New hand on the Cancer Center tiller

New appointments place science in the spotlight

A legend returns, in person and on canvas

Notes

New hand on the Cancer Center tiller

Richard Edelson sees growth ahead for one of the country’s oldest and proudest cancer research facilities.

When Richard L. Edelson, M.D. ’70, came to Yale in 1986 as professor and chair of the Department of Dermatology, the Yale Cancer Center (YCC) was just a dozen years old and had fewer than 185 faculty members in its ranks. Edelson, a physician-scientist who had developed a treatment for a rare form of lymphoma, was one of them. By July 1 of this year, when Edelson took office as its fifth director, the Cancer Center had grown enormously. It now has 342 members from more than a dozen medical school departments and oversees 18 core facilities funded by a $2.1 million annual grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). It helps draw $118 million in cancer-related research funding to Yale investigators yearly, making it one of the more vigorous cancer research engines in the country.

Richard Edelson is heading the Yale Cancer Center as the university and Yale New-Haven Hospital enter a new era of collaboration and growth.

Edelson, 58, credits that progress to two of his predecessors in the director’s office, pharmacology pioneer Alan C. Sartorelli, Ph.D., and former NCI Director Vincent T. DeVita Jr., M.D., HS ’66, as well as current YCC Deputy Director José Costa, M.D. “They did the heavy lifting,” Edelson said during an interview in mid-July. “Alan built the reputation the center enjoys today as a powerhouse in basic science and cancer pharmacology. And Vince, who is credited with having cured Hodgkin’s disease and is essentially the father of combination chemotherapy, has really laid out the framework for developing the center into a clinical powerhouse.”

Therein lies Edelson’s main challenge. Despite a worldwide reputation and key contributions to cancer research, Yale historically has not been able to draw the desired volume of cancer patients, especially for all-important clinical trials of new therapies. It was among the first centers designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the NCI, but until recently has not had the resources to meet all of its clinical goals. As a result, rumors abounded last year that the center might even lose its NCI comprehensive designation when the most recent five-year grant expired on June 30.

Instead, the NCI agreed to extend funding for a year. The university has agreed to fund the core facilities for two additional years, if necessary, while the center builds up steam and overcomes some of its growing pains.

Edelson said that is already happening. Both the university and Yale-New Haven Hospital have pledged resources, and the director predicted a new era of collaboration, cooperation and growth.

“I’m convinced we have the opportunity to develop field-shaping programs in every important area of cancer care,” said Edelson, who will remain chair of dermatology but is stepping down as deputy dean for clinical affairs, a position he has held for the past three years. “We have the people, we have the setting and we have the science.”

To solve a nagging space crunch in its patient areas, Edelson negotiated the immediate renovation of 25,000 square feet of clinical space in the Yale Physicians Building and elsewhere on campus, close to doubling the existing clinical facility. The long-term solution to the space problem, he said, will take the shape of a new Cancer Center building of approximately 170,000 square feet, to be open by 2007. Several possible locations around the medical center are under discussion.

One key to growth, Edelson believes, is rebuilding the Section of Medical Oncology, which is down in ranks but now has a new structure for appointments and promotions and a commitment to hiring new faculty. As part of his recruitment, Edelson gained approval to hire 18 to 24 new faculty members in cancer-related fields, about half of whom will be medical oncologists. “This will be the clinical engine that drives cancer care, and it is one of the best routes for new patients into trials,” he said. Edelson is also exploring arrangements with cancer facilities outside Connecticut that would bring Yale discoveries to a wider public while increasing the number of patients available for Yale trials.

“I don’t have the slightest doubt that we’re going to quickly succeed here. If I did, I wouldn’t have taken this job,” Edelson said.

—Michael Fitzsousa

New appointments in provost’s office place science in the spotlight

New appointments in the office of Yale Provost Susan Hockfield, Ph.D., leave science and the medical side of campus well-represented in the upper echelons of the university.

Andrew D. Hamilton, Ph.D., the Irénee duPont Professor of Chemistry and professor of molecular biophysics and biochemistry, has been named the deputy provost for science and technology. Bruce F. Carmichael, M.S.N., Sc.D., former associate dean for resources and management at the School of Nursing and former executive director for major projects and facilities at the School of Medicine, is the new interim assistant provost for science and technology. Barbara A. Shailor, Ph.D., director of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, has been named deputy provost for the arts.

Hamilton’s area of focus includes the Faculty of Arts and Sciences departments in the natural sciences.

Carmichael will oversee the natural science and engineering departments. At the School of Medicine his major task was to oversee the initial stages of construction at the new Anlyan Center for Medical Research and Education.

