This article and more were featured in the 2024 spring edition of UNMC Connect, a publication for alumni and friends. See the online version of the publication at this link – and be inspired by the people and projects at UNMC.
Ken Cowan, MD, PhD, joined UNMC in 1999 as director of the then Eppley Cancer Center (now the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center) and the Eppley Institute for Cancer Research. Although he recently stepped down as an administrator, he remains a full-time faculty member and clinician.
Here, he reflects on nearly 25 years as the face of cancer care at the med center.
Q: What made you decide to focus your career on fighting cancer?
A: Both my parents had cancer. During my graduate research for my MD/PhD, I studied the molecular regulation of viruses that caused cancer in animals. During my clinical training in internal medicine, I became interested in oncology and new chemotherapeutic agents to treat cancer.
Q: What stands out when you reflect on almost 25 years of leading the cancer center and Eppley Institute?
A: The recruitment of over 250 cancer research and clinical faculty, to UNMC and Nebraska Medicine, the threefold growth in cancer research funding, expansion of the cancer clinical trials program, and the overwhelming public and private support to build the new integrated Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, including the C.L. Werner Cancer Hospital and the Suzanne and Walter Scott Cancer Research Tower.
Q: As director, you continued to see patients. Why?
A: Seeing cancer patients and their families each week strengthened my resolve to find ways to expand our cancer research programs and to facilitate the transfer of scientific discoveries from the lab into the clinic and beyond as quickly as possible.
Q: What lessons have you learned from your patients?
A: Their courage and bravery have been inspirational to me. I have enjoyed learning about their lives and their families. Patients have taught me to appreciate every day and to be there for others.
Q: What has been most gratifying about the Cattlemen’s Ball? And, how many cowboy hats do you own?
A: The Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska, which started 26 years ago, is an outstanding partnership with the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. Held on a different ranch each year, it highlights the beauty of rural Nebraska, raises awareness about cancer and raises funds for cancer research. I have two cowboy hats, including one handmade from a beaver pelt.
Q: How has the cancer landscape changed since your arrival in 1999?
A: We have expanded both outreach programs and access to clinical trials to patients across Nebraska. In collaboration with Nebraska Medicine, Kearney soon will have a new cancer clinic and treatment center.
Q: How has the med center’s approach to cancer changed because of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center facility?
A: The facility has created a transformational environment for cancer research and cancer care, placing researchers and clinicians side by side to promote interdisciplinary cancer research and multidisciplinary care for all patients. The incredible Healing Arts program throughout the new cancer center facility provides hope and inspiration to everyone.
Dr. Cowan is one of the best of the best. His even-keel personality always made it a joy to work with him. What a legacy in cancer care – his name will be permanently etched in the UNMC history books.