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Childhood Cancer Survivorship Award for Excellence

Funded by Northwestern Mutual

Professionals who focus on survivorship have chosen to devote considerable effort to helping pediatric cancer survivors live full and healthy lives. To honor the efforts of these exceptional investigators, the Northwestern Mutual Foundation is proud to partner with ASPHO in awarding the Northwestern Mutual Award for Excellence in Childhood Cancer Survivorship, which will annually recognize an individual for their outstanding contributions dedicated to this segment of the pediatric hematology/oncology field.

In its inaugural year, the award seeks to recognize a pioneer in childhood cancer survivorship – someone who has given shape and credibility to the field through landmark contributions, which should include significant contributions to the medical literature and mentorship in this area. The recipient will be required to be nominated in the award’s inaugural year –self-nominations will not be accepted.

2018 Recipient

Robison LesLes Robison,  MPH PhD
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Memphis, TN

ASPHO is pleased to honor Les Robison, MPH PhD, with the The Northwestern Mutual Award for Excellence in Childhood Cancer Survivorship.

Dr. Robison currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control at the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Associate Director at the St. Jude Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, and a faculty member of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Dr. Robison received his Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his MPH and PhD degrees in Public Health and Epidemiology from the University of Minnesota. Previously, Dr. Robison was faculty at the University of Minnesota in the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and the Principal Investigator and founder of the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study.

A recognized pioneer in childhood cancer survivorship, Dr. Robison has dedicated over 35 years of his career to improving outcomes after childhood cancer and translating knowledge to advance the quality of survival among this population. He conceived and led the NCI-funded Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS), changing the way childhood cancer survivorship research is conducted around the world by documenting the adverse effects that accompany survivorship and becoming a resource for additional research in this area. His leadership has contributed to over 600 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters, invited commentaries and editorials, producing some of the most significant publications addressing long-term morbidity and quality of life of childhood cancers.

As a dedicated mentor of health outcomes researchers in the field of survivorship, Dr. Robison has emphasized the importance of both research and the responsibility of translating findings to change care for this high-risk, vulnerable population.

Robison will be recognized during the 2018 ASPHO Conference’s Awards Presentation session on Thursday, May 3 beginning at 10:00 am Eastern. 

Eligibility Requirements

  • significant contribution to the medical literature in the field of childhood cancer survivorship;
  • dedicated time and effort to mentoring others in childhood cancer survivorship;
  • a regular or allied member of ASPHO in good standing (i.e., clinicians, physician scientists, advance practice providers and researchers);
  • ability to personally accept the award during the annual ASPHO Conference.

Recognition and Reimbursement

The 2018 awardee will receive:

  • Complimentary 2018 ASPHO Conference registration
  • Round-trip economy airfare to the 2018 ASPHO Conference
  • Two nights in the 2018 ASPHO Conference host hotel
  • $10,000 honorarium to be used to further the recipient’s work in survivorship