“Janet Rowley’s work established that cancer is a genetic disease,” said Mary-Claire King, a geneticist at the University of Washington. “She demonstrated that mutations in critical genes lead to specific forms of leukemia and lymphoma, and that one can determine the form of cancer present in a patient directly from the cancer’s genes. We are still working from her paradigm.”

Before Rowley began investigations into the chromosomal abnormalities of leukemia at the University of Chicago in the 1960s, few scientists believed that chromosomal aberrations caused tumors. The established view at the time was that abnormal chromosomes were manifestations of the generalized chaos that exists within leukemia and lymphoma cells. But Rowley believed something else was going on with those damaged pieces of DNA and diligently pursued their study.

“I became a kind of missionary, saying that chromosome abnormalities were important and hematologists should know about them,” Rowley recalls of those early-and often lonely-years in the field. “I got sort of amused tolerance at the beginning.”

In the end, though, Rowley proved to be astonishingly prescient. Over the next decade, she made a number of remarkable discoveries, including the landmark finding that the abnormally short “Philadelphia” chromosome that had earlier been identified in hematopoietic cells of people with chronic myelogenous leukemia was not a chromosome deletion, as many scientists had thought, but an exchange (translocation) of segments between two chromosomes. She soon uncovered translocations in other types of leukemia and lymphoma cells, and then, as new technology became available, began to clone the translocation abnormalities, or breakpoints, of these chromosomes and to identify their oncogenes (the mutated genes that help transform a normal cell into a cancerous one). By 1980, she had redefined the field of cancer cytogenetics.

Rowley’s contributions to identifying chromosomal abnormalities in leukemias and lymphomas have changed the way these diseases are diagnosed and treated. Today, such cytogenetic techniques as fluorescence in situ hybridization Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PRC) can identify the DNA damage within individual cells, offering a much more precise diagnosis of disease-and more effective treatments. For example, the development of the drug imatinib (Gleevec)-one of the most successful targeted cancer therapies to date-stems directly from Rowley’s work on the chromosomal translocation associated with CML. Imatinib blocks the abnormal protein produced by that translocation.

Rowley’s research continues at her lab at the University of Chicago, the institution where she received her undergraduate and medical degrees six decades ago and where she has inspired and generously mentored countless students and postgraduate fellows during the ensuing years. Cancer cytogenetics continues to fascinate-and challenge-her. “We’re still working on the leukemias,” she said. “There’s a lot of evidence that translocations and other chromosome abnormalities aren’t sufficient to make a cell malignant. We’re looking for the other mechanisms involved.”

“As Chair of this year’s Selection Committee for the Gruber Prize in Genetics is one of the international awards made by the Peter and Patricia Gruber Foundation, an American non-profit organization based in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It was established in 2001 and the annual prize is worth $500,000. , I am delighted that the Committee recognized such a distinguished scientist and individual as Dr. Rowley,” said Elizabeth Blackburn, the Morris Herzstein Professor of Biology and Physiology in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of California, San Francisco. “Her major contributions to the understanding of the underpinnings of cancer make her an outstanding choice for this important Prize and truly reflect the goal of this Prize in celebrating the field of Genetics.”

Additional Information

The official citation reads:

The Peter and Patricia Gruber Foundation proudly presents the 2009 Genetics Prize to Janet Davison Rowley, M.D., a founder of the field of cancer cytogenetics and a renowned leader in molecular oncology.

Janet Rowley revolutionized research in the field of cancer biology and the diagnosis and treatment of cancer through her discoveries of specific chromosomal translocations in the leukemias and lymphomas. Dr. Rowley provided compelling evidence that particular tumors are associated with characteristic cytogenetic alterations.

By redefining our fundamental understanding of cancer through cytogenetics, she helped drive the translation of basic genetic discoveries to clinical medicine. In addition, during her illustrious career Dr. Rowley has provided critical leadership nationally and internationally to the biomedical research community.

The Prize recipients are chosen by the Genetics Selection Advisory Board. Its members are:

Elizabeth H. Blackburn, University of California, San Francisco; David Botstein, Lewis-Sigler Institute; H. Robert Horvitz, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Mary-Claire King, University of Washington; Maynard Olson, Genome Center, University of Washington; Allan C. Spradling, Carnegie Institution, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Robert H. Waterston, University of Washington.

The Gruber International Prize Program honors contemporary individuals in the fields of Cosmology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Justice and Women’s Rights, whose groundbreaking work provides new models that inspire and enable fundamental shifts in knowledge and culture. The Selection Advisory Boards choose individuals whose contributions in their respective fields advance our knowledge, potentially have a profound impact on our lives, and, in the case of the Justice and Women’s Rights Prizes, demonstrate courage and commitment in the face of significant obstacles.

