 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Director, USC Center for Applied Molecular Medicine Director, USC Westside Cancer Center Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California
A leading Researcher and entrepreneur in personalized medicine for major diseases like cancer
As an oncologist, David Agus' work has focused on the use of genomics (information from an individual's genetic makeup) and proteomics (unique combinations of proteins at work within the body) to understand individual variations in cancer and response to treatment. He is also the founder of Oncology.com, the largest Internet resource and community for cancer patients, and of Navigenics Inc., a genomics technology and wellness company.
SELF-EXAMINATION
Occupation:Oncologist/Cancer researcher.
Alternative career choice: I would love to be a sportswriter or journalist.
I tend to approach life: With a sense of optimism and excitement.
My mentor is/was: Andy Grove, the former CEO and Chairman of Intel, and a strong supporter of translational science research.
Biggest misconceptions about me or my work: That taking care of patients with cancer is depressing. The reality is that I am very lucky. Every day, we bring hope to people
Worst part-time job ever: I was a pizza delivery boy in college. Riding a bike while balancing pizzas, in the New Jersey winter, was rough.
Longest med school study session: Studying for my anatomy test in the first year of medical school—I still have nightmares about memorizing body parts!
Best moment in medicine/research: Collaborating with many of my science, engineering, and technology heroes to optimize the way we understand and treat disease. I feel so fortunate that the work we do on a regular basis is able to create new opportunities of care for our patients.
Worst moment in medicine/research: Unfortunately, there are many, as I have many patients who pass away from cancer every year. Each patient who dies leaves a profound iteam and on me.
The title of the story of my life will be: Written in pencil.
Musical instrument I play: I try to play electric guitar. I am learning together with my 9-year-old son, Miles. (Although he is much better than me).
I lent my time to the "Rock Stars of Science" campaign because: I believe in educating the next generation about science and medicine. We need new human capital to fight disease. Hopefully the "Rock Stars of Science" campaign will help convince the ‘best and brightest' to think about careers in science and medicine.
The hardest part about being a "Rock Star of Science" is: Trying to dress hip.
VIDEO CLIPS:
Charlie Rose Interviews Dr. Agus
Fora.tv: "Collaboration and the Cure for Cancer"
RELATED LINKS:
ABC World News: "At-Home Gene Tests Under Fire"
Compilation of Dr. Agus' Published Articles
Navigenics is the leading personalized genetic testing company
Oncology.com is the largest Internet resource and community for cancer patients
USC Westside Prostate Cancer Center
"Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure"
Agus "Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure Leadership"
Use of this Site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy.
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior
written permission of Condé Nast Publications.
"Rock Stars of Science," "Rock S.O.S," and "RSOS" are service marks of the Geoffrey Beene Foundation
Contact Us