James Armitage, M.D., Joe Shapiro Professor of Medicine and UNMC oncologist, has received the Heath Memorial Award at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. The award honors those who have made outstanding contributions to cancer patient care by the clinical application of basic cancer knowledge.
Dr. Armitage received the award March 3 while attending the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center’s 45th Annual Clinical Conference in Houston. He also presented a 45-minute talk on lymphoma during the conference.
The late William W. Heath and his wife, Mavis, established the award in 1965 in memory of Mr. Heath’s brothers, Guy H. and Dan C. Heath. The name of a third brother, Gilford G. Heath, was added following his death three years later.
“Dr. Armitage has made seminal contributions to the understanding and treatment of lymphoma,” said John Mendelsohn, president of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. “In addition, he has served in many senior leadership roles at the University of Nebraska, in the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology, and on advisory committees to the National Cancer Institute. We are delighted to honor him with the Heath Award.”
“Dr. Armitage is one of the most outstanding clinical investigators in the field of cancer research,” said Dr. Bast, vice-president for translational research at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. “He provides a consummate role model for clinician-investigators. His work has benefited thousands of patients with lymphoma. His leadership has made a significant difference, not only in Nebraska, but at a national and international level.”
An internationally recognized expert in the research and treatment of lymphoma, Dr. Armitage started the bone marrow transplant program at UNMC in 1982. The program has evolved into one of the best in the country, performing more transplants for lymphoma than most institutions in the world.
John Gollan, M.D., dean of the UNMC College of Medicine, said the honor bestowed upon Dr. Armitage by an internationally renowned cancer center is further recognition of Dr. Armitage’s great clinical and research contributions to the field of lymphoma. “In keeping with this award, which emphasizes his contribution to patient care, Jim’s dedication to his patients is legendary,” Dr. Gollan said.