Kenneth H. Cowan, MD, PhD
Kenneth H. Cowan, MD, PhD, served for 24 years as Director of 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 years.
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 National Cancer Institute 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 he 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.
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.”
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 the full tribute to Dr. Cowan, visit unmc.edu/newsroom.
