BALTIMORE—Martin D. Abeloff, MD, the chief oncologist and director of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center for the past 15 years, died September 14, 2007, of leukemia.
Dr. Abeloff, 65, an international authority on the treatment of breast cancer, was the founding Editor-in-Chief of Oncology NEWS International in 1992 and served as co-Editor-in-Chief of ONI's sister publication ONCOLOGY since 1999. Through these years, Dr. Abeloff was integral to building and maintaining the quality and integrity of these publications, and continued to advise, contribute to, and read both publications during his illness despite ongoing therapy.
The iconic Hopkins physician
Dr. Abeloff is remembered by his colleagues and friends across the globe for his characteristic humility, wry sense of humor, and extraordinary devotion to his patients, students, and the collaborative spirit he nurtured in his long tenure at Johns Hopkins.
"Marty was that iconic Hopkins physician, scientist, educator, leader, and good citizen rolled into one," said Edward D. Miller, MD, Dean and CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine. "He was there for his patients, his residents and fellows, his colleagues, and at so many challenging times, the institution he graced for so long."
Andrew D. Seidman, MD, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, who worked with Dr. Abeloff on the ONI and ONCOLOGY editorial boards, among other forums, said that "all the interactions I have had with him over the years confirm my impression that the phrase 'giant in medical oncology' did not simply reflect his physical stature. He was a visionary leader and a straight-shooter. While those at Johns Hopkins will no doubt feel his absence most acutely, so will the larger oncology community."
