Editing Brigham and Women's Hospital (section)

== Which Physicians Lead the Mesothelioma Program? ==

'''Dr. David J. Sugarbaker, MD (1953-2018) — Founder'''

Dr. Sugarbaker earned the nicknames "Mr. Mesothelioma" and "Dr. Mesothelioma" for his pioneering contributions to the field.<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/david-sugarbaker-m-d/ David Sugarbaker, MD], Mesothelioma.net</ref> His legacy includes:

* Founder and Director of the International Mesothelioma Program (2002-2014)
* Chief of Thoracic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital
* Chief of Surgical Services, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
* Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School
* Redesigned and refined extrapleural pneumonectomy surgery (1992)
* Developed modern trimodal therapy approach
* Pioneered use of intraoperative heated chemotherapy (HIPEC) for mesothelioma
* Published over 200 peer-reviewed articles on thoracic malignancies

'''Dr. Raphael Bueno, MD — Current Director'''

Dr. Bueno assumed leadership of the IMP in 2014 and continues advancing the program's research and clinical missions.<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/raphael-bueno-m-d/ Raphael Bueno, M.D.], Mesothelioma.net</ref>

* Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital
* Co-Director, The Lung Center
* Director, International Mesothelioma Program (2014-present)
* Board-certified in general surgery, thoracic surgery, and surgical critical care
* Harvard Medical School: MD 1985; Harvard College undergraduate in biochemistry

'''Research Focus:'''
* Genomics to predict, detect, and treat thoracic cancers
* Genetic engineering for improved detection and prognosis
* Investigation into gender differences in mesothelioma (men more likely to develop it, women tend to have longer management periods)
* Development of the four-gene ratio test for prognostic assessment

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| style="padding:15px; color:#004085;" | '''ℹ️ Program Depth:''' The IMP maintains over 80 dedicated caregivers, scientists, and support staff focused exclusively on mesothelioma—one of the largest concentrations of mesothelioma expertise anywhere in the world.
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