The Peter and Patricia Gruber Foundation honors and encourages educational excellence, social justice and scientific achievements that better the human condition. For more information about Foundation guidelines and priorities, please visit www.gruberprizes.org.

For more information on the Gruber Prizes e-mail media@gruberprizes.org or contact Bernetia Akin of the Gruber Foundation at 340/775-8035 or by mail 140 W 57th St Suite 10C New York, NY 10019.

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To say that 2008—particularly the last quarter—was one of the most challenging and destructive business environments in modern history is not hyperbole. It brought venerable and iconic firms such as General Motors to their proverbial knees.
While no industry is completely immune to the downturn’s effects, the medical technology sector has

done a good job of weathering this perfect financial storm—though many analysts say the bigger test for health care remains on the horizon.

Companies continue to feel the impact of the struggling economy well into 2009, and the current debate swirling in Washington, D.C.—and indeed nationwide—about health care reform dangles a very large question mark over medical technology and how firms possibly could be impacted.

During the recent annual meeting for the Massachusetts Medical Device Industry Council, Richard Ramko, a partner with global consulting firm Ernst & Young’s biotech unit, provided info on his group’s “Pulse of the Industry” report. The report highlighted industry performance for 2008. Ramko said results for the end of 2008 and beginning of 2009 were not as positive as in years past, but that long-term demographics for the industry still present a good opportunity for medical device companies.
In the short term, however, the numbers are a little bleak.

For example, eight out of 10 hospitals have cut their capital expenditures, he said, citing a recent study by the American Hospital Association. Nearly 45 percent of hospitals in the study indicated they expect to post first-quarter losses, according to Ramko. He said high-priced products (i.e., imaging and robotic surgical systems) face a challenging outlook as a result of tougher economic conditions. Cost-sensitive consumers are delaying or spending less on elective and out-of-pocket procedures (i.e., hip replacements, LASIK surgeries, diabetes testing, dental), Ramko explained, while industry sectors such as cardiology and oncology are more immune to market fluctuations.

He also said that decreased provider spending is forcing medtech firms to operate more efficiently through cost containment, better management of capital and debt, and rationalizing portfolios. Companies that provide products with incremental clinical improvement, and deliver an immediate return on investment and cost savings to providers are “best positioned to survive and thrive,” he noted.

“Cost-reduction pressures are not going to change,” he explained. “But products with better patient outcomes and reduced costs will have no problem being paid for.”

On a positive note, he said: “First-quarter revenues appear to be flat or up,” he said. “What we see when we have these tough times is that the bounce back is pretty significant.”

Editor’s note: As you read our report, please take note that while the device and diagnostic companies are ranked according to sales reported for FY 2008 (though we do provide some 2009 figures to date where possible), some may include non-device sales within a division, such as combination products, drug delivery, software or device-related services. Not all companies publicly break out just the device portion of total revenues. We consulted numerous public documents and contacted company officials as needed to arrive at the best estimates. Also note that foreign currency conversions were done based on the conversion rate at the end of the fiscal reporting period being discussed.

The MPO Staff (Medical Products Outsources)

Have sudden industry changes and company cutbacks forced you to launch an executive job search campaign for the first time in more than 10 years? If you have been fortunate to enjoy a long, consistent career with the same company, an unexpected thrust in unemployment or career transition can really cause serious panic.

Resist from running directly to the Internet – even if you are Internet savvy, you will soon be lost in maze of job search boards, company databases, and online recruiting portals. Without a solid job search strategy plan, you will soon find yourself disillusioned with the entire process. It is important to note that while it is critical to engage in online job search activities, it should only be a portion?not the entire component, of your job search campaign.

To get your job search moving in the right direction, there are several strategies that you should engage in right now to re-brand yourself, revive your network of personal and professional contacts, and re-position yourself for top-paying $100,000+ career opportunities.

1. Have A Clear Idea of Where You Are Headed: Avoid jumping into a frenzy of writing activities for executive resumes, cover letters, and other career documents without being crystal clear about your ideal job target.

Do you want to stay in the same field, are you using this career transition period to pursue your dream job or are you only interested in lateral move until retirement. Maximize resources like hoovers.com, wetfeet.com, and vault.com to find critical “insider” information on companies in your target industries.

Solicit industry experts, senior executives, recruiters, and hiring managers through LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter for informational interviews and referrals.

2. Identify Your Executive Leadership / Personal Brand: Unless you have identified what differentiates you from your colleagues, your job search will not be worth the effort especially in this highly competitive employment market. Your personal brand and unique value proposition helps potential employers and executive recruiters understand more about you and how you deliver results.

To get ahead of the pack, you must be able to articulate why a company should hire you and highlight the consistent theme of career achievements that support and validate your personal brand. Are you the cost savings guru, the new business strategist or can you be classified as the turnaround agent?

