I started my career 5 decades ago to try to understand the function of the human pancreas, which was then a neglected research area. I set up my research lab at the Mayo Clinic then to the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and developed the National Pancreatic Research program and then joined the faculty at UCLA to establish the Center for Excellence in Pancreatic Diseases. I cofounded the American Pancreatic Association in 1969 and founded the journal Pancreas in 1986 to provide a forum for scientific communication and develop and support program for young investigators to provide the manpower dedicated to the new discipline.
20 years ago, I joined the Hirshberg Foundation to continue this mission by developing the very successful seed grant program. Over 30 medical research institutions and 60 new investigators who have received support from the program and are now providing leadership in pancreatic cancer research.
Much has now been accomplished in our understanding the biology and pathobiology of pancreatic cancer. With continued support and partnership with academia, federal agencies, and industry, the foundation is working on early diagnosis and new therapies are now in sight. Finding a cure for pancreatic cancer is now possible in our lifetime. Thank you to the Hirshberg Foundation for taking the leadership and stewardship on our common mission toward the goal of finding the cure for pancreatic cancer.
Vay Liang Bill Go, MD
