Philanthropy Newsroom

HOUSTON ― The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has named Jacqueline B. Broadway-Duren, Ph.D., D.N.P., as the recipient of the 2022 Brown Foundation Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing. The Brown Foundation Award is the institution’s highest individual nursing honor, recognizing excellence in all aspects of oncology nursing, including superior patient care and adherence to the utmost standards in clinical treatment.

A committee comprised of MD Anderson clinical faculty, patient care administration, nursing staff and previous award recipients selected Broadway-Duren as the recipient, awarding her $15,000, a pin and a commemorative crystal plaque. Abbey Kaler and Nancy Wipf were recognized as finalists, receiving a $5,000 cash award.

Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson; Rosanna Morris, chief operating officer; Lavonia Thomas, D.N.P., nursing informatics officer; Joyce Dains, Dr.P.H, executive director for Advanced Practice Nursing; and Ann Ziker, Ph.D., executive director of The Brown Foundation joined in congratulating Broadway-Duren and the finalists at an award ceremony today.

“Our nurses are our front line in Making Cancer History^®,” said Pisters. “The Brown Foundation Award honors the phenomenal teammates at MD Anderson who go above and beyond every day to provide exceptional care for patients and their loved ones from around the world.”

MD Anderson nurses embody excellence in cancer care
The awardee, Jacqueline B. Broadway-Duren, is an advanced practice nurse in Leukemia. She joined the institution in 2001 and has since obtained two doctorate degrees and served on several advance practice committees and councils. Broadway-Duren said she is most proud of the research study she established as co-primary investigator that evaluates incidence of underlying autoimmune diseases in patients with chronic leukemia. In 2021, she received the Division of Cancer Medicine Award for Excellence in Patient Care. Broadway-Duren has delivered educational lectures, presented her work at professional conferences, and authored or co-authored numerous articles published in peer-reviewed journals.

“Being an advanced practice nurse at MD Anderson is the greatest professional accomplishment in my lifetime,” said Broadway-Duren. “I am honored to be a part of such a prestigious medical facility.”

Finalist Abbey Kaler is an advanced practice nurse for the Advanced Breast Cancer Clinic. Her professional affiliation with MD Anderson began in 2012, but her personal connection to the institution started at age 9 when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Kaler said the compassionate and knowledgeable nurses at MD Anderson supported her and her family through two craniotomies and, ultimately, inspired her to pursue nursing. She also is a Jane and Robert Cizik Ph.D. Scholar and leads various departmental initiatives.

Finalist Nancy Wipf is an advanced practice provider supervisor for Colon and Rectal Surgery. Her service at MD Anderson began in 2010 in Radiation Oncology and later Breast Surgical Oncology. Wipf said she appreciates the personal and educational growth opportunities provided by MD Anderson in areas of patient care, research and leadership. She serves on multiple institutional committees and contributes to fast-track pilot programs for newly diagnosed and young-onset colorectal cancer patients. Wipf received the Alice Judkins Professional Development Grant Award in 2022.

Recognizing a legacy of philanthropy
Herman and Margarett Root Brown and George R. and Alice Pratt Brown founded The Brown Foundation in 1951. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $1.54 billion in grants for public charitable purposes, primarily for support, encouragement and assistance to education, the arts and community service.

In 1982, The Brown Foundation established the award, formerly known as the Ethel Fleming Arceneaux Outstanding Nurse-Oncologist Award. This year marks the 41^st anniversary of the award. Through the ongoing support and continued generosity of the Brown Foundation,
MD­ Anderson recognizes and applauds the crucial role of oncology nurses in the institution’s mission to end cancer.

“The Brown Foundation Award pays tribute to the extraordinary individuals who consistently demonstrate their personal dedication to our patients and who share their professional expertise to enhance their quality of life,” said Pisters. “We are grateful for the foundation’s tremendous support.”

More than $650,000 raised at 11th annual luncheon 

HOUSTON ― The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s signature A Conversation With a Living Legend® event brought together more than 300 people Friday to honor Nobel laureate James P. Allison, Ph.D., vice president of Immunobiology and chair of Immunology at MD Anderson, and to learn more about the future of cancer research in the field of immunobiology. The event raised more than $650,000. 

Led by event chairs Malú and Carlos Alvarez, the program benefitted the James P. Allison Institute, a visionary research and innovation hub created to conduct groundbreaking science that integrates immunobiology across all disciplines and unlocks the full potential of science and medicine for human health. With exceptional discovery, translational and clinical research, the Allison Institute will rapidly advance breakthroughs into novel and synergetic therapies that enable cures.

“Immunotherapy has truly transformed care for many patients with cancer, with dramatic responses,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson. “However, not all patients can benefit from it yet. The goal of the Allison Institute is to change that. And what an honor it is, not only to see such dedicated support from San Antonio in this effort, but to recognize such a visionary leader in this field, the institute’s namesake, Dr. Allison.”

San Antonio Connections and Conversation

The luncheon kicked off at the Marriott Rivercenter with remarks from longtime San Antonio journalist Robert Rivard, formerly of the San Antonio Report. The program also included remarks from San Antonio native Marsha Shields, a senior member of the MD Anderson Board of Visitors. 

Eric Benson, writer-at-large at Texas Monthly, sat down with Allison to discuss the scientist’s accomplishments in the field and his connections to South Texas. Benson’s 2016 cover story on Allison, “The Iconoclast,” won best profile at the City and Regional Magazine Awards. 

Allison was awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries that launched the field of cancer immunotherapy. His fundamental research provided new insights into T cell biology and led to his invention of ipilimumab, a monoclonal antibody medication. Allison serves as director of the Allison Institute and is vice president of Immunobiology and regental chair of Immunology at MD Anderson. 

Making Cancer History®

Since the event first began in Alamo City, San Antonio-area business and community leaders have dedicated countless hours to A Conversation With a Living Legend®, raising more than $4.5 million to date for lifesaving patient programs, unique treatments and novel research at MD Anderson. The signature format has been used across the country in cities such as Houston, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas and Atlanta. 

