American Society Of Clinical Oncology Recognizes Neera Agarwal, MD

Neeraj Agarwal, MD, is now a distinguished member of the Fellows of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. This distinction recognizes his extraordinary volunteer service, engagement, and commitment to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and most importantly, the patients he serves. ASCO is one of the world’s largest professional organizations for those who care for people with cancer.

“I feel very privileged and honored to receive this award,” says Agarwal. “My personal mission is similar to ASCO’s—to conquer cancer through research, education, and quality patient care.”

Since joining Huntsman Cancer Institute more than 15 years ago, Agarwal has been honored with many awards and distinctions, such as the Presidential Endowed Chair of Cancer Research, the SWOG Young Investigator Award, the William D. Odell Young Investigator Award, and a National Cancer Institute Cancer Clinical Investigator Team Leadership Award.

He has also served as a professor of medicine, director of the genitourinary oncology program and the Center of Investigational Therapeutics, and senior director for clinical research innovation.

“Dr. Agarwal is a passionate, devoted, and skilled physician and innovator,” says Neli Ulrich, PhD, MS, executive director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute. “He is internationally recognized for his leadership in clinical trials and for bringing teams together to pursue the joint mission of curing cancer. His commitment to his patients shows through numerous accolades. He is an incredible example of ASCO’s mission, which is rooted in dedicating your time and talent to those affected by cancer.”

For Agarwal, this distinction reflects back on more than 10 years of ASCO membership, and hundreds of hours in volunteer work, research, and education. While titles and distinctions are an honor, Agarwal insists that his mission, and ASCO’s, is improving patient care.

“The bottom line is, how can I improve caring for my patients? How can I make a difference?” says Agarwal.

One of the ways Agarwal continues to make a difference is through his research and clinical trials. Many of them are in their final phases.

“Research helps us, as physicians, improve the quality of life for our patients,” says Agarwal. “I want my patients to be able to enjoy a full life. One of the most impactful ways to do that is to invest my time into research and clinical trials."