James Armitage, M.D., has received the 2014 American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Special Recognition Award for major accomplishments in the fields of oncology and hematology, as well as his many years of ASCO service.
The award, presented May 30, honors individuals for major contributions in areas of clinical oncology, cancer research, clinical trials, reimbursement, and patient advocacy activities, who have given long-term service to ASCO and to clinical oncology.
“It’s an honor to receive this award,” said Dr. Armitage, Joe Shapiro Professor of Internal Medicine in the UNMC Division of Oncology/Hematology. “My association with ASCO over the last 35 years has been a rewarding part of my career. ASCO has never wavered from its commitment to cancer patients in getting patients the best possible treatment and care.”
Dr. Armitage is globally recognized as a leading expert on non-Hodgkin lymphoma and played a critical role in advancing bone marrow transplantation.
Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., UNMC chancellor, said the award is a tremendous honor for Dr. Armitage and great recognition for UNMC.
“He is an internationally recognized leader in cancer care. UNMC is proud to have him as a longstanding member of our faculty and in a leadership role in the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.”
Lynell W. Klassen, M.D., Henry J. Lehnhoff Professor and chair of UNMC’s Department of Internal Medicine, said Dr. Armitage joins a prestigious group of recipients.
“Dr. Armitage is internationally acknowledged as one of the world’s foremost experts in the treatment of lymphoma. He established, at UNMC, the lymphoma program that grew into a world-renowned program. The award reflects the dedication, expertise and passion Dr. Armitage has for helping patients.
“With Jim receiving ASCO’s Special Recognition Award and with Julie Vose beginning her term as ASCO president, UNMC’s Division of Oncology/Hematology was recognized nationally at the world’s largest oncology meeting,” Dr. Klassen said.
Julie Vose, M.D., said Dr. Armitage has helped shape the progress of treatment and research in lymphoma and has been a key leader in ASCO.
“Dr. Armitage is a pioneer in hematology/oncology, a special teacher and mentor to all of us at UNMC for the last several decades, and he has built the foundation for our future at UNMC,” said Dr. Vose, Neumann M. and Mildred E. Harris Professorial Chair and chief of the division of oncology/hematology.
(Vicky Cerino, UNMC public relations, contributed to this story.)
Jim,
Congratulations! A well-deserved honor. To think I knew you when you started your oncology journey.
Carol Russell
Jim, Congratulations! Very special honor. Thank you very much for your leadership to our lymphoma research program. Kai Fu
Warm congratulations, Jim, for this long deserved recognition! ABIM can also be proud of your achievements.
I regret that Oregon State's baseball team just missed returning to the College World Series. I recall a very pleasant evening there with you two in 2011.
John Benson
I had the pleasure of working side by side with Dr. Armitage for 12 years as his nurse. Not only are his accomplishments incredible, he is such a kind, caring, loving man….a TRUE gentleman who taught me as much about life as caring for patients.
Dr. Armitage, Sending our heart felt congratulations to you for this honor. Very well deserved. Our kindest regards, Jon and Tara Darbyshire.
Dr. Armitage,
Jim and I have know for years that you were the best in your field, and considered ourselves so lucky when you took my case. You have saved my life twice, and you are not only my doctor, but a friend, whom we have grown to love and feel so Blessed to Have YOU IN OUR LIVES! We thank God for you. Congratulations!!!!!
Dear Dr. Armitage: I'm here to write this note ten years later because of you and the other wonderful people at the UNMC. My wife, Cheryl, and I don't have the words to express our gratefulness, our thanks, and our appreciation for the difference you and those you lead have made in our lives. "Thank you" seems so insufficient. Congratulations on a most well-deserved award and recognition. With our most heart-felt sincerity, Gary and Cheryl Hartzell
Dear Dr. Armitage, me and my family have no words enough to express how grateful we are for everything you have done in taking care of my wife Hadeel. We are stunned with your kindness and sharp approach in treating your patients. We congratulate you and also ourselves for being honored to know you. All the awards in the world are not enough. We love you so much and pray that God protects you for the sake of science, medicine and humanity. Mohammed & Hadeel