Title sponsors are Malú and Carlos Alvarez; the Bellinger Foundation; Jimmie Ruth and Dick Evans/Frost Bank/Kelley and Pat Frost/Nancy Loeffler; and Lewis Energy Group. Presenting sponsors include the Dreeben Family; the Mays Family Foundation; Red McCombs Automotive; and Scott Petty Family Foundation. Other major supporters include the following donors at various levels of support:

Nobel Laureate

• Claire and John Alexander
• Lois Chiles
• Silver Eagle Beverages/John L. Nau III
• Worth & Associates/Mary Worth’s Family
• Valero 

Scientist

• Embrey
• Tom and Diane Gates
• H-E-B
• Howard M. Meyers
• Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc. 

Harmonicist

• Sally and Rhew Dooley
• Edwina and Tom Johnson
• Regina Rogers in loving memory of Julie and Ben Rogers
• UT Health San Antonio
• Suzanne and Dick Wade

South Texas Native

• Phyllis and James Browning
• Judy Dalrymple
• Ashley and Foster Sinclair
• Weisie and John T. Steen, Jr.
• Lorrie and Arthur Uhl

1.2-mile walk, which participants can also do virtually, raises funds for cancer research around the globe

HOUSTON ― Thousands are expected at MD Anderson’s Boot Walk to End Cancer^® on Saturday, Nov. 5, as The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center prepares for the in-person return of the seventh annual event in the Texas Medical Center. Registrants also may participate virtually by walking in their own neighborhoods. Registration is free and open to all ages.

The annual walk raises awareness and funding for MD Anderson’s life-saving work, with 100% of donated funds going directly to support the institution’s mission to end cancer. Since the Boot Walk's inception in 2016, participants have raised more than $9.2 million to support critical patient care and research programs at MD Anderson.

“The Boot Walk is more than a walk. It is a movement that engages us all to come together for our patients around the world,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson. “Each of us has been touched by the ravages of this disease in some way, and it will take all of us working together to move the needle in our mission to end cancer.”

Event-Day Information

The registration and donation tent opens at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5. The 1.2-mile noncompetitive walk starts at 9 a.m. behind MD Anderson’s Mays Clinic, at the corner of Bertner Avenue and Pressler Street. Free parking will be available at Fannin South Transit Center (1604 West Bellfort) and includes free METRORail rides to and from the registration area. Free ADA parking will be available in Pressler Garage (1180 Pressler Street).

Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite boots to symbolize giving cancer "the boot." Those who raise at least $100 earn a commemorative T-shirt. Shirts earned after Oct. 28 can be picked up at the registration and donation tent. Shirts can also be mailed after the event. Strollers and baby joggers are allowed on the route. Participants are asked to leave pets at home, but service animals are welcome.

Event day will feature a festive finish line party with live music by The Slaggs, refreshments provided by Walmart, a Kids Zone with games sponsored by Houston Dash and Houston Dynamo, photo ops and more. George Lindsey of The Bull 100.3 will emcee the event and players from the Houston Dash and Houston Dynamo FC, along with their mascot, Diesel, will cheer for participants as they cross the finish line.

Sponsors include Walmart, Cavender’s, Houston Dash, Houston Dynamo, Mustang Cat, York Construction, IBC Bank and Skanska USA Building, Inc. Media partners include Audacy’s The Bull 100.3 and Mix 96.5, Clear Channel, Outfront and Houston Chronicle.

Funds to support recruitment of leading scientists to advance exceptional research

HOUSTON ― The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today announced that the Timken Foundation of Canton, Ohio, has made a $5 million commitment to support the James P. Allison Institute at MD Anderson. The gift will support the recruitment of top minds from around the world to help realize the Allison Institute’s goals. By establishing a diverse and inclusive environment of scientists from many fields, the Allison Institute will drive exceptional research that integrates immunobiology across disciplines to develop a comprehensive understanding of the immune system.

“The Timken Foundation has supported research efforts at
MD Anderson dating back to the 1990s. We recognized this opportunity to play an early role in the Allison Institute at our country’s premier institution for cancer care and research,” said Robert Timken, president of the Foundation. “The goal is to advance science and end cancer. We are honored to support the Allison Institute in recruiting world-class experts and the next generation of trailblazers in immunotherapy.” 

The Allison Institute is a visionary research and innovation hub created to unlock the full potential of science and medicine for human health. By integrating discovery, translational and clinical research, the Allison Institute will rapidly advance breakthroughs into novel and synergetic therapies that enable cures. The institute builds upon the legacy and foundational discoveries of James P. Allison, Ph.D., who was awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on T cell biology and the invention of ipilimumab, the first immune checkpoint inhibitor to treat cancer.

“We are truly grateful for the support of the Timken Foundation as we continue in our pursuit to conduct the best science possible and to bring cures to more patients,” said Allison, director of the Allison Institute and regental chair of Immunology at MD Anderson. “Thanks to the generous support of benefactors like the Timken Foundation, we are attracting world-renowned scientists to transform how we conduct impactful research and help us realize the promise of immune-based treatments for all patients.”

Commitment to Making Cancer History® spans decades

In addition to the Timken Foundation’s generous contributions over four decades, Sue Timken has served on the Board of Visitors at MD Anderson Cancer Center for two decades. She was joined by her husband Ambassador W.R. “Tim” Timken, Jr., as co-chairs of “41@80,” a monumental philanthropic celebration in honor of former President George H.W. Bush’s 80^th birthday. The event raised more than $55 million for three organizations, including MD Anderson, resulting in over $26 million in donor-directed funds coming back to the institution.

“Generational giving such as that demonstrated by the Timken Foundation has played a critical role in MD Anderson’s past and will continue to play a pivotal rule in the next era of cancer care and research,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson. “Not only will the Timken Foundation inspire others across the country to join our mission, but their generosity will also motivate future generations and impact the lives of cancer patients and their families in the years to come.”

HOUSTON― The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center welcomed 15 new members to the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors (BOV) with the start of a new fiscal year. This announcement comes ahead of the annual BOV dinner on Oct. 26 and meeting on Oct. 27, both of which will take place in person for the first time since 2019.

