Robert Salata, MD, member of Case CCC's Population and Cancer Prevention Program, leading figure in the field of infectious diseases, and dedicated advocate for public health, passed away this week. His distinguished career at CWRU and University Hospitals spanned decades, during which he mentored generations of clinicians and helped countless patients.
Known for his local and national leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, Salata not only educated physicians and the public about the virus, he also led the clinical trial for the Pfizer COVID mRNA vaccine in northeast Ohio.
His research includes the epidemiology of infectious diseases, clinical trials of new therapeutic agents for emerging infections, and clinical HIV/AIDS research related to antiretrovirals, as well as the epidemiology and prevention of HIV. His work on clinical trials resulted in continuous funding for these activities from the National Institutes of Health. For the past four years, Salata and Case CCC's Immune Oncology Program member and Dean of CWRU's School of Medicine, Stanton Gerson, MD, have been co-primary investigators on a U54 grant study on lung cancer and HIV in Uganda and Tanzania.
A member of Case CCC's Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics Program, Charis Eng, MD, PhD, lived by the motto, "Serendipity strikes those who work hard." Her hard work at the bench and bedside earned her international acclaim for discoveries that improved patient outcomes and quality of life.
Eng held the Sondra J. and Stephen R. Hardis Endowed Chair in Cancer Genomic Medicine at Cleveland Clinic and was the founding director of the Genomic Medicine Institute there. She served as Vice Chair of CWRU's Genetics and Genome Sciences Department for 19 years.
Eng’s groundbreaking discovery of PTEN germline mutations in individuals with Cowden syndrome revolutionized the clinical genetic management of these patients. The condition, now known as PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS), is associated with a high incidence of breast, thyroid, and other cancers and is the most common genetic cause of autism spectrum disorder. Her prolific research, with over 400 peer-reviewed publications, has left an indelible mark on the field.
Eng held 17 major administrative and leadership positions over her career and was awarded over 100 research and clinical appointments. She received the prestigious Medal of Honor (along with current President Joseph Biden) from the American Cancer Society in 2018.
Both Salata and Eng will be missed by many. Services for Dr. Salata are Friday, Aug. 30, at 11 a.m. at Church of the Gesu (2470 Miramar Blvd., University Heights) and via livestream. Dr. Eng's service is private at the request of the family.