July 1, 2003

Dear Colleagues:

It is our distinct pleasure to share the good news that Theodore L. DeWeese, M.D., has been named first Director of the newly designated Department of Radiation Oncology. The Search Committee headed by Arlene Forastiere recommended Ted after an extensive national search.

Director of our Radiation Biology program since 2000, Ted is a recognized leader in the study of urologic malignancies, specializing in the development of adenoviral gene therapy for prostate cancer. He leads an NIH/NCI Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) translational science grant project and a Department of Defense Cancer Consortium grant project in adenoviral gene therapy. In addition, he is Principal Investigator of an NIH/NCI Program Project Grant on the Mechanisms of Cellular Radiation Response. His research also encompasses laboratory and clinical studies of mechanisms to enhance radiation sensitization of prostate cancer.

Skilled at bringing together multidisciplinary teams of clinical and laboratory investigators, Ted is recognized for his strong interpersonal skills and ability to inspire, motivate and mentor others. Colleagues at Johns Hopkins and other institutions describe him as a "program builder and a visionary. The Search Committee noted that As well, he is a superb clinician while achieving excellence in developing his own laboratory research program.

Ted has been at Johns Hopkins since 1991, when he arrived for his residency in radiation oncology. He joined the faculty as an Instructor in Oncology and Urology in 1995, was promoted to Assistant Professor of Oncology and Urology in 1997, and in 2002 was promoted to Associate Professor. He received his medical degree with honors in 1990 from the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver and completed an internship in internal medicine at Franklin Square Hospital before coming to Hopkins. He also completed a post-doctoral research fellowship in urologic oncology here.

Please join us in congratulating Ted on his new appointment, which is effective today, and on his contributions to basic science and clinical care at Johns Hopkins. And please join us in thanking Ross Abrams for serving as interim director of the Division of Radiation Oncology.

Sincerely,