The Triangle Business Journal named UNC Lineberger’s Stuart Gold, MD, chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, as one of its 2020 Health Care Heroes. He was presented with the award at a ceremony on Feb. 13.
Gold was honored for his leadership of the pediatric on hematology-oncology program, his clinical and research expertise, and his commitment to his patients’ – and their families’ – emotional wellbeing in addition to their physical health.
“I am truly appreciative to receive this award,” said Gold, who is a distinguished professor in pediatrics at the UNC School of Medicine. “It means a great deal to me because I know it honors our program and our faculty and staff, all of whom are so dedicated to our patients and their families.”
Gold was one of nine winners from the UNC Medical Center, UNC School of Medicine and UNC REX.
Under Gold’s direction and in partnership with his colleagues, the pediatric hematology/oncology outpatient clinic has increased its faculty and staff to meet the growing need for pediatric cancer care services in the Triangle and across North Carolina, including for children with some of the most complex and difficult to treat cancers.
Gold’s clinical interests focus on leukemia, lymphoma and brain tumors, as well as integrative medicine, late effects, long-term survivorship issues, and palliative care. His research aims to improve medical outcomes for children with cancer, particularly leukemia and lymphoma, and to address barriers to care.
Equally important to his clinical and research activities, Gold never loses sight of caring for the emotional needs of his patients and their families. Case in point, on Halloween he is known for wearing over-the-top costumes, including an oversized ballerina suit. At Christmas time, he prepares a buffet – cooking for several days after he gets home from the clinic – to ensure the families whose children are hospitalized during Christmas, and the faculty and staff who are working during the holiday, will have a home-cooked meal.