Photo by Patrick A. Ellis courtesy of Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Wayne State University School of Medicine Professor of Oncology Elisabeth Heath, M.D., F.A.C.P., was honored Nov. 9 with the Michigan Cancer Consortium's first Champion Award.

Dr. Heath is the leader of the Genitourinary Oncology Multidisciplinary Team and the Patricia C. and E. Jan Hartmann Endowed Chair for Prostate Cancer Research at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.

The Champion Award honors an individual who has demonstrated leadership, excellence, success and impact in the fight against cancer. The honoree, through their proven efforts, has reduced the burden of cancer, championed initiatives to prevent and control cancer, and has improved the lives of those living with cancer.

"It is a great honor to receive this award," Dr. Heath said. "I am fortunate to work in an environment where all of my colleagues at Karmanos and the Wayne State University School of Medicine are deeply devoted to treating cancer patients with the best and most innovative treatments.

"It has also been a privilege to work with the Michigan Cancer Consortium in its mission to reduce the cancer burden in Michigan. Nothing is more important than helping those with a cancer diagnosis and reducing the likelihood that cancer will be diagnosed in others."

Dr. Heath's research focus is conducting clinical and translational research trials in genitourinary malignancies by investigating new therapies for preventing and treating cancer. She was appointed director of Prostate Cancer Research in 2010 and became a professor in 2013. She has served on the Michigan Cancer Consortium Board of Directors since January 2012.

Dr. Heath has been instrumental in educating the public about prostate cancer by organizing various community education events, including Karmanos' annual Prostate Cancer Symposium. She also has created the Prostate Cancer Advocacy Program at the institute, which serves as a model to educate and engage survivors, as well as their family members, to raise awareness of cancer screening and to work closely with scientists so that they may gain a better patient perspective when applying for research grants.

She also has worked tirelessly to reduce health disparities within the African-American population; serves as an ambassador for cancer patients by supporting Michigan's oral chemotherapy parity bill; and works with students to encourage them to enter the oncology profession.

"Dr. Elisabeth Heath exemplifies the passion, commitment and dedication our oncologists show our patients at Karmanos Cancer Institute and to the greater community," said Department of Oncology Chair Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., who also is president and chief executive officer of Karmanos. "Her tremendous efforts and achievements embody the spirit of the Champion Award. We are so pleased that the Michigan Cancer Consortium has honored her with this award and that the organization recognizes her efforts in reducing cancer for Michigan residents."