Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) announces the following awards and appointments:
Danwei Huangfu, PhD, was named a recipient of the newly created National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) MorPhiC award. The Molecular Phenotype of Null Alleles in Cells (MorPhic) program, managed by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), is aimed to systemically investigate the function of each gene through a series of phases that would build upon the work of the previous. Research funded by the program uses cell culture models that mimic the function of real tissues and organs. Dr. Huangfu is one of five researchers who have won Phase 1 funding for the MorPhiC program.
Michael Offin, MD, Medical Oncologist, was named a recipient of LUNGevity’s Career Development Award (CDA). This award supports future research leaders who keep the field of lung cancer research vibrant with new ideas and novel approaches. Dr. Offin’s work focuses on a series of new drugs in pre-clinical cell lines and animal models of lung cancer that contain BRAF fusions, which are known to be powerful stimulators of lung cancer development.
Daniel Zeggarra Ruiz, Postdoctoral Associate, was named a finalist for the 2022 Blavatnik Regional Awards for Young Scientists in the Life Sciences category, awarded by The Blavatnik Family Foundation and the New York Academy of Sciences. The award honors outstanding postdoctoral scientists from academic research institutions across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
MSK Named One of New York’s Best Employers by Forbes
MSK was ranked #1 by Forbes in health care and social organization to work for in New York State and ranked #2 out of all New York employers with more than 500 employees. Forbes created the list in partnership with market research firm Statista, which anonymously surveyed approximately 70,000 Americans working for companies with more than 500 employees.
MSK Ranked in the Top Ten in 2023 World’s Best Smart Hospitals and 2023 World’s Best Specialized Hospitals Lists by Newsweek
Newsweek named MSK in their top ten of the World’s Best Smart Hospitals list and #2 in the World’s Best Specialized Hospitals in Oncology list of 300 institutions ranked. The World’s Best Smart Hospitals ranks 300 facilities in 28 countries that lead in their use of AI, digital imaging, telemedicine, robotics, and electronic functionalities. Smart Hospitals use state-of-the-art technology to fundamentally rethink how care is delivered within the health system.
MSK Named One of the 2022 100 Best Companies and 2022 Best Companies for Dads by Seramount
MSK was named one of the 2022 100 Best Companies and 2022 Best Companies for dads by Seramount. The winners featured on this year’s list set the standard by providing inclusive benefits for families, including paid gender-neutral parental leave, phase-back programs, bereavement leave after miscarriage, reimbursement for fertility expenses, and increased mental health benefits for employees.
Antonio Marra, MD, Research Associate, was awarded the inaugural José Baselga Fellowship for Clinician Scientists by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). The José Baselga Fellowship for Clinician Scientists was created by ESMO to help physicians wishing to follow this career path, and to honor the memory of Dr. José Baselga, a prominent clinician scientist who inspired many young oncologists in this field.
MSK Received Alliance for Equity in Cancer Care Grant from the Merck Foundation
MSK received a grant from the Merck Foundation, under the recently launched Alliance for Equity in Cancer Care. The $20 million five-year initiative is designed to make cancer care more equitable in the United States by helping patients living in underserved communities receive timely access to high- quality and culturally responsive care. As part of the Alliance for Equity in Cancer Care, the Foundation is providing grants to select non-profit health care organizations to help develop and implement evidence-informed, innovative programs that advance equity in cancer care.
Jorge Lopez, Jr., Executive Vice President & General Counsel, was recognized as a Notable Hispanic Leader and Executive by Crain’s New York Business. This list spotlights exceptional Hispanic individuals from various industries who have had a positive impact on New York City through their professional, community, and philanthropic achievements.
Donna Gibson, MLS, Director of Library Services, was awarded the 2022 Biomedical and Life Sciences President’s Recognition Award from the Biomedical and Life Sciences Community (BLSC). Ms. Gibson was recognized for her work and dedication in the BLSC community having spent more than 11 years serving on several boards across a variety of divisions and communities, being a member of the BLSC program committee for the Annual Conference, and member of the Vendor Relations Committee since 2011.
Corita Grudzen, MD, MSHS joined MSK as the founding incumbent of the Fern Grayer Chair in Oncology Care and the Patient Experience, which is dedicated to prioritizing cancer care innovation and the patient experience. MSK gratefully acknowledges the commitment and generosity of MSK Board Member Jonathan Grayer and his family for providing the philanthropic support to inaugurate the Fern Grayer Chair, named in honor of Mr. Grayer’s mother who was an MSK patient. As the incumbent, Dr. Grudzen, an emergency medicine physician and accomplished investigator whose work focuses on the intersection of acute and palliative care, will serve as Head of the newly created Division of Supportive and Acute Care Services in the Department of Medicine.