Elisabeth Heath, MD, FACP
Elisabeth Heath, MD, FACP, Leader of the Genitourinary Oncology Multidisciplinary Team and the Patricia C. and E. Jan Hartmann Endowed Chair for Prostate Cancer Research at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, was recently honored with the Michigan Cancer Consortium’s inaugural Champion Award for 2016.
The Champion Award honors an individual who has demonstrated leadership, excellence, success, and impact in the fight against cancer. This individual, through his or her proven efforts, has reduced the burden of cancer, championed initiatives to prevent and control cancer, and has improved the lives of those living with cancer.
“It is a great honor to receive this award,” said Dr. Heath. “I am fortunate to work in an environment where all of my colleagues at Karmanos and Wayne State University School of Medicine are deeply devoted to treating cancer patients with the best and most innovative treatments.”
“It has also been a privilege to work with the [Consortium] in its mission to reduce the cancer burden in Michigan. Nothing is more important than helping those with a cancer diagnosis and reducing the likelihood that cancer will be diagnosed in others.”
About Dr. Heath
Dr. Heath has been with the Karmanos Cancer Institute since 2003. Her research focus is conducting clinical and translational research trials in genitourinary malignancies by investigating new therapies for preventing and treating cancer. She was appointed as the Director of Prostate Cancer Research in 2010 and became a full Professor in 2013 at Wayne State University School of Medicine. She has served on the Michigan Cancer Consortium Board of Directors since January 2012.
Dr. Heath has been instrumental in educating the public about prostate cancer by organizing various community education events, including Karmanos’ Annual Prostate Cancer Symposium. She also has created the Prostate Cancer Advocacy Program at the Institute, which serves as a model to educate and engage survivors, as well as their family members, to raise awareness of cancer screening and to work closely with scientists so that they may gain a better patient perspective when applying for research grants.
She also has worked tirelessly to reduce health disparities within the African American population; serves as an ambassador for cancer patients by supporting Michigan’s oral chemotherapy parity bill; and works with students through Wayne State University to encourage them to enter the oncology profession. ■
