“Marty was one of the most decent and thoughtful leaders in our field,” said a colleague. This was just one of countless heartfelt sentiments made by Dr. Abeloff’s colleagues and friends on learning of his death from leukemia this past September 2007.
The scope of loss posed by his untimely death is difficult to comprehend. It is inspirational, however, to experience through the recollections of those who knew him best how profoundly Marty’s life impacted so many as physician, teacher, and mentor. It is these sentiments and more that we hope to share throughout the pages of this special issue.
Compiling this commemorative edition to honor Dr. Abeloff was a bittersweet though positive and rewarding experience, and the word “privilege” repeatedly comes to mind. How very fortunate we were to know and work with Marty on ONCOLOGY. It is certainly our privilege to honor his memory.
We thank the contributors and advisors who so graciously assisted in the development of this comprehensive resource and so willingly shared their unique and personal reflections on this remarkable man. To Dr. Abeloff’s family, and to his many colleagues and friends at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, and in the oncology community, we extend our deepest regret and sympathy.
With Marty’s inspiring career in mind, we also look forward to continuing ONCOLOGY’s mission—presenting practical clinical information for oncologists—confident that so much of the work he pioneered will lead to further improvements in care for patients with cancer.
—Cara H. Glynn
—Andrew Nash
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ONCOLOGY. Vol. 22 No. 6 Remembering Martin D. Abeloff, MD
By Cara H. Glynn
Andrew Nash | May 1, 2008
THE MARTIN D. ABELOFF SCHOLARS PROGRAM
IN CANCER PREVENTION AND CONTROL What follows are highlights of Dr. Abeloff’s life and career, interspersed with quotes from the man himself. 1942 Martin D. Abeloff born in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. 1954 His mother undergoes a radical mastectomy for breast cancer, influencing his decision to become a doctor and specialize in the care of patients with cancer. “You can’t simply treat cancer without paying attention to the psychological and social aspects of the disease… [T]herapies have been lengthy, toxic, and disfiguring adding to the amount of suffering that a patient and family endures.” *** 1961 Enrolls at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine where he works with researcher Dr. Albert Owens. 1967 Marries Diane Kaufman, a medical illustrator and his wife of 40 years; performs his internship and residency training at the University of Chicago, the Baltimore Cancer Research Center, and the Beth Israel Hospital. He subsequently completes a hematology fellowship at New England Medical Center. 1972 Joins Johns Hopkins faculty and sees his first breast cancer patient. “There was an urgency about this disease that demanded a merging of laboratory and clinic. In many ways cancer became the impetus for translational medicine as we know it today.” *** 1973 Becomes a member of the first class of board-certified medical oncologists in the United States. 1984–1988 Serves as chair of the Oncology Drug Advisory Committee of the US Food and Drug Administration. 1992–2007 Becomes the second Director of the Johns Hopkins Cancer Center, succeeding Albert Owens. During his 15-year tenure as Director the number of faculty doubled, research funding was increased sixfold, and the cancer center was consistently ranked among the top three cancer centers in the United States. During this time he also established the “Art of Healing” program, a performing arts series and a collection of more than 100 works of museum quality art displayed at the institution for the enjoyment of patients, visitors, and staff. “There is no doubt that the accomplishments of the past 15 years are remarkable and worth discussion. But I see them not as my accomplishments but as those of the amazing faculty and staff I have had the privilege to lead over these years.” *** 2001 Sidney Kimmel, founder and chairman of Jones Apparel Group, donates $150 million to Johns Hopkins for cancer research and patient care—the largest single gift ever to the University. The Hopkins Cancer Center officially becomes The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins. “Sidney Kimmel has shown enormous vision and insight into what would make a difference in the field of cancer research, as well as great confidence in our ability to achieve results. We are truly honored by this gift.” *** “While it was important to build facilities that gave people the space, equipment, and environment they needed to be successful, it was just as important to build teams. Together, we knocked down boundaries—those physical and those in our minds—to create a truly comprehensive center bringing together every discipline involved in the research and treatment of cancer.” *** 2007 Receives ASCO’s Distinguished Service Award for Scientific Achievement for his leadership in the field of translational breast cancer research. *** September 14, 2007 Dr. Martin D. Abeloff succumbs to death from leukemia. *** “What has been most satisfying to me has been the opportunity to participate in patient care” —Martin D. Abeloff |
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