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Fall 2016 : 2016 Rogers Award Honors Excellence in Cancer Prevention

2016 Rogers Award honors excellence in cancer prevention

Educator, clinician and researcher helps advance tobacco cessation

BY Leslie Friedman

Maher Karam-Hage, M.D.

Maher Karam-Hage, M.D., professor, Behavioral Science and Psychiatry, and associate medical director of MD Anderson's Tobacco Treatment Program, is the recipient of the Julie and Ben Rogers Award for Excellence, now in its 30th year.

Karam-Hage, who has helped thousands become smoke-free, received $15,000 and a framed certificate at a ceremony in September. The event was led by MD Anderson President Ronald DePinho, M.D., and Regina Rogers, an MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors member since 1990, who established the award in 1987 in honor of her parents.

"Winning this award is so humbling, and I appreciate and thank Ms. Rogers for it," says Karam-Hage. "It stimulates me and our team to continue our efforts in smoking cessation. We're proud to be part of the mission to end cancer."

Four finalists received $1,500: Banu Arun, M.D., professor, Breast Medical Oncology; Karen Basen-Engquist, Ph.D., professor, Behavioral Science; Roy Chemaly, M.D., professor, Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health; and Betty Spears, program coordinator, Dermatology.

The award signifies the Rogers family's relationship with MD Anderson, dating to 1960, when Regina's brother was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

"It's been gratifying to have a 56-year relationship with MD Anderson," she says. "Over the years, I've seen it grow and flourish and become a leader in research, treatment and prevention, with the most dedicated doctors."

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