier source of research, education and advocacy for patients with musculoskeletal cancers and is the largest professional specialty society in musculoskeletal oncology in North America. Mayerson also directs the Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology at Ohio State.
Claire Verschraegen, MD, professor and director of the Division of Medical Oncology at Ohio State, and associate director for translational research at the OSUCCC – James, was named 2019 Woman Oncologist of the Year at the first-ever Leadership Empowerment and Development (LEAD) 2020 Conference: Enriching Experiences for Women in Hematology and Oncology held in October 2019 in Santa Monica, Calif. More than 100 women from across the nation attended the conference, which addressed challenges women face in the hematology/oncology field and identified strategies for women to advance into leadership roles.