On Tuesday, community leaders gathered at the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center to officially welcome Ken Hogstrom to the center and to the University.
Ken Hogstrom, chair of the radiation physics department at the University of Texas’ M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, will join the program in August.
Hogstrom will lead Mary Bird Perkins in its plan to try to create a center that provides the greatest research and technology for cancer patients.
Also, Hogstrom said he plans to build the University’s medical physics program.
His first plan is to receive accreditation for the medical physics program from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs, Inc.
Hogstrom said he also is working toward increasing medical physics research and developing a Ph.D. medical physics program.
“This will give undergraduate students an opportunity to learn about medical physics, and allow post-doctorate students to have a place to research,” Hogstrom said.
Hogstrom said he plans to recruit the best students and faculty from across the country.
According to the Mary Bird Perkins Web site, the partnership will provide “important biomedical research, improved treatment for patients and economic impact for the Baton Rouge community.”
Roger McNeil, the chair of the University physics and astronomy department, said the partnership will provide students with more opportunities.
“This program is a win for students in medical physics,” McNeil said.
He said students will be able to use the Mary Bird Perkins facilities and Mary Bird Perkins will profit from the students’ research and developments.
“This program will enhance education and research productivity,” McNeil said.
Mayor Bobby Simpson said the partnership will bring state-of-the-art technology to East Baton Rouge Parish.
“This will bring researchers to Louisiana and create a ripple in the community,” Simpson said.
According to the Mary Bird Perkins Web site, in 2003, the center treated 1,500 new cancer patients and 4,300 people in follow-up care.
Simpson said he also believes the partnership will motivate students to stay in Louisiana for their careers.
J.H. “Jay” Campbell, the chairman of the board of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, said Baton Rouge will become one of the world leaders in cancer research.
“LSU has experts in medical physics, and Mary Bird Perkins provides a clinical facility and commitment to their patients,” Campbell said.
William Jenkins, president of the University, said he is proud of the relationship and progress.
“LSU is part of the community and the community is a part of LSU,” Jenkins said.