UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center member Ronald Chen, MD, MPH, associate professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology, was elected as a member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation, one of the nation’s oldest and most respected medical honor societies. He was formally inducted into the society during the joint meeting of the Association of American Physicians, the American Society for Clinical Investigation and the American Physician-Scientists Association in Chicago April 5.
“This is a wonderful and deserving honor for Ron,” said Shelton Earp, MD, director of UNC Lineberger. “Ron is a special physician-scientist who treats patients and who studies their perceptions of their therapy as well as their outcomes. He puts the patient at the center of his work so that we can improve outcomes for the people of North Carolina and beyond.”
Chen is a radiation oncologist who specializes in the treatment genitourinary cancers with a focus on prostate cancer. In addition to his clinical care responsibilities, he conducts research directed on improving treatment outcomes. In 2017, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute awarded Chen a $11.9 million grant to conduct a comparative study of two radiation treatments for prostate cancer. Chen’s research is also focused on the impact of treatment choices and prostate cancer survivors’ quality of life.
“It is a great honor to be inducted into the ASCI,” said Chen. “The honor is a testament to the great environment at UNC Lineberger which fosters interdisciplinary collaborations and cutting edge cancer research.”
ASCI was founded in 1906 to support the scientific efforts, educational needs and clinical aspirations of physician-scientists to improve health. This year’s class of 80 new members were elected from 176 nominations. Its membership consists of more than 2,800 physician-scientist from across a broad spectrum of medical specialties, and Chen is one of only seven radiation oncologists who are members of the society.