Effective Sept. 1, the following business and community leaders were appointed to the BOV, a nonfiduciary, advisory board established in 1956. These individuals join the ranks of more than 250 leaders committed to ending cancer with MD Anderson:

• Alex Bernhardt, Jr. of Lenior, NC
• Monika Bickert of San Jose, CA
• Jeet Bindra of Lafayette, CA
• Randall Bone of Aspen, CO
• Tommy Fatjo of Houston, TX
• Bill Lampton of Flora, MS
• Stephen Mulva of College Station, TX
• John Nau of Houston, TX
• Jeff Netzer of Colleyville, TX
• Cathy Oestmann of Midland, TX
• Joe O’Neill of Midland, TX
• Doug Schnitzer of Houston, TX
• Tanya Shah of Weston, MA
• Jason Wells of Houston, TX
• John Zachry of San Antonio, TX

“I am honored to welcome this inspiring group of influential, compassionate advisors to our Board of Visitors. These generous leaders have been carefully selected for important supporting roles in our mission to end cancer. We look forward to working with them to advance MD Anderson’s impact on humanity in this exciting new era of cancer research and care,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson.

Additionally, the BOV has appointed a fresh slate of leaders to its Officers Committee. These officers will hold their positions for two years and join more than 50 other members of the Executive Committee, including current BOV chair, Clarence P. Cazalot, Jr.

• The Honorable Donald L. Evans of Midland, TX, Immediate Past Chair
• James L. Gallogly of Austin, TX, Chair Elect
• Maureen Hackett of Houston, TX, Vice Chair
• Winell Herron of San Antonio, TX, Vice Chair
• Melvyn “Mel” N. Klein of Corpus Christi, TX, Life Member
• Marsha Shields of San Antonio, TX, Vice Chair
• Sam L. Susser of Dallas, TX, Vice Chair

This year, Tom Johnson, former BOV vice chair, will take on an elevated role of Special Advisor to the President. In this advisory capacity, Johnson will serve as a direct link from the greater BOV group to President Pisters and MD Anderson’s President’s Office.

"It is exciting to see the strength of our Board continue to grow with the addition of such phenomenal leaders and new members across various industries and communities," Cazalot said. "I look forward to the many strides we will make in our mission to end cancer, this year and beyond."

HOUSTON ― The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center named this year’s recipients of its most prestigious endowed faculty awards during the President’s Recognition of Faculty Excellence event.

“We proudly recognize these exemplary clinicians and researchers for their bold innovation and relentless pursuit of excellence. They are discovering new treatments, improving existing therapies and identifying early interventions for cancer prevention. Their dedication advances our mission to end cancer,” said President Peter WT Pisters, M.D., in a message to the institution following the event.

Shirley Stein Scientific Endowed Research Award
The Shirley Stein Scientific Endowed Research Award recognizes the exceptional clinical research of faculty members with limited project resources. The endowment was established in 2014 by Board of Visitors (BOV) member Gary Stein and his family and BOV Life Member Regina Rogers. Each recipient receives $10,000 to generate preliminary data to support their competition for larger grants and federal funding. The 2022 recipients are:

• Deyali Chatterjee, M.D., assistant professor of Pathology
• Emil Schueler, Ph.D., assistant professor of Radiation Physics

Chatterjee is recognized for her scholarship in gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) pathology, including multiple interdisciplinary publications within her areas of expertise. She engages in translational research in liver, pancreatic and other gastrointestinal cancers and recently was awarded a junior faculty seed grant by the department of Pathology for her original research project on tumor-insular complexes in pancreatic cancer.

Schueler is recognized for his work focusing on FLASH radiation therapy, an innovative approach with potential to shift current practice in radiation oncology. FLASH radiation therapy delivers radiation at extremely high dose rates in very brief times and allows more precise targeting of the tumor and less exposure to nearby normal tissues. Schueler is establishing the technical infrastructure for translating FLASH for patient treatment, is developing the physics and dosimetry measurements needed to ensure patient safety and is conducting preclinical studies with cell cultures and animal models to optimize outcomes and reveal how FLASH spares noncancerous tissues.

R. Lee Clark Prize
Established in 2016 and funded by the Estate of Jeanne F. Shelby, the R. Lee Clark Prize recognizes MD Anderson faculty in clinical research and basic/translational research with a $5,000 prize. The prize honors the dedication to scholarship, service and social responsibility embraced by the late R. Lee Clark, M.D., first president of MD Anderson. The 2022 recipients are:

• Anirban Maitra, M.B.B.S., professor of Pathology
• Kathleen Schmeler, M.D., professor of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine

Maitra is the scientific director of the Maitra Laboratory at the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, and is the holder of the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Distinguished University Chair. The principal investigator of an NCI-funded laboratory dedicated to pancreatic cancer research, he has trained more than 50 postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, many of whom are now independent faculty members in institutions across the country. With over 300 peer-reviewed publications, he is the second-most cited pancreatic cancer researcher in the world.

Internationally recognized for her research, Schmeler has increased awareness of global disparities in cervical cancer screening and care. Her mentorship of young physicians has improved patient care in many communities that might otherwise not have access to an expert in gynecologic cancers. Through Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), her team serves as mentors and teachers for physicians in Rio Grande Valley, Mozambique, Brazil, Colombia and other areas around the globe that are underserved in HPV prevention and cervical cancer care.

The John Mendelsohn Award for Faculty Leadership
The Mendelsohn Award was established in 2019 to honor the late John Mendelsohn, M.D., third president of MD Anderson. Mendelsohn inspired achievements in research-driven patient care, directed expansion of clinical and research facilities, and forged a research program focused on translating scientific findings to patient care and prevention. The annual $5,000 award recognizes a faculty member who reflects Mendelsohn’s leadership, scholarship and values. The 2022 recipient is:

• Guillermina Lozano, Ph.D., chair of Genetics
  

Lozano is internationally renowned in the field of cancer genetics. In 1987, she became the first to establish p53 as a transcriptional activator of other genes. Sometimes called the "guardian of the genome," p53 is a tumor suppressor gene that, when neutralized, plays a critical role in the development of many types of tumors. In 2017, she became the sixth MD Anderson scientist to be elected to the National Academy of Sciences, and the first faculty member selected based on research conducted while at MD Anderson.

The Jack and Beverly Randall Prize for Excellence in Cancer Treatment
MD Anderson Board of Visitors member Jack Randall and his wife, Beverly, established The Jack and Beverly Randall Prize for Excellence in Cancer Treatment in 2011 to encourage innovative ideas and the novel thinking necessary to end cancer. The $100,000 Randall Prize honors researchers and clinicians who demonstrate uncommon foresight and ingenuity, as well as dedication to excellence in cancer care. The annual prize alternates between supporting exceptional researchers and thoughtful clinicians caring for patients with cancer. The 2022 recipient is:

• Maria Cabanillas, M.D., professor of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders

Cabanillas is one of the foremost endocrinologists performing innovative clinical research in thyroid cancer. When she first entered the field, patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma had a median survival of about 3-4 months. Through her work at MD Anderson, Cabanillas has transformed the standard of care and increased the median survival for those in her trials to 18+ months, with many patients nearly disease-free for several years. She led the creation of FAST (Facilitating Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Specialized Treatment), a multidisciplinary group at MD Anderson that sees the highest volume of anaplastic thyroid cancer patients in the nation. Additionally, Cabanillas established a fund to aid patients without the means to travel to MD Anderson for evaluation and clinical trial enrollment, which has enabled many patients to access care.

HOUSTON― The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has awarded Uniqua Smith, Ph.D., executive director of Workforce Health & Wellness, the Julie and Ben Rogers Award for Excellence in Cancer Administration. The annual award recognizes employees who consistently demonstrate excellence in their work and dedication to MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer. The award’s focus rotates annually among the areas of patient care, research, education, prevention and administration.

Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson, and Regina Rogers, a Life Member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors (BOV), hosted a virtual awards ceremony today announcing Smith as the 2022 recipient. Smith received a $15,000 prize and a framed certificate of merit.

Four additional finalists were recognized along with Smith. They each received a $2,500 prize as well as a certificate of merit:

• Liz Burton, executive director, STRIDE, Genomic Medicine
• Laura Comer, division administrator, Surgery, Clinical
• Devina Patel, director, Environmental Health and Safety, Sustainability and Emergency Management
• Enrique (Rick) Valdez, Jr., associate director, Research Planning and Development, Health Disparities Research

Nursing administrator implements best practices in cancer care
Smith directs MD Anderson’s quality improvement and evidence-based practice programs in nursing, overseeing the mentorship of more than 4,400 nurses at the institution. Smith guides nurses as they disseminate academic findings through abstracts, conference presentations and journal publications. Her work ensures best practices are implemented and shared not only throughout the institution but across the world.

“Mentorship is one of the most important steps in the professional practice of nurses as it allows us to share best practices with the national and international nursing community. It is our duty to share with our peers,” Smith said. “Each time we improve our practice, we are one step closer to ending cancer.”

Smith also directs MD Anderson’s COVID-19 Swab Team, a collaborative effort across the institution which establishes testing guidelines, expedites testing processes and works to prevent nosocomial infections. The COVID-19 Swab Team ensures patient and staff safety without delaying cancer treatment.

Under her leadership, the COVID-19 Swab Team received MD Anderson's 2021 Nursing Quality Caring Award for Interprofessional Team. Smith has received numerous recognitions, including MD Anderson’s 2022 Staff Educator of the Year, Houston Chronicle’s Top 150 Nurses in the Greater Houston Area and Texas Nurses Association District 9’s 2021 Health Care Hero.

Rogers Award celebrates family’s longtime commitment to Making Cancer History®
Regina Rogers, who has served on the Board of Visitors since 1990, established the Julie and Ben Rogers Award for Excellence in 1987 in honor of her parents, the late Julie and Ben Rogers. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the award’s establishment.

“For more than three decades, the Rogers Award has served to remind us of the Rogers family’s incredible generosity and commitment to end cancer. The spirit of their giving is an inspiration to us all,” Pisters said.

The Rogers family’s involvement with MD Anderson, spanning more than 60 years, inspires Regina’s continued advocacy.

In 1960, Regina’s brother, Arvey Rogers, M.D., was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. A lengthy and successful surgery performed by MD Anderson’s Edgar C. White, M.D., and R. Lee Clark, M.D., enabled him to continue to lead a normal life. In 1987, Regina’s mother, Julie Rogers, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through the surgical expertise of Richard Martin, M.D., and Fred Ames, M.D., she recovered and remained an active supporter of MD Anderson until her death in February 1998. Regina’s father, Ben Rogers, served on the Board of Visitors from 1978 until his death in 1994.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to continue this award in honor of my beloved parents and to recognize excellence at an institution that has played such an important role in my family—and across the world—in eliminating cancer as a major health threat," Rogers said.

H-E-B shoppers across the state have done it again. The grocery store’s seventh #EndCancer fundraising campaign raised $175,000 for cancer research and patient programs at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Since the campaign launched in 2016, H-E-B has inspired shoppers to raise more than $1.5 million.

"We are proud to once again team up with MD Anderson and provide our customers and Partners with a way to join MD Anderson in fulfilling its mission to end cancer," said Winell Herron, group vice president of Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs at H-E-B and a member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors. “With the support of our generous customers across Texas, we are proud to help underrepresented students explore their dreams of becoming future cancer researchers and oncologists.”

From March 2 through April 12, customers at more than 400 H-E-B and Central Market stores across Texas participated in the checkout register campaign. Customers could simply tear off paper slips with their preferred donation amounts of $1, $3 or $5 to add to their grocery store purchase. Featured at the register displays this year were MD Anderson cancer survivors Raymond Alex Jr., Tralisa Woods and Gretchen Lee Herrera. Customers also had the option to donate at self-checkout registers, online via heb.com and through the H-E-B mobile app.

"H-E-B has long been a leader in this state, particularly when it comes to supporting our community,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson. “We are grateful for their continued commitment to our patients and to our mission to end cancer. Every donation, including those made at the checkout counter, lead to lasting impact in Making Cancer History®.”

Donations will benefit MD Anderson research, education and prevention programs. All funds donated in the San Antonio area will be shared with UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, a partner member of MD Anderson Cancer Network®.

