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Linda Van Le, MD, professor of gynecologic oncology and member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, has been appointed the Leonard Palumbo Distinguished Professor of Gynecologic Oncology.

This professorship was established in 1986 in honor of Dr. Leonard Palumbo. Because of Dr. Palumbo’s long standing commitment to gynecologic oncology it was the family’s wish that this professorship be designated as a professorship in gynecologic oncology. Dr. Wesley Fowler, Jr. held the professorship during his nearly forty years of dedicated service to the UNC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

This professorship was established in 1986 in honor of Dr. Leonard Palumbo. Because of Dr. Palumbo’s long standing commitment to gynecologic oncology it was the family’s wish that this professorship be designated as a professorship in gynecologic oncology. Dr. Wesley Fowler, Jr. held the professorship during his nearly forty years of dedicated service to the UNC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

In 1991, Dr. Van Le started her fellowship under the direction of Dr. Fowler here at UNC. She joined our faculty in 1993, rising to tenured professor in 2002. Dr. Van Le has had success combining basic science research with clinical research and has over 80 peer-reviewed publications. Her research has been published in respected peer-reviewed journals and most recently has focused on clinically relevant topics. Currently, her research is focusing on improving clinical care through implementing pivotal clinical trials. She is the Principal Investigator for the UNC Gynecologic Oncology Group grant, our subspecialty’s multi-institutional collaborative group funded by the NCI; and is Director of Clinical Trials for the UNC Gynecologic Oncology. Individually, Dr. Van Le has very actively initiated clinical trials within the gynecologic oncology group. In particular, she has forged a strong relationship with industry to bring forth new drug treatment opportunities for patients. She has been a leader in research to develop novel chemotherapeutics for ovarian cancer and to understand the impact of aging on ovarian cancer. She is an active member of the Lineberger Cancer Center Elderly Working Group and is the PI of a prospective trial to assess the impact of cancer surgery and chemotherapy in the elderly.

Dr. Linda Van Le has been a leader in her subspecialty at many levels, and has gained national recognition for her contributions. Not only has she been able to maintain a high level of clinically and academically productive; she is a superb teacher who serves as an outstanding role model for all medical professionals.

Originally published at: https://www.med.unc.edu/obgyn/highlights-honors/Oct_2012/appointments