Bruce G. Haffty, MD, associate vice chancellor for cancer programs and chair, radiation oncology at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (RCINJ), has been selected as the 2020 Gold Medal Award winner by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), the largest radiation oncology society in the world, in recognition of his significant accomplishments in the field.
The ASTRO Gold Medal Award is given annually to individuals who have made outstanding lifetime contributions in the field of radiation oncology, including achievements in clinical patient care, research, teaching and service. With a special research interest in radiation therapy targeting breast cancer, Dr. Haffty works closely with colleagues across all disciplines and specialty centers at Rutgers Cancer Institute to conduct clinical and translational investigation and translate this work directly to patients, according to a statement provided by RCINJ.
“I am deeply humbled to be the recipient of this year’s Gold Medal Award from the ASTRO. The institutional resources and environment initially at Yale and currently at Rutgers Cancer Institute has always provided me with unique opportunities to care for patients while advancing the field through clinical trials, research and education. I share this award with the many students, residents and colleagues who have worked with me and I am most grateful for the support through the years of my wife Kathy and our family. It has been a privilege for me to be part of advancing this profession. I am grateful to ASTRO for this recognition and to my colleagues for holding me in such high regard,” Haffty, who is also chair of Radiation Oncology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, said in the statement.
Haffty joined RCINJ in 2005, and has since overseen the growth of the Radiation Oncology Program to offer numerous sub-specialties and technologies not generally offered in a community setting, including proton therapy. Through decades of knowledge and experience, he also guides radiation oncology practices at University Hospital in Newark and throughout the Oncology Service Line at RWJBarnabas Health, according to the statement.
Haffty has served in many leadership roles related to research and education in radiation oncology. He has served as president of the American Board of Radiology, the major certifying organization for the practice of diagnostic radiology, radiation oncology, and medical physics. He also served as president and chairman of the board of ASTRO, has served as a past president of the American Radium Society and past chairman of the Residency Review Committee in Radiation Oncology. He currently serves as chairman of the board of the Radiological Society of North America Board (RSNA) and deputy editor of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, according to the statement.
“Dr. Haffty has provided extraordinary leadership in building one of the premier radiation oncology departments in the country that offers numerous sub-specialties and sophisticated radiation therapies and modalities,” Steven K. Libutti, MD, FACS, director of RCINJ and senior vice president, oncology services at RWJBarnabas Health, said in the statement. “I am honored to have Dr. Haffty as a member of our leadership team and am proud that he is the recipient of such a prestigious award.”
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