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Huntsman Cancer Institute at the (the U) is proud to announce the induction of three physician-scientists, Lindsay Burt, MD, Douglas Grossman, MD, PhD, and Alejandro Sanchez, MD, as members of The Society of Huntsman Translational Scholars.
The Society of Huntsman Translational Scholars supports scientists who focus on translating research discoveries made in the lab into innovations that improve outcomes for cancer patients. Scholars receive financial support for their scientific work, have opportunities for mentorship, and collaborate with other society members in advancing scientific discoveries.
“The goal of this initiative is to create a community of distinguished translational researchers and to establish a leadership and sponsorship culture focused on advancing scientific discovery from the lab to the clinic for the benefit of our patients,” says , head of academic affairs at Huntsman Cancer Institute and professor and chair of the Department of Oncological Sciences at the U. “Huntsman Translational Scholars are inspirational members of our faculty who embody Huntsman Cancer Institute’s guiding principles and demonstrate extraordinary impact in advancing innovations in patient care.”
Lindsay Burt, MD
Burt is a physician-scientist at Huntsman Cancer Institute and a clinical associate professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the U. She specializes in treating central nervous system, gynecologic, pediatric, and breast cancers using advanced techniques. Deeply committed to compassionate, evidence-based care, Burt actively contributes to clinical trials and national oncology committees. She is also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of oncologists through research and education.
“I'm honored to be selected as a Huntsman Translational Scholar,” Burt says. “This opportunity allows me to continue to study ways to improve patients’ experiences during their cancer treatments. I'm grateful to be part of a community so deeply committed to advancing cancer science and treatment."
Douglas Grossman, MD, PhD
Grossman is a physician-scientist at Huntsman Cancer Institute and co-leads the . As a professor of dermatology at the U, he specializes in early detection and prevention of skin cancers, particularly in high-risk patients, and directs Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Mole Mapping program. Grossman’s research explores the molecular mechanisms of melanoma development and metastasis. His work aims to develop novel chemopreventive strategies and non-invasive diagnostic tools to improve outcomes for patients with melanoma.
“I am honored to receive this award,” Grossman adds. “The funding will help me advance our studies developing novel technologies for non-invasive detection of skin cancers.”
Alejandro Sanchez, MD
Sanchez is a physician-scientist at Huntsman Cancer Institute and an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the U. He specializes in the surgical treatment of urologic cancers—including prostate, kidney, bladder, testicular, adrenal, and penile—using open, laparoscopic, robotic, and endoscopic approaches. He leads the Von Hippel-Lindau and High Risk Renal Cancer Clinic and directs a translational research program focused on kidney cancer. Supported by the Early Surgeon-Scientist Program, his research emphasizes clinical trials and the development of molecular biomarkers to enhance cancer treatment.
“I am truly excited to receive this award,” Sanchez states. “The funding will continue to support our team’s goal to understand how obesity leads to kidney cancer initiation and progression.”
“Drs. Burt, Grossman, and Sanchez represent some of the best and brightest physician-scientists in the country,” says , chief scientific officer and executive director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute. “Each are passionately dedicated to improving clinical care for patients around the world through innovation and creativity. They collaborate extensively with our research teams and prioritize high-impact innovations that will make a major difference, bringing hope and healing to cancer patients. I am thrilled to welcome them to this prestigious group and know they will continue to make a major impact for our patients.”
The critical research happening every day at Huntsman Cancer Institute is supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute, including cancer center support grant P30 CA042014, as well as Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
Media Contact
Heather Simonsen
Public Affairs Senior Manager
Huntsman Cancer Institute
801 581-3194
public.affairs@hci.utah.edu
About Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the is the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. With a legacy of innovative cancer research, groundbreaking discoveries, and world-class patient care, we are transforming the way cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed, treated, and survived. Huntsman Cancer Institute focuses on delivering the most advanced cancer healing and prevention through scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge technology to create pioneering cancer treatments beyond the standard of care today. We have more than 325 open clinical trials and 276 research teams studying cancer. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center. Our scientists are world-renowned for understanding how cancer begins and using that knowledge to develop innovative approaches to treat each patient’s unique СAPP. Huntsman Cancer Institute was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman.