Ira J. Fox, M.D., associate professor, University of Nebraska Medical
Center Department of Surgery and transplant surgeon, has been named the
1999 College of Medicine Outstanding Investigator. He received a $1,000
cash award and plaque. Dr. Fox is a native of Omaha.
Dr. Fox received the award for his research which proved that hepatocyte
cells, which are essential to liver function, could be immortalized and
infused into a patient, as an alternative to solid organ transplantation.
Whole organ liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for liver-based
metabolic diseases and hepatic failure, Dr. Fox said. Despite the success,
surgical risk and complications may lead to patient morbidity and mortality.
Because of the competition for whole organ transplantation, Dr. Fox
said there is a limited number of livers available for hepatocyte isolation.
Considering its cost and the need for consistent and functionally uniform
cell preparations, only a fraction of the patients needing hepatocyte transplantation
will actually receive it.
The Outstanding Investigator Award recognizes the achievements of a
College of Medicine investigator during an early phase of his or her career.
Selection is based on research independence, quality and quantity of research
publications, and extramural funding, said Kirk Phares, Ph.D., associate
dean of the College of Medicine and chair of the research and development
committee.
Dr. Fox is a 1972 cum laude graduate of Harvard College and received
his medical degree in 1976 at Columbia University College of Physicians
and Surgeons. He did post-degree training at the University of California
Medical Center in San Francisco, Harvard Medical School in Boston, New
England Deaconess Hospital in Boston and was a transplant fellow at the
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state.
Through its commitment to research, education and patient care, UNMC has
established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for cancer research
and treatment and solid organ transplantation. More than $34 million in
research grants and contracts are awarded to UNMC scientists annually.
In addition, UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for training more
health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution.