On Dec. 2, Harvard Medical School celebrated the establishment of the George and Sandra K. Schussel Professorship of Medicine in the Field of Infectious Diseases and the appointment of Benjamin E. Gewurz, MD ’03, PhD ’03, of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, as the inaugural incumbent.
In his opening remarks, HMS Dean George Q. Daley, AB ’82, MD ’91, PhD, highlighted how Gewurz has made a significant impact through his scientific discoveries and his leadership within the medical and scientific communities.
Gewurz’s laboratory focuses on the Epstein-Barr virus, which infects most adults and is linked to conditions such as mononucleosis and multiple sclerosis, as well as many cancers, including various lymphomas and gastric and nasopharyngeal carcinomas. Using advanced techniques like CRISPR, genomics, and proteomics, the Gewurz Lab investigates how this virus interacts with human cells, causes cancer, and evades the immune system. The lab’s work is uncovering critical insights into Epstein-Barr-related diseases and the broader biology of cancer and immunity.
Daley said Gewurz approaches patient care with thoughtfulness and compassion, truly embodying the mission and values of HMS through his commitment to excellence, empathy, and service to others. Beyond his achievements in the clinic and laboratory, Gewurz is also a dedicated educator and mentor.
An appointment to an endowed professorship—the highest honor Harvard Medical School can bestow on a faculty member—recognizes extraordinary clinicians, researchers, and educators at HMS or one of its affiliate institutions. |
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