Congratulations to Kathy J. Helzlsouer!
Dr. Helzlsouer's term as Chairperson-elect will begin at the Annual Meeting 2010, and she will take office as Chairperson at the Annual Meeting in 2011.
Kathy J. Helzlsouer, M.D., M.H.S.
Director, The Prevention and Research Center at Mercy, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, MD
Other Current Positions: Adjunct Professor, Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University (2005-present).
Research Interests: My research interests are broad and reflect my interest in molecular, clinical and cancer epidemiology. Research activities have spanned the continuum of cancer prevention and control from etiologic studies to intervention trials (prevention and treatment) to studies of survivorship for multiple cancer sites. I currently chair the steering committee of the Vitamin D Pooling Project on Rarer Cancers. I have been an active member of the PANSCAN Cohort Consortium Project, a multi-cohort genome-wide association study of pancreatic cancer. Other current studies include investigating the association between biomarkers of inflammation and side effects of cancer treatment and examining the impact of interventions on biomarkers and symptoms of fatigue after cancer treatment. I remain clinically active doing cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling, and direct a cancer survivor consultation service.
Proposed Goals: According to that venerable source "Wikipedia," molecular epidemiology is defined as the "branch of public health that deals with the contribution of potential genetic and environmental risk factors identified at the molecular level, to the etiology, distribution and control of the disease..." If elected, I will work with and serve the membership to achieve the goals of MEG which include, but are not limited to, mentoring scientists who are early in their careers, advancing educational goals of MEG, effectively communicating the critical importance of continued research, advancing the proper application of research findings in the clinical and public health setting, and educating the public about the value of molecular epidemiology in cancer research to advance molecular epidemiologic research and its application to the clinical setting and more broadly to improve the health of the public. My career developed and blossomed with the explosion of molecular techniques that could be applied to large populations and I have used these resources in my research. Clinically, we have realized the value of genetic tests and other biomarkers to help refine cancer risk, offering individuals the opportunity to prevent or to optimally detect cancer in its earliest stages. My background as a both a researcher, clinician and public health practitioner helps to ground me in what is most critical to advance the health of the public and realize the opportunities as well as challenges presented by advances in technology. I bring to the position practical experience in working collaboratively and effectively with multidisciplinary teams and experience in education and faculty mentorship.
Awards and Honors: Health Care Heroes, The Daily Record, Maryland (2007); Outstanding Service Award, National Cancer Institute (2007); Maryland's Top 100 Women, The Daily Record, Maryland (2006); Women's Leadership Award, Johns Hopkins University (2003); Distinguished Alumnus in Medicine, St. Francis College (1994).
Committees: Member, Environmental Issues and Cancer Committee, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, State of Maryland (2009-present); Chair, The Maryland State Council on Cancer Control (2008-present); Member, American Epidemiology Society Membership Committee (2007-present); Chair, Steering Committee, Vitamin D Pooling Project on Rarer Cancers, National Cancer Institute (2007-present); Member, Advisory Committee, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Maryland Affiliate (2007-present); Member, Epidemiology Program Subcommittee, American Society of Clinical Oncology (2007-2008); Member, Surveillance Advisory Committee, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, State of Maryland (2004-present); Member, AARP Cohort Study Advisory Board, National Cancer Institute (2004-present); Member of the Secretariat, National Cancer Institute Cohort Consortium, (2004-2007); Chair, Breast Cancer Committee, Maryland Cancer Control Plan, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (2001-present); Member, Duke University Medical Center, Comprehensive Cancer Center Scientific Advisory Committee (2001-present); Associate Editor, Editorial Board, Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2001-present); Member, PDQ Cancer Screening and Prevention Committee, National Cancer Institute (1991-present).
Education and Training: B.S., summa cum laude, St. Francis College, Loretto, Pennsylvania (1975); M.D., cum laude, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1979); M.H.S., The Johns Hopkins University, School of Hygiene and Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (1988).