March 17, 2006

Haber named first Laurel W. Schwartz Professor in Oncology

A special ceremony held last month honored the commitment and generosity of an MGH donor as well as the many accomplishments of one of the MGH Cancer Center's physicians — Daniel Haber, MD, PhD. The Laurel W. Schwartz Professorship in Oncology at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and the MGH was made possible by Laurel Schwartz, a long-time supporter of the MGH Cancer Center, because of a special bond she had with Kurt Isselbacher, MD, who treated her late husband, Peter.

Because of Schwartz's support and determination to find better cancer treatments, this professorship also honors the outstanding accomplishments of Haber, director of the MGH Cancer Center, who was named as the first incumbent to this chair.

Haber, who succeeded Isselbacher in the position of director of the Cancer Center in 2003, is internationally known for his research in the genetics of cancer, including important discoveries relating to pediatric kidney cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer. Above, from left, Raphael Dolin, MD, associate dean for Academic Affairs at HMS, with Schwartz and Haber

"Dan is an exceptional choice for this professorship, which not only honors the memory of a former MGH patient and his family but also recognizes the importance of furthering cancer research to improve patient care and eventually find a cure," says Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH.