Brian Issell, M.D., Scripps Health Vice President of Clinical Research, Receives Meritorious Service Award
SAN DIEGO – Brian Issell, M.D., Vice President of Clinical Research for Scripps Health, has received the 2007 Meritorious Service Award from the Hawaii Society of Clinical Oncology (HSCO) for his many contributions to cancer research and extensive community service in the state of Hawaii.
The award, which was presented at HSCO’s membership meeting in Honolulu, recognizes an individual who has gone beyond the call of duty to improve the quality of life and quality of care for oncology patients.
In 2006, Dr. Issell received the highest award for community service from the Hawaii chapter of The American Cancer Society.
Dr. Issell is responsible for developing research programs that expand access to clinical research for physicians and patients throughout the Scripps system. He also plays a key role in the long-standing collaboration between Scripps Health and The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI). Scripps currently adds 100 new clinical trials a year across its health care, academic medicine and research facilities.
Prior to joining Scripps, Dr. Issell was a researcher and professor of medicine and director of the clinical trials unit at the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii at the University of Hawaii. He also has served as director of the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii and Chief of the Division of Oncology of the Department of Medicine at the University of Hawaii.
Dr. Issell received his undergraduate and medical school degrees as well as his initial clinical training in internal medicine and medical oncology in his native New Zealand. In 1976, he emigrated to the United States and completed a medical oncology fellowship at M.D. Anderson Hospital/University of Texas, Houston. His work there included research on some
ABOUT SCRIPPS HEALTH
Founded in 1924 by philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps, Scripps Health is a $1.8 billion non-profit community health system based in San Diego, Calif. Scripps treats a half-million patients annually through the dedication of 2,600 affiliated physicians and 11,000 employees among its five acute-care hospital campuses, home health care services, and an ambulatory care network of clinics, physician offices and outpatient centers. Recognized as a leader in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, Scripps is also at the forefront of clinical research and graduate medical education. In 2006, Scripps spent $110.5 million to upgrade its facilities and technology across the San Diego region while providing significant charity care to the community — more than $195 million in uncompensated care in 2006. Scripps Health Foundation generates $30 million annually in charitable donations to support the Scripps mission.
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ABOUT HSCO
The Hawaii Society of Clinical Oncology (HSCO) represents the common interests of a majority of the oncologists treating cancer in Hawaii. HSCO is a chapter member of the Association of Community Cancer Centers and an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. HSCO strives to be identified as the voice of Hawaii’s oncologists to promote quality of oncology care through patient advocacy, continuing education, multidisciplinary engagement and participation in the public forum.