Dr. Elisabeth Heath of Karmanos Cancer Institute honored with inaugural Michigan Cancer Consortium Champion Award for 2016

The Champion Award honors an individual who has demonstrated leadership, excellence, success and impact in the fight against cancer. This individual, through their proven efforts, has reduced the burden of cancer, championed initiatives to prevent and control cancer, and has improved the lives of those living with cancer.

"It is a great honor to receive this award," said Dr. Heath. "I am fortunate to work in an environment where all of my colleagues at Karmanos and Wayne State University School of Medicine (WSU SOM) are deeply devoted to treating cancer patients with the best and most innovative treatments.

"It has also been a privilege to work with the Michigan Cancer Consortium in its mission to reduce the cancer burden in Michigan. Nothing is more important than helping those with a cancer diagnosis and reducing the likelihood that cancer will be diagnosed in others."

Dr. Heath has been with the Karmanos Cancer Institute since 2003. Her research focus is conducting clinical and translational research trials in genitourinary malignancies by investigating new therapies for preventing and treating cancer.  She was appointed as the director of Prostate Cancer Research in 2010 and became a full professor in 2013 at WSU SOM. She has served on the MCC Board of Directors since January 2012. 

Dr. Heath has been instrumental in educating the public about prostate cancer by organizing various community education events, including Karmanos' annual Prostate Cancer Symposium. She also has created the Prostate Cancer Advocacy Program at the Institute, which serves as a model to educate and engage survivors, as well as their family members, to raise awareness of cancer screening and to work closely with scientists so that they may gain a better patient perspective when applying for research grants.

She also has worked tirelessly to reduce health disparities within the African-American population; serves as an ambassador for cancer patients by supporting Michigan's oral chemotherapy parity bill; and works with students through Wayne State University to encourage them to enter the oncology profession.

"Dr. Elisabeth Heath exemplifies the passion, commitment and dedication our oncologists show our patients at Karmanos Cancer Institute and to the greater community," said Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Karmanos. "Her tremendous efforts and achievements embody the spirit of the Champion Award. We are so pleased that the Michigan Cancer Consortium has honored her with this award and that the organization recognizes her efforts in reducing cancer for Michigan residents."

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, a subsidiary of McLaren Health Care, is one of 47 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Karmanos is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., is the Institute's president and chief executive officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org.

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SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute

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