A manufacturing operations executive’s personal brand could be:

SENIOR MANUFACTURING EXECUTIVE

Engaging cutting-edge technologies to advance corporate-wide initiatives that expedite manufacturing processes and achieve aggressive revenue growth, cost-cutting objectives, and profitability margins.

3. Create An Achievement-Driven, ROI-Focused Executive Resume: Your resume should be a strategic career marketing document not a five-page career obituary. Focus on relevant content supported by career-defining “WOW” achievements listed throughout the resume. Use the Situation-Task-Action-Results formula for development achievement statements for your resume with the goal of having at least five achievements for each position listed on the resume. For example:

Situation: As Chief Financial Officer – synthesize finance and operations departments following the recent merger of two manufacturing companies.

Tasks: Eliminate duplication of resources, increase operational efficiency, and boost work productivity and results.

Actions: Developed short-term strategy and execution plan by developing team with key representatives for technology, finance, and operations divisions.

Results: Reduced company’s overhead costs by $5 million in 6 months and improved efficiency 25%.

Achievement statement for resume: Shrunk annual overhead costs by $5 million in six months by assembling core operations team that further eliminated duplication of resources and increased operational efficiency by 25%.

4. Compile Brand-Focused Career Portfolio: It is going to take more than a one-dimensional, standard executive resume to generate success in today’s job market. Invest the time and resources to compile an entire portfolio of career marketing documents including a networking resume, career biography, leadership profile, and customized cover letters for employers, executive recruiters, and personal contacts. Don’t neglect the online arena and develop branded career profiles on LinkedIn and VisualCV.

5. Develop And Rehearse A Memorable 30-Second Commercial: Once you get to the networking phase of your job search, you need to display confidence and value in your verbal presentation. Use your personal brand statement as the foundation for building a unique, 30-second commercial that speaks volumes about what you can bring to the table. For example:

“Hi, my name is Carl Brown. As an experienced Manufacturing Executive, I have enjoyed a progressive career with top companies like ABC Plastics, Newform Manufacturing, and TechNec Corporation. With a reputation for engaging cutting-edge technologies that helped global manufacturing companies achieve aggressive revenue growth and improve operating cost objectives, I am seeking new executive opportunities at global companies that would benefit from my strengths in P&L management, product innovation and turnaround operations.”

Note: The underlined text is direct excerpt from the executive candidate’s brand

6. Consistently Build And Expand Your Online and Offline Networks: Join professional and industry-related associations, alumni groups, Chamber of Commerce committees, and other social networks. Identify key industry leaders you want to meet, schedule informational meetings/interviews, and start building your own team of alliances.

Don’t neglect online social networks like LinkedIn.com, E-cademy.com, Zoominfo.com, Ziggs.com, Namz.com, and Twitter.com to connect with former associates and friends and to search for industry experts and top people in your target companies.

7. Limit Online Activities To Niche Boards & Specialty Sites: Huge commercial career sites have over hundreds of thousands of candidates in their database and are usually geared for entry-level to mid-management positions.

To avoid feeling discouraged and frustrated subscribe to specialized online job boards that focus on a particular occupation, industry, job function or type of job seeker like CEO, Sales Executives, or MBAs.

Abby M. Locke is an executive career marketing strategist who partners with senior-level professionals and C-level executives to achieve personal success through cutting-edge, brand-focused career communications and innovative personal marketing/job search services. She is the creator of FastTrack Career Transition Mastermind, http://www.100kjobsearch.com an accelerated job search coaching program for $100K executives.

In  an article  in Science Careers  November 21, 2008, managing editor Alan Kotok  posits that scientists are valuable as financial analysts because of their mathematical and analytical expertise. He also points out that this is not a new phenomenon, that it is not a new practice by banks, investments houses, hedge funds, insurance companies and other financial entities .

In the present economic downturn in which Wall Street movers and shakers  have been viewed as leading protagonist, and many employees are being laid off, Kotok asserts that science-trained analysts can be an asset to financial companies.  asserts that, ” These days, investment decisions are often based on a complex mix of variables and conditions. In recent decades, intuition and qualitative judgment have been replaced by models, quantitative analysis, and complex math.”

What is particularly interesting is way Kotok classifies scientists in finance.  He believes they fall in two groups.  The first he refers to as “quants, ” or quantitative analysts who apply mathematics and programming skills to the finance.  The second of the science-trained analysts combine financial knowledge, knowledge of specific areas of science, and their quantitative expertise to advise investors on science and technology investments.

Perhaps Kotok’s thesis is not that far fetched.  In the present sorrowful state of affairs,  financial advisors, accountants, and attorneys, are being overwhelmed by new clients who are trying to keep afloat–who are trying to salvage some of their assets.  And,  in deed some investors are still purchasing stocks, many of which are now considered bargains because they are now selling at rock bottom prices.