Satish Gopal, MD, MPH, Honored With Humanitarian Award at Annual Meeting

Dr. Gopal, Director of the Center for Global Health (CGH) at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), received the Humanitarian Award at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting for his research on lymphoma and HIV-associated malignancies in Africa.

Since 2011, the Humanitarian Award has recognized oncologists who personify the society’s mission and values through outstanding patient care, voluntary humanitarian endeavors, and exceptional service or leadership in the United States and abroad, according to the society’s website. The award was presented during the annual meeting and included a $5,000 honorarium.

Dr. Gopal’s research program, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), addressed other common cancers in Africa, including cervical, breast, and esophageal cancers, according to the NCI. This endeavor pioneered some of the first published research to outline the molecular profiles of certain cancers, characterize lymphoproliferative disorders, incorporate patient-reported outcome measurements, and more.

In his current role as Director of the CGH, Dr. Gopal oversees the development of initiatives and collaborations with NCI and NIH partners, NCI-designated cancer centers, and other governmental and nongovernmental organizations to support cancer research in low- and middle-income countries.

He previously served as the Associate Chair for African International Sites for the NCI AIDS Malignancy Consortium, where he oversaw clinical trials in Africa, and has mentored more than 30 pre- and postdoctoral cancer researchers in the United States and Africa.