For nearly two decades, H-E-B’s long-standing dedication to MD Anderson includes ongoing monetary support to benefit the institution’s fundraising efforts, educational programming and medical research. Funds raised in 2022 will support MD Anderson’s Partnership for Careers in Cancer Science and Medicine. This program aims to attract, develop and nurture underrepresented young adults across the entire academic science and medicine pipeline, from high school students to faculty appointments.

“The funds from H-E-B support the next generation of researchers who will help us end cancer,” said Elizabeth Travis, Ph.D., associate vice president of Women and Minority Faculty Inclusion. “These young students gain invaluable knowledge, experience and relationships while studying at MD Anderson. On behalf of these and future students, we thank H-E-B.”

Jeffrey McDougall, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has committed $5 million on behalf of the entire McDougall family to establish the Andrew M. McDougall Brain Metastasis Clinic and Research Program at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. This generous commitment will be matched through institutional philanthropic efforts, bringing the program funding to its goal of $10 million.

The clinic is named for McDougall’s beloved son, Andrew, who was diagnosed with stage IV melanoma in 2018 and subsequently developed brain metastases. He ultimately succumbed to the disease in March 2021. The Andrew M. McDougall Brain Metastasis Clinic and Research Program seeks to bring together clinical and scientific disciplines to discover, evaluate and deploy novel treatment options for patients with brain metastases.

“Andrew was a wonderful husband, dad and son. When he passed, I debated whether it was time to move forward and try to start the healing process,” said Jeffrey McDougall, president and owner of JMA Energy Company. “But I was so engaged and had come so far, I did not want to lay down my sword. For Andrew’s sake and for the sake of future brain metastases patients and their families, I didn’t want cancer to win. And I didn’t want other people to go through what we went through with  Andrew.”

Approximately 300,000 patients with cancer per year will experience metastases to the central nervous system, including the brain. This represents a significant cause of morbidity and death for patients with advanced solid tumors such as breast cancer or melanoma. Therapeutic approaches previously have been limited to local treatments such as surgery and radiation. Up to 30% of patients with metastatic solid tumors are expected to develop brain metastases, leading those patients to be excluded from almost all clinical trials for novel systemic therapies. This is a concern the McDougalls hope to address through a comprehensive approach to research that crosses all tumor types.

“Andrew had a great sense of humor. He always had a big smile, a raised eyebrow and a witty remark — from behind his awesome beard — that kept everyone around him laughing,” said Loren McDougall, wife of Andrew M. McDougall. “We are determined to continue his legacy and hopefully spare another family the pain of a loss like Andrew’s.”

The Brain Metastasis Clinic was established in 2019 as part of MD Anderson’s efforts to drive research discovery and innovation. The clinic is led by Hussein Tawbi, M.D., Ph.D., deputy chair of Melanoma Medical Oncology and professor of Melanoma Medical Oncology and Investigational Cancer Therapeutics; Frederick Lang, M.D., chair of Neurosurgery and director of the Brain Tumor Center; and Jing Li, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of Radiation Oncology and section head of CNS Radiation Oncology.

The clinic offers each patient the opportunity to be evaluated by multiple specialists — neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and neuro-radiologists — during a single visit. Together, this team of MD Anderson clinicians assesses the multiple and complex factors affecting the patient and collaboratively develops a treatment plan for the patient’s brain metastases.

The multi-disciplinary evaluation maximizes the patient’s time, eliminates trips to multiple clinics and provides highly coordinated expert care. The clinic also serves as a resource to identify and evaluate patients for ongoing clinical trials, paving the way to develop brain metastases clinical trials. However, knowledge of the biology that drives brain metastases and a complete understanding of the tumor immune microenvironment in the brain remain very limited. More effective therapies and multidisciplinary approaches are needed.

“Accelerating drug discovery for patients with brain metastases and improving their outcomes requires bringing together highly talented clinical, translational and basic science investigators. Our vision is to dramatically expand the clinic’s efforts to become the nation’s most influential program in brain metastasis care,” Tawbi said. “Through the incredible generosity of the McDougall family and the thoughtful partnership and foresight of Jeffrey McDougall, we are poised to galvanize brain metastasis research and care at MD Anderson and to extend our impact to all patients with brain metastases nationally and globally. We are forever grateful for the McDougall family’s commitment to MD Anderson.”

Legacy inspiring a paradigm change

Through the generosity of the McDougall family, the Andrew M. McDougall Brain Metastasis Clinic and Research Program aims to overcome multiple barriers that exist in finding novel therapies for patients with brain metastases by:

• Investing in basic science and investigators to identify next-generation targets and treatments
• Developing preclinical strategies to prioritize novel compounds and combinations for clinical testing

The clinic and research program is part of a larger-scale initiative, the Strategic Research Initiative Development (STRIDE), which is designed to identify, develop and support innovative approaches to address operational gaps, unmet needs or opportunities that will subsequently impact and empower research and, ultimately, patient care. Co-led by Andrew Futreal, Ph.D., vice president for Strategic Translational Research Programs and chair of Genomic Medicine, and Elizabeth Burton, executive director of STRIDE, the program partners with clinic and program leadership to facilitate long-term planning and engagement.

“Andrew’s courageous three-year journey with melanoma and brain metastases deeply influenced our collective aims for the vision of the clinic, particularly emphasizing the need to equip our multidisciplinary team with more effective approaches to cure these patients,” said Michael Davies, M.D., Ph.D., chair of Melanoma Medical Oncology and Andrew McDougall’s physician. “Our team remains inspired by Andrew’s strength and never-failing perseverance throughout the most difficult moments of this terrible disease. We will continue to push for progress for patients like Andrew as we work toward Making Cancer History® for patients with brain metastases.”

Flooding, rain and a global pandemic have kept polo off the field at Musselman Brothers’ Lazy 3 Ranch in Albany, Texas since 2019, but the West Texas tradition returned with full fanfare April 30, welcoming multi-Grammy® nominee Martina McBride to the stage and raising $1.15 million for The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

“It was wonderful to welcome friends from all over the state back to Lazy 3 Ranch,” said Henry Musselman, a Midland native and member of the MD Anderson Board of Visitors. “Everyone enjoyed a great game, a phenomenal show from Martina McBride and, most importantly, learned about the lifesaving patient programs and research taking place at MD Anderson – our nation’s top-ranked cancer center.”

