The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF) honored Fred R. Hirsch, MD, PhD, with the 2015 Addario Lectureship Award for his continued leadership and expertise in lung cancer treatment and research. Dr. Hirsch, CEO of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), received the award at the 16th International Lung Cancer Congress held on July 30 to August 1 in Huntington Beach, California.
“Dr. Hirsch’s contribution and dedication to lung cancer research is truly remarkable,” said Bonnie J. Addario, 10-year lung cancer survivor and founder of the ALCF. “Dr. Hirsch is a cancer survivor, which makes him very sensitive to patients and increases his commitment to their survival. We are thrilled to present him with the eighth Addario Lectureship Award to highlight his commitment to eliminate lung cancer worldwide.”
Recognized by Colleagues
Dr. Hirsch is known best for his research on the diagnostic tool fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Colleagues David Gandara, MD, Associate Director of Clinical Research at the UC Davis Cancer Center, and Roy Herbst, MD, PhD, Ensign Professor of Medicine and Chief of Medical Oncology at the Yale Cancer Center, have nicknamed him the “Big Fisherman.”
“There is no one in the world that has been more dedicated to IASLC and addressing lung cancer worldwide [than Dr. Hirsch],” said Paul Bunn, Jr, MD, Distinguished Professor, Division of Medical Oncology at the University of Colorado and James Dudley Chair in Lung Cancer Research. “[He] has a unique perspective—he is not only both a pathologist and a medical oncologist, but also has trained and practiced in both Europe and the United States. He has been involved in studies of lung cancer diagnosis, staging, prevention, early detection, and treatment that have revolutionized the care of lung cancer patients. He works diligently to bridge international ties for lung cancer and recognizes it is a global disease that requires a global effort.”
Dr. Hirsch has been Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado Cancer Center and Professor of Medicine and Pathology at the University of Colorado, Denver since 1999. He also serves as the Conference President for the World Conference on Lung Cancer. Dr. Hirsch received his medical degree and doctorate from the University of Copenhagen and served as Chief Physician in the Department of Oncology at the Finsen Center (Copenhagen) from 1996–1999. He has been a supervisor for many European and Asian postdoctoral trainees in his laboratory at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. ■
