John F. Potter, founder of the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, died June 28, at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, the site of his greatest professional triumphs. He was 95.
José Baselga, an expert in the development of molecular targeted agents and an executive at AstraZeneca, died of Creutzfeldt-Jakob, an extremely rare, rapidly progressing, degenerative brain disorder.
Emil J Freireich was a big man in stature, with a booming voice. He was one of the last of the 60 original members of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
When I started my fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center in 1980, Dr. Freireich headed the Department of Developmental Therapeutics.
“Humans cannot live without hope. Hopelessness is the greatest trauma a person has to suffer.”—Emil J Freireich, MD
When we decided to write a book together about the history and impact of NCI-designated cancer centers since passage of the 1971 National Cancer Act, we both agreed that one of the first people we would interview was Joe Simone.
Joe Simone was oncology's polymath. Skilled and adept in patient care, scientific and clinical discovery, administrative leadership, education as well as mentoring to a generation of oncologists through his writings.
In American Indian mythology and medical practice, the Mudjekeewis (the Grizzly Bear), Spirit Keeper of the West and the Chief of the Council of all Spirit Keepers and Animal Totems, is a symbol signifying responsibility, resourcefulness, intelligence, wisdom, introspection, physical and spiritual strength, and expertise.
On Jan. 21, when Joe Simone died at age 85, we lost a giant of oncology research, clinical translation, and policy.
In a succession of high-powered day jobs, Joseph V. Simone shaped modern oncology. Then, presumably at night, Joe did a little writing. “Simone's Maxims” is his chef-d'œuvre.
