HOUSTON (June 29, 2023) – Dr. David Poplack, Director of Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) and Associate Director of Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center and Professor in the Hematology and Oncology Section of the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, received the 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) during its annual meeting in June.
“It is an honor to receive this award from ASCO. I am a lifelong proponent of the importance of education, especially within pediatric oncology, and I am so proud of what the next generation of pediatric oncology researchers and physicians are already accomplishing,” said Dr. Poplack.
Recipients of the Excellence in Teaching Award are selected for their outstanding ability to expand trainees’ patient connection and communication skills, broaden their vision of patient-physician interaction and stimulate their personal and professional growth. Recipients of the award also engender habits of self-reflection, self-improvement and lifelong learning to foster the gaining of wisdom rather than mere knowledge. The award underscores ASCO’s belief that teaching is as essential to cancer medicine’s future as research, care delivery and clinical work.
“I am delighted to see Dr. Poplack recognized for his contributions to education within the field of pediatric oncology,” said Dr. Susan Blaney, Director of Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center. “Dr. Poplack played a pivotal role in the history of Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center, and our faculty and staff — including myself — have had the privilege of seeing firsthand his expertise in mentorship and teaching.”
Dr. Poplack has authored 370 original articles and book chapters in the field of pediatric oncology, in addition to being a founding co-editor of Principles and Practice of Pediatric Oncology, the leading textbook for pediatric oncology. He also developed the “Passport for Care,” an interactive website that addresses the need to provide long-term survivors of childhood cancer and their caregivers with screening guidelines and resources individualized to the survivor’s treatment history.
He has served on numerous national and international committees, including panel appointments at the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Institute of Medicine. Additionally, he was appointed to the National Cancer Institute's Board of Scientific Counselors. In 2016, he received the American Society of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Distinguished Career Award.
About Texas Children’s Hospital
Texas Children’s Hospital, a nonprofit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children’s hospital in Texas, and among the top in the nation, Texas Children’s has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women’s health. The hospital includes the Texas Children's Duncan NRI; the Feigin Tower for pediatric research; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; and Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital devoted to children’s care for communities north of Houston. The organization also created Texas Children’s Health Plan, the nation’s first HMO for children; has the largest pediatric primary care network in the country, Texas Children’s Pediatrics; Texas Children’s Urgent Care clinics that specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that’s channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children’s Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, go to https://www.texaschildrens.org.