Make Science Count for Patients with Dr. Kenneth Anderson
Kenneth Anderson, M.D., holds the Kraft Family Professor of Medicine and is the Director of Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center and LeBow Institute for Myeloma Therapeutics at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He has conducted research on multiple myeloma for over four decades and his work has led to clinical trials that culminated in new FDA-approved targeted therapies. He is the past President of the International Myeloma Society and the American Society of Hematology and is a recipient of many scientific and humanitarian awards including the Giants of Cancer Care and the American Association for Cancer Research Joseph H. Burchenal Award amongst many others. “Treat patients as family and make science count for patients - if you do these two things, all the rest of the details will fall into place.” Tune into a conversation with Dr. Kenneth Anderson on his journey to developing therapies that have transformed care for patients with multiple myeloma - highlighting the importance of maintaining focus while keeping an open mind, recognizing the power of teamwork, and always keeping the patient at the center of your research. Pearls of Wisdom: 1. Make science count for patients and treat patients like family. There is no greater honor for physicians than to be part of research that leads to advances in medicine and improved treatment for patients. 2. Life is not a linear trajectory. All opportunities that come our way must be considered and accounted for. Too much focus and unidirectionalism can lead to hindrances in growth. When opportunity knocks, open the door. 3. Medicine is a team sport, but don’t forget, the patient is part of that team, as well. Yes, the physicians, diagnosticians, and nurses are important, but the patient is just as important in seeing the treatment process through.