NDRI has appointed Hal E. Broxmeyer, Ph.D., as Board Chairman effective January 1, 2007. Dr. Broxmeyer, a leading researcher in the cause of blood-related disorders, is Chairman of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Scientific Director of the Oncology Center of the Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis. He succeeds outgoing Chairman D. Walter Cohen, D.D.S., Chancellor Emeritus of the Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia.
Dr. Broxmeyer was one of the originators of using umbilical cord blood as an alternative source for stem cells. The first cord blood transplant was performed in France in October 1988 as part of a multi-institutional, international effort. The cord blood used to treat the young patient with a rare disease, Fanconi anemia, was banked and processed at IUSM by Dr. Broxmeyer.
Today his research continues into the feasibility of using stem cells from cord blood in transplants of children and adults suffering from diseases such as leukemia and anemia. Dr. Broxmeyer has received numerous honors including the Variety Club Heart Award for outstanding research that benefits children. In 2002, he received the Karl Landsteiner Memorial Award by the American Association of Blood Banks for his research in the regulation and use of stem and progenitor cells.
“NDRI is fortunate to have had a continuous stream of talented and dedicated chairs at its helm,” said Lee Ducat, Founder and President of NDRI. “Walter served with distinction and we look forward to his continued participation on the board, while we enthusiastically welcome the next era under Hal’s leadership with his own vision and ideas in the field.”