Kenneth H. Cowan, MD, PhD
Kenneth H. Cowan, MD, PhD, served for 24 years as Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), now called the Nebraska Medicine Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha. Dr. Cowan died on December 15, 2024, at the age of 77.
A Public Servant
A native of New York City, Dr. Cowan received his medical degree and a doctorate in pharmacology from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. He completed his fellowship in oncology at the NCI in 1981 and then stayed in the Public Health Service at NCI for 21 years as a faculty member and investigator in the intramural program, later becoming Chief of the Medical Breast Cancer Section of the Medicine Branch.
Dr. Cowan joined the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1999 as Director. He resigned from his position as Director in 2023 but remained a full-time faculty member and clinician serving as Professor in the Oncology and Hematology Division of the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine.
Dr. Cowan served on the National Cancer Advisory Board from 2002 to 2008 by appointment of President George W. Bush.
A Visionary Committed to Improving the Lives of Patients
In a tribute published by UNMC Strategic Communications, Interim UNMC Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, said: “During more than 2 decades as Director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Ken was instrumental in leading the cancer center to sustained research growth, advanced clinical care, and unprecedented national and international recognition. He also was the visionary behind the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center facility. All the while, Ken never lost his personal touch with his patients, with whom he was always kind, patient, and understanding.”
“Ken was a leading figure among cancer research-scientists, and his work in leading the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and Eppley Institute was instrumental in improving the lives of the people of Nebraska and beyond.”— Joann Sweasy, PhD
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The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center now has more than 250 faculty members working in more than 100 laboratories at UNMC and hundreds of post-doctoral research fellows, lab technicians and PhD students—all with the goal of creating better health outcomes for cancer patients.
“Ken was a leading figure among cancer research-scientists, and his work in leading the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and Eppley Institute was instrumental in improving the lives of the people of Nebraska and beyond,” said Joann Sweasy, PhD, Director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer and Eppley Institute.
Michael Ash, MD, President and COO, Nebraska Medicine, said “Dr. Cowan dedicated his life to advancing cancer research and compassionate patient care. Ken’s vision for the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, with a shared entrance for patients, care providers, and researchers, stands as a lasting testament to his enduring legacy of hope and healing.”
A Highly Empathetic Physician
Dr. Cowan was known for being a highly empathetic physician. His parents both had cancer, and they both passed away while he was completing his residency. He often gave his personal cell phone number and email address to patients, who describe him as approachable and caring.
He said the courage of his patients was inspirational to him.
Dr. Cowan is survived by his wife, Alison Freifeld, MD, Professor Emeritus of the UNMC Division of Infectious Diseases; daughter Eliza; daughter Sara and her husband, Brian Fahey; grandchildren Miriam and Clara Fahey; and extended family and friends.
Adapted from UNMC Strategic Communications. To read more, visit unmc.edu/newsroom.
