The Eye & Ear Foundation has launched a major campaign initiative to raise $5 Million to name the forthcoming Head & Neck Cancer Institute after Eugene N. Myers, MD, FACS, FRCS, Edin (Hon). Dr. Myers was Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh for 33 years.
Dr. Myers helped establish Pittsburgh as one of the world’s leading centers for head and neck surgery and oncology. Throughout his distinguished career, he advanced surgical techniques, pioneered new approaches to cancer treatment, authored seminal textbooks and scientific publications, trained hundreds of residents and fellows, and mentored future leaders in the field. Many of today’s leading head and neck surgeons and department chairs trained under him or were shaped by his scholarship and mentorship.
“Few individuals have shaped the field of head and neck cancer as profoundly as Dr. Eugene Myers,” said Lawton Snyder, EEF CEO. “Naming the institute in his honor would recognize not only a remarkable surgeon and scientist, but also a visionary leader whose influence extends through generations of physicians, researchers, and patients. The campaign is an opportunity for all those whose lives and careers have been touched by Dr. Myers to help ensure that his legacy continues to inspire innovation and excellence in head and neck cancer care.”
This campaign came about when the Senior Vice Chancellor offered an incentive. If $5 Million is raised in honor of Dr. Myers, the Head & Neck Cancer Institute can be named the Eugene N. Myers Head & Neck Cancer Institute. Otherwise, the gift level to name the institute is $10 Million. The Institute will encompass all clinical and research focusing on head & neck cancer.
“Our vision is to build an institute that seamlessly incorporates head and neck cancer clinical care and research, from basic and translational research to clinical trials, surgical innovation, and survivorship,” said José P. Zevallos, The Eugene N. Myers, MD Professor and Chair, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. “I cannot think of an individual more worthy of this honor than Dr. Myers. His work at the University of Pittsburgh set a standard of excellence in surgery and research that continues to inspire and drive us forward.”
When Dr. Myers was told about the possibility of having his name attached to the Institute, he was thrilled. “I spent a long-time being Department Chairman, and I thought that was a big deal,” he said. “But this is a bigger deal.” He is contributing personally and is helping raise the necessary funds.
Snyder pointed out that the campaign is about more than just honoring one individual. It is about sustaining the excellence that Dr. Myers helped create. “Support for the Eugene N. Myers Head & Neck Cancer Institute will accelerate research discoveries, expand access to world-class care, train the next generation of specialists, and improve outcomes for patients facing head and neck cancer,” he said. “For many alumni, patients, colleagues, and friends, this campaign represents a unique opportunity to express gratitude to a physician whose impact has been felt across the globe and whose work continues to shape the future of the field.”