The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) will award Amato J. Giaccia, PhD, Radhe Mohan, PhD, FASTRO, and Prabhakar Tripuraneni, MD, FASTRO, with the Society’s highest honor—the ASTRO Gold Medal. The 2013 awardees will receive the ASTRO Gold Medal during the society’s 55th Annual Meeting in September.
“Congratulations to my esteemed colleagues, Drs. Giaccia, Mohan, and Tripuraneni for receiving the ASTRO Gold Medal,” said ASTRO Chairman Michael L. Steinberg, MD, FASTRO. “Individually, they have influenced the direction of radiation oncology research, explored new technologies that guide the way we practice, and directly affected the growth of ASTRO and the specialty overall. The collective impact of their achievements has significantly improved the care for and resources available to cancer patients worldwide.”
Dr. Giaccia is a radiation biologist at Stanford School of Medicine and a 21-year ASTRO member who has made considerable contributions to radiation oncology research. His research has been focused on the role of tumor microenvironment in tumor progression and metastasis, specifically the response of tumors and normal tissue to a reduced oxygen environment, or hypoxia.
“Winning the ASTRO Gold Medal is a tremendous honor for me personally, as well as for all of the past and current members of my laboratory,” Dr. Giaccia said.
Dr. Mohan, a medical physicist at MD Anderson Cancer Center and 22-year ASTRO member, has had a major influence in several areas of radiation oncology, including radiation dosimetry, 3-D conformal radiation therapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, and ongoing research in proton therapy.
“Advancing the field through research, creativity and innovation is the most important contribution a physicist can make to help improve the efficiency, clinical effectiveness and safety of patient care,” Dr. Mohan said.
A 30-year ASTRO member and former ASTRO chairman, Dr. Tripuraneni, a radiation oncologist at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla California, has impacted the clinical aspect of radiation oncology through his insights in vascular brachytherapy. He was also instrumental within ASTRO through his leadership roles on ASTRO’s Board of Directors and on various committees in the areas of practice accreditation, website development and e-learning initiatives.
“I am honored to receive ASTRO’s Gold Medal and to be recognized by my peers. In many ways, I share this honor with numerous colleagues who willingly volunteer their time, energy and skill for the betterment of radiation oncology through their work on behalf of ASTRO,” said Dr. Tripuraneni.
About the Gold Medal
ASTRO’s Gold Medal, first awarded in 1977, is bestowed annually on up to three ASTRO members who have made outstanding contributions to the field of radiation oncology, including work in research, clinical care, teaching and service. ■
