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, senior director for cancer health equity science at Huntsman Cancer Institute, director of the (HOPE), and a Jon M. and Karen Huntsman Presidential Professor in the department of population health sciences at the (the U), has been awarded the prestigious Senior Investigator Award for Outstanding Contributions to Cancer Prevention and Control.
鈥淚鈥檝e been so fortunate to have the Society of Behavioral Medicine as one of my two primary professional homes for 30 years,鈥 says Wetter. 鈥淭his recognition is extremely meaningful, and I am so grateful for the brilliant and passionate colleagues, mentees, and community partners with whom I have been able to collaborate to try and reduce health inequities. It is truly an honor and a privilege to work with such amazing people committed to making a real-world difference.鈥
Wetter鈥檚 work is renowned for groundbreaking strategies aimed at erasing gaps in cancer health care and overcoming distance as a disparity for rural populations. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to enhancing health care accessibility and outcomes for underserved communities. His visionary approach has empowered him to transform basic and clinical research on risky behaviors into creative treatment methods which are then used in practical settings to advance health equity.
Some of his many accomplishments include significant contributions in evaluating nicotine replacement therapy, studying the impact of smoking on sleep disorders, implementing healthcare system changes for treating tobacco use, and innovating mobile health approaches for addressing cancer risk behaviors among disadvantaged populations.
鈥淚t is truly an honor and a privilege to work with such amazing people committed to making a real-world difference.鈥
鈥擠avid W. Wetter, PhD
Through the Center for HOPE, Wetter has also established vital connections between researchers and community anchor organizations. Some of these groups include community health centers, primary care associations, state health departments, and educational institutions. Such collaborations have helped create projects targeting HPV vaccination, colorectal cancer screening, and tobacco use in Utah communities facing barriers. He has also built cross-academic alliances to overcome persistent poverty, working closely with partners at Montana State University and Native American tribes and nations.
This award celebrates those who have made substantial research strides and have significantly enriched our comprehension of cancer while demonstrating unwavering commitment to enhancing health outcomes.
鈥淲etter's exceptional contributions to cancer health equity research exemplify the pinnacle of excellence at Huntsman Cancer Institute,鈥 states , executive director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute and a Jon M. and Karen Huntsman Presidential Professor in Cancer Research at the U. 鈥淗is visionary leadership and groundbreaking research not only elevate our understanding of cancer disparities, but also drive transformative change in the lives of medically underserved populations, including rural populations across the Mountain West. His unwavering commitment to advancing health equity embodies the core values of our institution, and we are profoundly grateful for his invaluable contributions to our mission.鈥
Media Contact
Heather Simonsen
Public Affairs Senior Manager
Huntsman Cancer Institute
801 581-3194
public.affairs@hci.utah.edu
About Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the is the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. With a legacy of innovative cancer research, groundbreaking discoveries, and world-class patient care, we are transforming the way cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed, treated, and survived. Huntsman Cancer Institute focuses on delivering the most advanced cancer healing and prevention through scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge technology to advance cancer treatments of the future beyond the standard of care today. We have more than 300 open clinical trials and 250 research teams studying cancer. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center. Our scientists are world-renowned for understanding how cancer begins and using that knowledge to develop innovative approaches to treat each patient鈥檚 unique disease. Huntsman Cancer Institute was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman.