On the Shoulders of Giants

OncLive Chairman,

Mike Hennessy

During our many years in the oncology information field, we’ve continually been impressed and inspired by the talent, dedication, and caring nature of the researchers and clinicians who treat patients with this most complex set of diseases.

It was with these qualities in mind that we launched the OncLive Giants of Cancer Care^® program in 2013 to recognize oncology specialists and leaders who have made important contributions to the care that patients receive.

This year, we are saluting our fourth class of Giants: 10 individuals chosen from a robust international roster of more than 500 nominees through a selection process controlled by a peer group of prominent oncologists. We are honored and pleased to announce the winners in this issue of OncologyLive.

As in prior years, the 2016 winners relate a rich variety of personal history about why they chose to practice medicine in this demanding field. Some watched friends or family members struggle with a cancer diagnosis; others were moved by compassion for strangers. Many of the winners started their careers during dark and frustrating times for patients with cancer when clinicians had far fewer options. The Giants have certainly helped to improve care, saving countless lives with their work.

One distinguishing trait that Gi- ants award winners share is their propensity to attribute their success to collaborative efforts with colleagues.

The name of the program is partly a reminder of the sentiment that the famed scientist Isaac Newton popularized in the late 1600s, apparently paraphrasing a theologian who had crafted the concept several centuries earlier.

“If I have seen a little further,” Newton wrote about one of his discoveries, “it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” As we celebrate the achievements of these Giants, it is worth- while to remember that in some ways we all stand on the shoulders of those who have laid the groundwork for our success.

In cancer care, where oncologists confront complicated and emotionally stressful clinical problems on a daily basis, the challenges loom large.

Thankfully, we have Giants to help us see a brighter future.