January 6, 2006

In memoriam: Chiu-Chen Wang, MD

Chiu-Chen "C.C." Wang, MD, a beloved and greatly respected member of the MGH community, died Dec. 21 at the age of 83. "Dr. C.C.Wang was a gifted clinician, clinical investigator and an outstanding teacher and mentor for many young physicians," says Jay Loeffler, MD, chief of MGH Radiation Oncology. "He had an enormous impact on the field of radiation oncology in the 20th century and beyond."

Wang arrived at the MGH as a young resident in radiology from his home in China. With the endorsement of his older brother, C.A. Wang, MD — a Harvard Medical School (HMS) graduate and MGH surgeon — he joined the HMS class of 1950. Within 20 years, he became a professor of Radiation Oncology at HMS and clinical director of MGH Radiation Oncology. Wang was a world-renowned expert in his field. He authored numerous research articles, as well as textbooks used to train some of the best radiation oncologists in the country. Although he encountered some of the most critically ill patients on a daily basis, he never lost his infectious optimism. According to colleagues, he often told his patients that C.C. stood for "cure cancer."

In a fitting tribute to the many contributions Wang has made to the MGH and to the field of radiation oncology, the C.C. Wang Professorship in Radiation Oncology at HMS recently was established in his honor. The professorship will carry on Wang's lifelong mission, providing physicians and researchers with the opportunity to explore the best paths for enhancing and advancing medicine. Nancy Tarbell, MD, division chief of the Department of Radiation Oncology at MassGeneral Hospital for Children, was named the first incumbent of the chair in a ceremony held Nov. 9. "C.C. was an inspiration for all of us who work in this field," says Tarbell. "He changed the treatment of patients with cancer in a profound way. He has cured thousands of patients, and I still meet their children and grandchildren who ask me about the legendary Dr. Wang. We will never forget him."

A memorial service is planned for Jan. 14 at 11 am at the First Parish Church in Lincoln, Mass. Gifts in his memory may be sent to the C.C. Wang Professorship Fund, MGH Radiation Oncology, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA 02114.