Shailor will help to shape and implement policies for the Schools of Art, Architecture, Drama, Music and Divinity; the Institute of Sacred Music; the Departments of History of Art, Classics and Music; the Yale University Art Gallery; and the Center for British Art.

—John Curtis

Nine physicians who began their residencies at Yale under the tutelage of Paul Beeson returned to the medical school in May to honor their mentor.

A legend in the annals of Yale medicine returns, in person and on canvas

When new interns in the Department of Internal Medicine arrived in July 1964, little did they know that they would be the last group to be trained at Yale by Paul B. Beeson, M.D., then chair of the Department of Internal Medicine. A year and three months into their training, Beeson left for Oxford University. In May, nine of that last cadre of house staff gathered with Beeson, his family and members of the Department of Internal Medicine in the Historical Library for the unveiling of a portrait of the legendary physician. Beeson, who served as department chair from 1952 to 1965, specialized in infectious disease and discovered a class of proteins known as cytokines. In 1996 the medical service at Yale was named “The Beeson Medical Service” in his honor.

“No contemporary figure has had more influence on the way Western-trained doctors practice medicine than Paul Beeson,” said John N. Forrest Jr., M.D., HS ’67, who heads the Office of Student Research. “Paul Beeson was revered in medicine because he promoted those around him rather than himself, valued patients and the vocation of medicine rather than reputation and never forgot that treating sick people and training young physicians was a precious gift and responsibility.”

“In his presence we all felt greatness,” said Lewis Landsberg, M.D. ’64, HS ’70, now dean of the medical school at Northwestern University. “His humbleness stood as a sharp rebuke to the hubris of lesser men.”

The portrait was accepted for the Department of Medicine by David Coleman, M.D., the interim chair of the Department of Internal Medicine. “The Beeson tradition and values continue to play a major role in the training of students and house staff,” Coleman said. “This portrait will be a constant reminder of that influence.” The portrait, painted by Vermont artist Richard Whitney, will hang in Fitkin Amphitheater.

—John Curtis

Notes

Researchers at the School of Medicine have received 13 grants from The National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD) totaling almost $780,000. NARSAD is a leading donor-supported organization funding worldwide research on brain disorders. The following researchers will each receive a two-year Young Investigator Award of approximately $60,000: Patrick B. Allen, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry; Vladimir Coric, M.D., assistant clinical professor of psychiatry; Carrol M. D’Sa, Ph.D., associate research scientist in psychiatry; Naomi R. Driesen, Ph.D., associate research scientist in diagnostic radiology; Wen-Jun Gao, M.D., Ph.D., associate research scientist in neurobiology; Xingguang Luo, M.D., postdoctoral associate in psychiatry; Snezana M. Milanovic, M.D., hospital resident; Maria Mouratidis, Psy.D., postdoctoral fellow in psychiatry; Edward B. Perry, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry; Samuel N. Sathyanesan, Ph.D., associate research scientist in psychiatry; Gilles D. Tamagnan, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry adjunct; Christopher P. Turner, Ph.D., associate research scientist in pediatrics (endocrinology); and Pieter Joost van Wattum, M.D., Ph.D., assistant clinical professor in the Child Study Center.

Roland E. Baron, D.D.S., Ph.D., professor of orthopaedics and cell biology, received the Louis V. Avioli Founders Award from the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research at its 24th annual meeting in San Antonio in September 2002. This award is given for “fundamental contributions to bone and mineral basic research.” Baron also received a Docteur Honoris Causa from the Université René Descartes in Paris in December 2002.

Elizabeth H. Bradley, M.B.A., Ph.D. ’97, associate professor in public health, is the first Yale researcher to be awarded the John D. Thompson Prize for Young Investigators by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA). The award, presented in June at the AUPHA national meeting, recognizes investigators for their contributions to research literature in the health services field. Bradley’s work focuses on the quality of care provided to the elderly population.

A researcher who studies metabolic changes associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes has received the first fellowship at Yale from the newly established Bayer Endowment for Scholars in Medicine and Management.

Sonia Caprio, M.D., associate professor of pediatric endocrinology and a graduate of the Universita di Medicina e Chirurgia in Naples, is interested in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes among young people. “There is a growing and serious epidemic of childhood diabetes, especially among African-Americans and Hispanics,” she said.

The $2 million endowment from Bayer will fund a fellowship to be awarded each year to a faculty member making significant contributions to advances in medicine or health care management. In addition to supporting the work of the Bayer Fellow, the Bayer Endowment will foster interaction between Yale scientists and Bayer employees through lectures and conferences on topics of shared interest.

