Research and Education Newsletter v35- Internal - Flipbook - Page 3
Division of Radiation Oncology Annual Research and Education Newsletter: Fiscal Year 2020
Welcoming Dr. Albert Koong
as Division Head
Images without masks taken pre COVID-19 pandemic
DIVISION HEAD PERSPECTIVES
Almost three and a half years ago, in August 2017, Albert Koong,
M.D., Ph.D. joined MD Anderson as Chair of Radiation Oncology
Department. Not only was he greeted by the blistering summer
heat of Houston, Texas, but less than a month later, hurricane
Harvey devastated the city and surrounding communities.
Undeterred, Koong has since navigated the department and
division through these and other challenges of patient care and
academic medicine. In October 2019, he assumed the position of
Division Head of Radiation Oncology. Prior to joining MD Anderson,
Koong served as Associate Chair and Clinical Director of Radiation
Oncology at the Stanford University School of Medicine.
A patient-centered, research-driven, and an internationally
recognized physician-scientist with a clear vision and ambition to
bring new treatment options to cancer patients, Koong embodies
the transformative, compassionate, and inspiring leadership that
is reflective of MD Anderson’s core values of caring, integrity, and
discovery.
Koong shares with us his aspirations for radiation oncology and
what motivates him in our common quest to end cancer.
What prepared you for your role as Division Head?
Developing a robust relationship with the section chiefs was
critical for me to learn how the department functions and fits into
the overall structure of the institution. I trust the section chiefs
to provide me with the necessary input so that I can make datadriven, sound decisions.
What inspires you?
My patients. As physicians, we have the privilege of taking care of
patients with life-threatening illnesses. We have a fundamental
obligation to do whatever we can to improve their health and the
quality of care that our patients receive. I also have the privilege
of working at a world-class cancer center where I work with
outstanding faculty and staff in their respective fields.
Why is research important to you?
Research is essential to advancing cancer therapy so that we can
improve outcomes for our patients. Discoveries in cancer broaden
our understanding of fundamental biological processes, which can
lead to breakthroughs in other diseases.
What is your vision for research in the division?
My aspiration is that the research priorities we identify will lead to
a transformational change in cancer therapy for the benefit of our
patients. This vision is outlined in the Radiation Oncology Strategic
Initiatives (ROSI).
What is your laboratory research focused on?
My lab is focused on understanding cell signaling within the tumor
microenvironment. Specifically, we study a pathway called the
Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), which our lab and others have
shown to be essential for tumor growth and progression using
different genetic models of cancer. We have developed various
classes of drugs that can block specific elements of this pathway.
The overall goal is to advance these drugs into clinical testing with
the ultimate goal of developing new classes of chemotherapy for
cancer patients.
Not only is research important to you, but education is as well.
Would you tell us why?
One of the greatest impacts we have as academic radiation
oncologists is to train the next generation of physicians. We have
a responsibility to our trainees and to our field to pass on the
knowledge that we have gained. This knowledge will be amplified
by our residents and fellows who will in turn, train others.
How does the division work to promote education?
Dr. Prajnan Das is our Deputy Division Head for Education. He sets
the overall priorities for our education program. The centerpiece of
these efforts is our residency program.
Dr. Chelsea Pinnix has recently taken over as the Program Director
of the No. 1 ranked residency program in the country. We also have
robust programs to train fellows, postdocs, and students.
Dr. Jillian Gunther is leading an initiative to attract more
underrepresented minorities into our field through a medical
student fellowship program. These are just a few examples of the
various education initiatives that are going on now.
What is something you have learned from patients?
From my patients, I have learned almost everything that is
worthwhile to learn in medicine.
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