Dr. Rustgi is a physician-scientist, mentor and leader in GI cancers, spanning basic to translational research using novel model systems with applications to innovative clinical trials. Scientific and clinical themes include tumor initiation, progression and metastasis. Funded through federal agencies and foundations, Dr. Rustgi is recipient of numerous awards and honors with election to the National Academy of Medicine, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Association of American Physicians, American Society of Clinical Investigation and American Cancer Society Professorship. He is past President of three professional societies.