The 36th annual Polo on the Prairie featured a U.S. Polo Association-sanctioned tournament played on a hayfield that was converted to a polo field at the ranch. Following the championship match, attendees feasted on a Texas-size chuck wagon barbecue dinner before enjoying a private country music concert featuring McBride. The evening ended with a spectacular fireworks finale.

The evening before the main event, polo players, MD Anderson faculty and members of the host committee were treated to a Friday night fish fry featuring Texas country music legend Robert Earl Keen. This special stop on Keen’s final tour gave guests an opportunity to speak with MD Anderson faculty and learn more about the institution’s mission to end cancer. To date, Polo on the Prairie has raised more than $9.5 million for patient care, research and education initiatives at MD Anderson.

"The generosity of the Musselman family and all of our friends in West Texas stretches far beyond a polo field," said Darrow Zeidenstein, Ph.D., senior vice president and chief development officer at MD Anderson. "Thanks to the contributions of so many, we can make a lasting impact on our patients, their families and cancer patients around the world."

A Conversation With a Living Legend^® in Dallas raised nearly $1.4 million in support of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, which is the most money ever raised at the North Texas celebration. The event honored Jerry Jones, owner, president and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, in an interview with NBC’s Al Michaels of NBC’s “Sunday Night Football.”

“We are so grateful for the generous donors, our outstanding honoree and interviewer, and all of the organizers who made this year’s Living Legend event such a success,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson. “I truly enjoyed the conversation between Jerry and Al – what an inspirational story of family, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.”

With this year's enthusiastic support, the North Texas luncheon fundraising totals have reached $21.74 million since the event started in 1990. The funds raised at this year’s event support the Moon Shots Program™, a collaborative effort to accelerate the development of scientific discoveries into clinical advances that save patients’ lives.

The 32^nd annual luncheon event, held Feb. 25, was chaired by Pat Morgan McEvoy, of Dallas, honorary chairs Lana and Barry Andrews, and a steering committee of North Texas community and business leaders. Presenting sponsors were Andrews Distributing, the AT&T Foundation, Lyda Hill Philanthropies and the Gene and Jerry Jones Family. Red Carpet underwriters were Peggy and Carl Sewell, Gayle Stoffel and Cathy and Robert Allday, Corrigan Family Holdings, Sherry and J. Robert Brown and The Rosewood Corporation. This year’s ambassadors were Penny and Don Evans and Catherine and Sam L. Susser/Susser Bank. Other top sponsors included Rosalind Redfern Grover, Pat and Charles McEvoy, Lenise and Randall Stephenson and SuEllen and John Wilson.

“I am honored to be recognized as a North Texas Living Legend for MD Anderson’s annual fundraiser, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to sit down and have a conversation with Al. It was a wonderful afternoon raising funds to end cancer,” said Jones. “Supporting organizations like MD Anderson has been important throughout my life, and I take pride in helping to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Jones has held his esteemed position within the organization since 1989. Over his three-decade tenure, the Cowboys have won three Super Bowls and become one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world. Jones was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017, and he also is a member of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and the Texas Business Hall of Fame. He and his family, who are longtime Dallas residents, support numerous community initiatives in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, throughout Texas and nationally, including the Salvation Army and the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas.

Michaels, described as “TV’s best play-by-play announcer” by the Associated Press, recently began his 16th season as the announcer for NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” and record 36th campaign as the play-by-play announcer of the National Football League in prime time. In December 2020, Michaels was honored with the 2021 Ford C. Frick Award for excellence in broadcasting by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. He has received eight Emmy Awards and three National Sportscaster and Sportswriter Awards. He is only the second television commentator to earn 10 Super Bowl play-by-play assignments and he is the only commentator to call the Super Bowl, the World Series and the National Basketball Association finals, and to host the Stanley Cup Finals for network television.

A Conversation With a Living Legend^® originated in North Texas and has since been replicated across the country in Las Vegas, Atlanta, Houston, San Antonio, Corpus Christi and Washington, D.C., raising more than $48 million for vital research and patient care initiatives at MD Anderson.

Ashley Nichole Morphey is the recipient of the 2021 Brown Foundation Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Established by The Brown Foundation Inc. in 1982, the award is MD Anderson’s highest nursing honor and includes a $15,000 cash prize.

Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson; Welela Tereffe,
M.D., chief medical executive; Carol Porter, D.N.P., senior vice president and chief nursing officer; and Ann Ziker, Ph.D., executive director of The Brown Foundation, congratulated Morphey today at a virtual award ceremony.. The event also was streamed for colleagues, family and friends. Also recognized were finalists Katrine Berg and Mariana Gallardo, both of whom received a $5,000 cash award.

“Nurses play a pivotal role in the care of every patient that enters our doors,” Porter said. “Our heartfelt thanks and sincere gratitude go to the Brown Foundation for its generous support of our nursing team and the
outstanding individuals who have achieved this level of professional dedication over the past nearly 40 years.”

Morphey, the 2021 award recipient, is a supervisor of research nurses specializing in multiple myeloma. Her work with patients often spans several years, encompassing clinical trials and various cancer treatments. Morphey has worked as a nurse at MD Anderson for more than eight
years, beginning her career as a clinical nurse and eventually moving to
research nursing and her current supervisory role.

“At MD Anderson, nursing is about relationships made,” Morphey said. “Throughout the years, I have met many patients who I will always remember and who will remain in my heart.”

Finalist Katrine Berg is a clinical nurse in Cardiovascular/Thoracic Surgery. She has been with the unit for more than 10 years and specializes in progressive, step-down care. During her time at MD Anderson, Berg has helped develop videos for thoracic surgery patients to streamline discharge teaching – a tool that became particularly helpful for families and patients after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The quality of nurses we have at MD Anderson is truly exceptional,” Berg said. “I have heard it time and again from patients, that when they step into this hospital they feel a palpable difference in the way that every employee interacts with them. It is something I always love hearing because that means we are doing things right.”

