These are very exciting times. In January we opened the doors of our new and improved Cancer Center, and we plan to open new research space in the future. Our $22 million expansion more than doubles the space we previously had and allows us to offer many
new patient amenities. Behind the scenes, a new electronic medical record and chemotherapy-ordering system—representing a $90 million investment by WVU Healthcare—brings us to the cutting edge of progress in medical information management.

We recently recruited two nationally recognized cancer research scientists. Dr. Michael Schaller from the University of North Carolina has joined us as chair of Biochemistry. Dr. Michael Ruppert joins us from the University of Alabama-Birmingham as the inaugural Jo and Ben Statler Eminent Scholar and Chair in Breast Cancer Research. You can read about their research in this issue of Spring 2009 mbrcc review. In the short time they’ve been with us, both have already made their mark as leaders and scientists. They are also especially nice people!

In the nearly two years since my arrival,
we have championed the belief that the
greatest measure of our success is simply how
well we partner.

The commitment we’ve made to partnering will be apparent for example on our statewide clinical trials network, our new mobile mammography unit, the work we’re doing with ambitious programs that introduce healthcare professions students to rural practice, and our role in the development of the West Virginia Oncology Society – which, I’m pleased to say, has just been accepted as a full member by the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Lastly, we are looking forward to April and our upcoming Share the Journey weeklong celebration of the Cancer Center, which includes the 24th annual Gala. This year, for the first time, the Gala is being held in Morgantown, with onsite events held at the Cancer Center. We invite you to attend and share in the excitement – Developing Partnerships, Leading Innovation, and Creating Hope.

Your support helps us grow stronger, creates a foundation for hope, and enables us to offer the highest levels of patient care and research.

Scot C. Remick, MD
Director, Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center
Laurence and Jean DeLynn Chair of Oncology

Spring 2009