David C. Cone, M.D., associate professor of surgery (emergency medicine) and public health, was installed in January as secretary/treasurer of the National Association of Emergency Medical Service Physicians (NAEMSP). Cone has served on the NAEMSP board of directors since 1996 and is deputy editor of Prehospital Emergency Care, the organization’s journal. The NAEMSP provides medical oversight and research leadership for out-of-hospital emergency care systems.

Alan Dardik, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of surgery (vascular) at Yale and assistant program director of the department of surgery at St. Mary’s Hospital, was awarded the Wylie Scholar Award in Academic Vascular Surgery by the Pacific Vascular Research Foundation in San Francisco in 2002. The $150,000 multiyear award is presented to productive scientists with independent research programs in North America. Dardik studies the effects of the force of flowing blood on cells in the blood vessels.

Jorge E. Galán, Ph.D., D.V.M., chair and Lucille P. Markey Professor of Microbial Pathogenesis and professor of cell biology, and Thomas A. Steitz, Ph.D., Sterling Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, were elected in April as fellows by the American Academy of Microbiology. Galán was honored for his innovative use of microbial molecular genetics and molecular cell biology to further the understanding of how microbial pathogens communicate and interact with their animal hosts, and for his molecular genetic characterization of the Salmonella pathogen. Steitz’s specialty is the study of the structures of proteins and nucleic acids to determine their biological function. His lab recently determined the atomic structure of a subunit of the ribosome.

Mark J. Gorman, M.D., assistant professor of neurology, was appointed director of the Acute Brain Injury/Stroke Program at Yale-New Haven Hospital in April. Gorman heads a coordinated multidisciplinary stroke team, which is aimed at diagnosing and treating stroke patients as rapidly as possible.

Jeannette R. Ickovics, Ph.D., associate professor of epidemiology (chronic disease) and psychology, was elected as a fellow by the American Psychological Association (APA) for 2003. APA fellows are selected for exceptional and outstanding contributions to the research, teaching or practice of psychology. The APA is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States and is the world’s largest association for psychologists.

Akiko Iwasaki, Ph.D., assistant professor of epidemiology and immunobiology, received the 2003 Wyeth-Lederle Vaccines Young Investigator Award in Vaccine Development in October from the Infectious Diseases Society of America at its annual meeting in San Diego. She also received the Ethel F. Donaghue Women’s Health Investigator Program Award in July.

Ilona S. Kickbusch, Ph.D., professor of public health (global health) and political science, was invited to be a member of the Hungarian Ministry of Health International Advisory Board in January by the Republic of Hungary’s Ministry of Health, Social and Family Affairs. This board was established to help promote health, consolidate and modernize the health care system and reform health care financing, as part of the government’s “Decade of Health” initiative.

Luke M. Kitahata, M.D., Ph.D., professor emeritus and former chair of anesthesiology, was honored in November 2002 at the 50th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Department of Anesthesiology at Tokyo University, his alma mater. He was the keynote speaker and received honorary membership in the Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists. The celebration was organized by one of his former Yale trainees, Kazuo Hanaoka, M.D., FW ’77, who is professor and chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at Tokyo University.

Michael H. Merson, M.D., the Anna M.R. Lauder Professor of Public Health, dean of public health and chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, was named chair of the Global Health Committee, part of the Association of Schools of Public Health executive committee, effective last January.

John A. Persing, M.D., professor and chief of plastic surgery, is president-elect of the Association of Academic Chairmen of Plastic Surgery and vice chair of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Both elections were held in Baltimore in May. Persing was also named president of the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons in November 2002 at its annual meeting in Orlando, Fla.

Among those receiving Seton Elm-Ivy Awards in April for their contributions to relations between the city and the university was Mary E. Schwab-Stone, M.D., the Harris Associate Professor of Child Psychiatry in the Child Study Center and associate professor of psychology. Schwab-Stone helped to develop a clinical consultation service for New Haven’s Special Education Department, which evaluates between 35 and 40 children and youths each year, offers the department advice on program and policy issues and trains new generations of child psychiatrists on how to work in and with schools. Since 1992 she has developed and led the Social and Health Assessment Program, which oversees the assessment of mental health symptoms, competencies, Problem behaviors and risk factors in the middle and high school population.

Hongyu Zhao, Ph.D., the Ira V. Hiscock Associate Professor of Public Health (Biostatistics) and Genetics, has received a three-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation for a system biology study. Zhao and colleagues in statistics, genomics and proteomics, bioinformatics and computer science will develop an integrated approach to reconstructing biological pathways. Zhao was also awarded a pilot grant by the Yale Center for Genomics and Proteomics, where he and colleagues will research tissue- and cell-specific expression profiling of the rice genome.