Finalist Mariana Gallardo is a senior research nurse in the department of
Lymphoma/Myeloma. A member of MD Anderson’s nursing team since 2017, Gallardo’s passion for oncology stems from a family history of cancer. As a research nurse, she’s proud to be part of a team that offers patients alternatives to standard of care.

“I want to be part of a team that continues the search for better treatments and makes treatment accessibility easier for patients,” Gallardo said. “My passion to help patients and their family members through their most
trying times is fulfilled daily at MD Anderson.”

This year’s selection committee of MD Anderson clinical faculty, patient care administration and nursing staff included: Carol Porter, chair; Carin Hagberg, M.D., chief academic officer; Diane Bodurka, M.D., vice president and chief education and training officer; Beth Garcia, vice president, Patient Experience; Sarah Roder, research nurse, Gynecologic
Oncology & Reproductive Medicine; Uniqua Smith, Ph.D., associate director, Nursing Programs; Lavonia Thomas, nursing informatics officer, Nursing Administration; Theresa Johnson-Forman, clinical administrative director, Sarcoma; Delmy Vesho, director, Clinical Nursing; and Kim Duron, senior executive coordinator, Office of the Chief Operating Officer.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center welcomed 28 new members to its Board of Visitors (BOV) with the start of a new fiscal year. The nonfiduciary, appointed advisory board also bestowed its highest honor of Life Member to two senior board members: Nancy B. Loeffler of San Antonio and James J. Mulva of Austin.

Effective Sept. 1, the following business and community leaders joined the ranks of more than 250 leaders committed to ending cancer with
MD Anderson:

• Arun Agarwal, Dallas: chief executive officer and director, Nextt
• Kathy Britton, Houston: chief executive officer, Perry Homes
• John Christmann IV, Houston: chief executive officer, president and director, Apache Corporation
• Paul N. Clark, Indian Wells, Calif.: retired executive vice president, Abbott Laboratories
• Gregory S. Curran, Houston: president, Wolfcreek Energy Group, LLC
• Barbara Dreeben, San Antonio: community volunteer, numerous organizations
• Vanessa Gilmore, Houston: United States District Judge of the Southern District of Texas
• Cami Christ Goff, Fort Worth: vice president, Goff Family Foundation
• Kelly O’Gara Hackett, Houston: managing director and co-founder, Tectonic Advisors, LLC
• John D. Harkey Jr., Dallas: founder, JDH Investment Management, LLC
• Jason Hiley, Fort Worth: president, Hiley Automotive Group
• William D. “Bill” Hoffman, Hollywood, Fla.: chairman and co-founder, Carlyle Aviation Partners
• Gloria Moncrief, Fort Worth: partner, Moncrief Oil; treasurer, Montex Drilling Company
• Mary Kliewer, Salado: co-owner and operator, BKCW Insurance, Risk Management and Benefits
• Andreae Behlen LeMaistre, San Antonio: community volunteer, pro bono patient advocate
• Tom P. Lynch, Jacksonville, Fla.: owner and partner, Lynch Automotive Group
• David R. McAtee, II, Dallas: senior executive vice president, AT&T
• Jeffrey J. McDougall, Oklahoma City, Okla.: president, principal owner, JMA Energy Company
• M. Ryan McGrath, Houston: president, chief executive officer, Asset Living
• Sharon Michael Owens, Houston: co-owner, La Maison 
• Michael Petrick, Greenwich, Conn.: director, Enovix Corporation; special advisor, Riverside Management Group
• Robert K. Reeves, Houston: retired executive vice president and chief administrative officer, Anadarko Petroleum
• Mario E. Rodriguez, Los Angeles, Calif.: founder, former president, NTR Partners III LLC
• Thomas L. Ryan, Houston: chairman, president and CEO, Service Corporation International
• William Pablo Sanders, El Paso: managing director and co-chief investment officer, Sanders Partners, Inc.
• Shelley Tortorice, Beaumont: community volunteer and active philanthropist
• Byron D. Trott, Chicago, Ill.: founder, chairman and CEO, BDT Capital Partners
• Anat Zeidman, Houston: The Zeidman Group, President and CEO

Current BOV Chair Donald L. Evans, of Midland, along with BOV officers Clarence P. Cazalot Jr., of Houston (chair-elect); James L. Gallogly, of Houston (vice chair); Maureen Hackett, of Houston (vice chair); Tom Johnson, of Atlanta, Georgia (vice chair), Melvyn N. Klein, of Corpus Christi (life member); and Marsha M. Shields, of San Antonio (immediate past chair) enter a second year of service on the BOV’s Officers Committee. They will officially welcome new members at the BOV’s annual meeting.

“It is both an honor and a privilege to welcome this outstanding, diverse group of experienced, influential and compassionate leaders to our Board of Visitors,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson. “As we advance our new Strategy and enter a new era of cancer care and research, the generous contributions of our BOV – whether through their time, talent or generosity – will propel us further and faster toward Making Cancer History®.”

New Life Members Loeffler and Mulva also will be honored at the annual BOV meeting. Life Members recognized by the BOV are those who embody philanthropy, leadership and community spirit. 

“Nancy and Jim’s contributions over the past several decades have impacted countless areas across MD Anderson – from cancer patient care to research, education and prevention,” said Don Evans, chair. “We are excited to formally express our appreciation for their commitment and
generosity as treasured ambassadors in our mission to end cancer.” 

Life Member Nancy B. Loeffler

Loeffler has been a valued member of the BOV since 1995, becoming a senior member in 2012. She served as the first female chair from 2009-2012, completing the BOV’s only three-year chairship to date. Loeffler also was the first woman to chair the BOV’s Membership Committee.

Loeffler has shared her insight and expertise through leadership roles on numerous initiatives including the South Campus Research Initiative Steering Committee, the Making Cancer History® Campaign Executive Committee, and the Development Institutional Initiatives and Strategic Advisory Committees. During her tenure as BOV Chair, MD Anderson
successfully completed an ambitious capital campaign, surpassing a
$1.2 billion goal in record time. Loeffler has generously supported and provided leadership for MD Anderson’s signature A Conversation With a Living Legend® fundraising events in San Antonio, Houston and Washington, D.C. 

