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Avrum Spira
Global Head, Lung Cancer Initiative at Johnson & Johnson
Professional Background
Avrum “Avi” Spira, MD, MSC, has emerged as a leading figure in the realm of lung cancer research and treatment. His role as the Global Head of the Lung Cancer Initiative (LCI) at Johnson & Johnson propels his commitment to developing groundbreaking strategies that aim to prevent, intercept, and cure lung cancer. With over two decades of experience in practicing medicine, Dr. Spira oversees an innovative team dedicated to advancing technologies that facilitate earlier detection and treatment of lung cancer, moving the boundaries of what is possible in cancer care.
In addition to his responsibilities at Johnson & Johnson, Dr. Spira continues to engage actively in clinical practice as an attending physician in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Boston University-Boston Medical Center (BMC). His dual role as a practitioner in a demanding medical environment and as a leader in cancer research reflects his dedication to both the clinical and scientific aspects of medicine. Further showcasing his commitment to education and scientific advancement, Dr. Spira holds the title of Professor of Medicine, Bioinformatics, and Pathology at Boston University, where he disseminates knowledge and mentorship to aspiring healthcare professionals and researchers. Additionally, he is recognized as the Alexander Graham Bell Professor in Health Care Entrepreneurship at Boston University, which underscores his dedication to fostering innovative solutions in health care.
Dr. Spira's distinguished career includes impactful leadership roles. Before joining Johnson & Johnson, he was the Director of the Boston University-BMC Cancer Center and the founding Chief of the Division of Computational Biomedicine at Boston University. His forward-thinking initiatives and leadership roles have always aimed at bridging the gap between research and clinical practices, ensuring that scientific advancements translate effectively into beneficial patient outcomes.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Spira’s academic journey laid a solid foundation for his illustrious career. He pursued his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at McGill University, where he developed a robust understanding of medical practices and patient care. Following this, he completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the esteemed University of Toronto, honing his clinical skills and deepening his understanding of complex medical conditions.
In pursuit of further specialization, Dr. Spira studied Bioinformatics at Boston University, earning a Master of Science (MS) degree. This field has been crucial in shaping his research focus, particularly in understanding the genomic alterations associated with smoking-related lung diseases. Dr. Spira’s educational credentials reflect a balanced combination of medical expertise, research acumen, and innovative thinking.
Dr. Spira’s exceptional contributions to the field of lung cancer research have led to significant advancements. His efforts culminated in the development of a molecular test for the early detection of lung cancer, known as PerceptaTM, which has been successfully translated into clinical practice. This test showcases the potential of genomic research to revolutionize cancer detection and demonstrates Dr. Spira’s impact on improving patient outcomes.
In addition to Percepta, Dr. Spira is spearheading the development of a novel therapeutic for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is currently in preclinical stages. His innovative approach to preemptive care and intervention in lung diseases has positioned him as a pioneer in the field.
Dr. Spira's research excellence is further highlighted by his role as a Principal Investigator on significant grants from various institutes, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Defense. His leadership in the Stand-Up-2-Cancer Lung Cancer Interception Dream Team is a testament to his dedication to collaborative efforts that aim to intercept cancer at its earliest stages.
With over 140 peer-reviewed publications to his name, Dr. Spira is a respected voice in the scientific community. His election as a member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI) in 2010 demonstrates his peers’ recognition of his accomplishments and contributions to clinical research. In addition, he has been a member of the Association of American Physicians (AAP) since 2017, which further cements his status as a leader in the medical community.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Avrum Spira has amassed a plethora of achievements that underscore his expertise and commitment to the medical field. His pioneering work in lung cancer prevention and treatment exemplifies his role as a trailblazer in the medical community. The innovative developments under his leadership, particularly the Percepta molecular test for early detection of lung cancer, are monumental strides that highlight his capacity to integrate research findings into practical, life-saving applications.
Dr. Spira is also recognized for his ability to secure significant research funding, enabling groundbreaking studies and clinical trials. His involvement with programs funded by the NIH, including National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), reflects his commitment to advancing medical knowledge and patient care through rigorous scientific exploration.
His roles at Johnson & Johnson and Boston University showcase his dual commitment to advancing research while being actively involved in patient care. Dr. Spira's multifaceted career provides a model of integrated medicine that prioritizes patient outcomes through research-driven solutions.
In summary, Avrum “Avi” Spira, MD, MSC, stands out as a leader in lung cancer research and clinical practice. His background, marked by remarkable educational achievements and dynamic leadership roles, positions him as an influential figure dedicated to transforming lung cancer care. Through his innovative contributions, Dr. Spira continues to inspire and lead efforts that will impact lung cancer prevention and treatment for years to come. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
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