Press Releases

Atlanta 2008/10/17 -The American Cancer Society, the largest voluntary health organization in the United States and the world’s leading cancer control organization, has named Victor G. Vogel, M.D., M.H.S., as the new National Vice President for Research, succeeding Jerome W. Yates, M.D., M.P.H. Dr. Vogel will join the Atlanta-based National Home Office of the Society in January 2009. In this role, Dr. Vogel will be responsible for overseeing the Society’s research operations. He will continue to build on the Society’s legacy of serving as the largest non-governmental funder of cancer research, with an emphasis on intramural research and extramural research funding to advance prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer. Dr. Vogel will actively collaborate with leading cancer research, academic institutions and government agencies to assure the organization’s access to current trends and developments in basic science and applied research. In addition, he will provide scientific expertise to the advocacy efforts of the American Cancer Society and other organizations working to improve support for cancer research and improved cancer care.

Dr. Vogel has more than 20 years of leadership in cancer research with his specific areas of interest being breast cancer risk assessment and prevention. He currently serves as professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where he is also co-director of the Magee-Womens Hospital/University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Biochemoprevention Program. A fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine and a fellow of the American College of Physicians, Dr. Vogel is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and general preventive medicine/public health. He served as the National Protocol Chairman of the National Cancer Institute’s STAR Trial (Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene).

Dr. Vogel is the author of more than 250 articles, book chapters, and abstracts. He edited the books Management of Patients at High Risk for Breast Cancer and Handbook of Breast Cancer Risk Assessment: Evidence-Based Guidelines for Evaluation, Prevention, Counseling, and Treatment.

“We are pleased to have Dr. Vogel join the American Cancer Society as our National Vice President for Research,” said Otis W. Brawley, M.D., chief medical officer, American Cancer Society. “Victor’s commitment to, and strong background in, cancer prevention and treatment research will help us to advance our life saving mission. I look forward to working with Victor as he transitions into his new role over the coming months.”

Dr. Vogel earned his medical degree from Temple University Medical School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He served an internship and residency in internal medicine at the Baltimore City Hospitals and a fellowship in medical oncology at Johns Hopkins Oncology Center. Dr. Vogel earned a Master of Health Science at Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, where he was an Andrew W. Mellon Fellow in Clinical Epidemiology. He is a recipient of numerous honors and awards, including a Career Development Award from the American Cancer Society, a research fellowship from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and the Achievement Medal from the U.S. Public Health Service. He is listed in Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare and The Best Doctors in America.

“Basic science and epidemiological research have revolutionized the outlook for patients with cancer during the last three decades, and the American Cancer Society has been at the forefront in supporting discoveries that have made the outlook for patients with cancer more optimistic than ever. Yet, there remains much to be done. With the increasing pressures on the federal budget, and with widening demands on the resources of the National Cancer Institute, the Society will continue to play a vital role in assuring that new discoveries continue to occur,” said Dr. Vogel. “As the National Vice President for Research, I will endeavor to increase public understanding of the value of cancer research and to expand the scope and depth of support throughout the country for all of the research programs of this great national organization. There has never been a more promising time for making real progress through research.”

Dr. Vogel devotes his spare time to his passion of aviation. He became a private pilot in 1980, earned his instrument rating in 1983 and his commercial pilot’s license in 1989. He is currently working to become a FAA certified flight instructor. Dr. Vogel enjoys traveling with his wife of 31 years, Sally, and spending time with their two adult children, Heather and Christiaan. He has served as a volunteer for “Restoring Hope in New Orleans”, and for a week in each of the past two years he has built homes, helping to rebuild the city following Hurricane Katrina. A Presbyterian elder, Dr. Vogel has taught and lectured on the meaning of illness and the theology of suffering to both lay and church groups.

The American Cancer Society dedicates more money to cancer research than any other private, nonprofit group in the country, having invested more than $3.3 billion dollars in cancer research since 1946. This research has played a leading role in the progress made against cancer, including advances in prevention, early detection, and treatment. Second only to the federal government in number of dollars invested, the American Cancer Society has funded 42 Nobel Prize laureates to date, most of them early in their careers when funding is particularly difficult to get. Research done or supported by the Society has helped save millions of lives, and has played a part in virtually ever major advancement in cancer over the past half century.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.