UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Magazine Spring 2017 | Page 3
UAB COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER
Director
Edward E. Partridge, M.D.
news from the director
Deputy Director
Ravi Bhatia, M.D.
Associate Directors
Etty Benveniste, Ph.D.
Smita Bhatia, M.D, M.P.H.
Mary-Ann Bjornsti, Ph.D.
Wendy Demark-Wahnefried, Ph.D., R.D.
Harry Erba, M.D., Ph.D.
Martin Heslin, M.D.
Isabel Scarinci, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Richard Whitley, M.D.
Director Emeritus and Advisor to the Director
Albert F. LoBuglio, M.D.
Senior Advisors
Kirby I. Bland, M.D.
James Bonner, M.D.
Herbert Chen, M.D.
Mona Fouad, M.D., M.P.H.
Associate Director for Administration
Michael Bertram, Ph.D., M.B.A.
OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Development Coordinator
Alex Huffman
Director of Communications
Beena Thannickal
Director of Education and Supportive Services
Teri Hoenemeyer, Ph.D., M.S.
Editor, Communications and Publications
Josh Till, APR
Manager, Corporate Development and Special Events
Melissa Juliano Donaldson
Senior Director of Development and Community Relations
Lisa Roth
UAB COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER MAGAZINE
Editor
Josh Till, APR
Medical Advisor
Edward E. Partridge, M.D.
Project Manager
Josh Till, APR
Writers
Adam Pope
Bob Shepard
Beena Thannickal
Josh Till, APR
Art Director
Erick Guillen
Copy Editors
Josh Till, APR
Curran Umphrey
Erika Willis
Photographers
Nik Layman
Dustin Massey
Mike Strawn
Josh Till, APR
Steve Wood
Carson Young
Printing
UAB Print Services
Produced by the Office of Development and
Community Relations.
In this issue of UAB Comprehensive
Cancer Center Magazine, we take a
look at one of the hottest topics in
cancer research and treatment –
immunotherapy. The human body is
equipped with a remarkably effective
immune system, and finding ways to
enhance its capabilities and add it to our
arsenal of cancer-fighting weapons is
driving a great deal of research across
the nation, including here at the Cancer
Center. Our cover story will give you an
overview of this growing area of
research and spotlight some promising
projects being conducted by our
physician-scientists.
We also highlight two other promising
areas of research and treatment. UAB’s
recently announced Proton Therapy
Center will continue our advancements
in cancer treatment, transforming us into
a national leader in this field. Likewise,
our recently opened Integrative Medicine
Clinic will allow us to further our research
in examining the role of complimentary
therapies such as counseling, nutritional
support and meditation, and how they
impact conventional treatments.
This issue also introduces you to two
rising stars in the Cancer Center: Jeffrey
Nix, M.D., who co-leads our Program for
Personalized Prostate Care, and Lalita
Shevde-Samant, Ph.D., who recently
became the Cancer Center’s associate
director for training and education. These
two dynamic faculty members are truly
leading the way for the next generation
of cancer researchers, and we are
extremely fortunate to have them here
at UAB.
Our philanthropic efforts continue
to grow. We were proud to recently
accept another record-breaking donation
from our friends with the Breast Cancer
For a free subscription to UAB Comprehensive
Cancer Center, please call (205) 934-0321 or
send an e-mail with your name and address to
[email protected].
Research Foundation of Alabama, and
we have just hosted another successful
ArtBLINK Gala that I believe was our
best yet.
Lastly, I end this letter on a
bittersweet note. After more than 25
years at UAB, including 10 years as Cancer
Center director, I have decided to retire,
effective on July 30, 2017. Nearly my
entire career has been at UAB, and while
it’s hard to imagine not driving to campus
every day, I am looking forward to the
future. I am extremely proud of all that I
have accomplished during my time at the
Cancer Center, and I am excited for the
ideas and fresh energy that a new leader
will bring.
It has been an honor to serve as the
director of your UAB Comprehensive
Cancer Center, and from the bottom of
my heart, I thank you for your support.
Edward Partridge, M.D.
Director and Evalina B. Spencer
Chair in Oncology