She is a dedicated community and civic leader and a longtime advocate of volunteerism.

Life Member James J. Mulva

Mulva has served on the BOV since 2003 and has been a valued senior member since 2012, leading the board as chair from 2016-2018. His insights and expertise have been invaluable in advancing MD Anderson’s
mission to end cancer. 

After serving as a U.S. Navy officer, Mulva enjoyed a successful career in the energy industry. He retired as chief executive officer of ConocoPhillips in 2012.

Mulva currently serves as president of the Mulva Family Foundation, a consistent support of MD Anderson and his alma mater, The University of Texas at Austin. He and his wife, Miriam, are members of the Anderson Assembly, which honors donors who have committed $1 million or
more to MD Anderson. 

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has awarded Kelly Nelson, M.D., associate professor, Dermatology, the Julie and Ben Rogers Award for Excellence in Cancer Prevention. The annual award recognizes employees who consistently demonstrate excellence in their work and dedication to MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer. The award's focus rotates annually among the areas of patient care, research, education, prevention and administration.

Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson, and Regina Rogers, a Life Member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors, led a virtual awards ceremony today announcing Nelson as the 2021 recipient. She received a $15,000 prize and a framed certificate of merit.

Four additional finalists were recognized at the virtual ceremony along with Nelson. They each received a $2,500 prize as well as a certificate of merit:

• Karen Basen-Engquist, Ph.D., professor, Behavioral Science
• Jennifer Cofer, director, End Tobacco, Cancer Prevention & Control Platform
• Robin Coyne, supervisor, Advanced Practice Provider, CPC Provider Income & Activity
• Tricia White-Rhemtulla, department administrator, Cancer Prevention, Health Disparities Research

An unwavering commitment to early detection and prevention

Colleagues across MD Anderson praise Nelson for her vision and leadership in cancer prevention, particularly her efforts to democratize knowledge and to lower barriers of access to cost-effective skin cancer screening techniques through MD Anderson’s Melanoma Moon Shot® prevention projects. Nelson’s "keen sensibility, candid approach to problems and poise under countless obstacles … is absolutely indicative of her unwavering commitment to help cancer patients through early detection and prevention," says nominator Elizabeth Burton, director, Research Planning & Development, Melanoma.

Over the past few years, Nelson has led the development and deployment of DERM:EMD, an interactive web-based training program for dermatology resident physicians with a current reach of 21 residency programs and more than 250 residents across Texas and other states. She also developed and implemented PCP:EMD, a multi-faceted pilot program to educate primary care physicians that includes live education
and Project ECHO telementoring to support PCP-led melanoma diagnosis in regions without dermatologists.

"I want our programs to save lives and reduce the burden of melanoma treatment for my fellow Texans," Nelson said. "Hearing stories of success from dermatologists and primary care physicians who are finding melanomas at early stages, and recognizing their evolving skill, is enormously motivating."

Rogers Award rooted in family's commitment to Making Cancer History®

Regina Rogers established the Julie and Ben Rogers Award for Excellence in 1987 in honor of her parents, the late Julie and Ben Rogers.

Ben Rogers served on the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors from 1978 until his death in 1994, though the family’s relationship with the institution dates back to 1960, when Regina’s brother, Arvey Rogers, M.D., was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. A lengthy and successful surgery performed by Edgar C. White, M.D., and R. Lee Clark, M.D., enabled him to continue to lead a normal life.

In 1987, Regina’s mother, Julie Rogers, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through the surgical expertise of Richard Martin, M.D., and Fred Ames, M.D., she recovered and served to reinforce the family’s dedication to MD Anderson, remaining an active supporter until her death in February 1998.

Regina Rogers, who has served on the Board of Visitors since 1990, is a passionate ambassador of the institution whose decades of service have significantly advanced MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has named 10 early career faculty members to the 2021 class of Andrew Sabin Family Fellows. Established by philanthropist Andrew Sabin through a generous $30 million endowment in 2015, the Sabin Family Fellowship program encourages creativity, innovation and impactful cancer research at MD Anderson in the areas of basic science, clinical, physician-scientist and population and quantitative science.

“Researchers at MD Anderson are unmatched in their ability to develop bold tactics aimed at tackling cancer,” said Sabin, who has served as a member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors since 2005. “My hope is that through our support, we can inspire and assist these brilliant minds in their dedicated work to end cancer.”

Each Sabin Family Fellow will receive $100,000 over two years. Selections were based on a competitive external review process. The 2021 class of Sabin Family Fellows includes:

Basic/Translational Scientists

• Francesca Cole, Ph.D., associate professor, Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis
  
• Michael Curran, Ph.D., associate professor, Immunology
  
• Yejing Ge, Ph.D., assistant professor, Cancer Biology

Clinical Researchers

• Vivek Subbiah, M.D., associate professor, Investigational Cancer Therapeutics
  
• Ching-Wei Tzeng, M.D., associate professor, Surgical Oncology

Physician-Scientists

• Sangeeta Goswami, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor, Genitourinary Medical Oncology
  
• Betty Y.S. Kim, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor, Neurosurgery
  
• Pavlos Msaouel, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor, Genitourinary Medical Oncology
  

Population/Quantitative Scientists

• Michelle Hildebrandt, Ph.D., associate professor, Lymphoma-Myeloma
  
• Ethan Ludmir, M.D., assistant professor, GI Radiation Oncology

Since the inaugural Sabin Family Fellowship class was announced in 2016, there have been 52 fellows who have distinguished themselves among the top oncologists in their respective fields. The work of the Sabin Family Fellows spans the cancer care continuum, from basic science to translational research to survivorship, and they already are impacting the lives of patients who seek care at MD Anderson.

 “Our early career researchers are a pivotal part of the innovative discoveries that fuel our mission to end cancer,” said President Peter WT Pisters, M.D. “We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the Andrew Sabin Family Foundation in allowing our institution to recruit and retain the highest caliber of young researchers through this fellowship program. Together, we will continue Making Cancer History^®.”