A radiation oncologist who specializes in head and neck cancer, Harari, the Jack Fowler Professor of Human Oncology, has been a faculty member at the school and its cancer center for 16 years.

“Dr. Harari is the ultimate physician-scientist. A deeply respected and skilled clinician who also has developed an internationally renowned research program, he is an extremely effective leader who is committed to mentoring and developing the next generation of academic leaders,” say the SMPH dean, Robert N. Golden, MD. “He deeply understands the importance of all of our missions. We are most fortunate to have him accept this new leadership role, since he would be a top choice as department chair at any of the country's leading medical schools.”

Harari has dedicated his career to fostering advancements in cancer research and treatment. With a focus on molecular inhibition of growth factor receptor signaling, he has directed translational research programs and international clinical trials that test combinations of molecular drugs and radiation in the treatment of head and neck cancer.

Most recently he served as co-chair of a phase III clinical trial that confirmed improved survival for head and neck cancer patients who received a new molecular growth inhibitor combined with radiation. The results were reported in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2006.

"I am delighted to have Paul join the UWCCC as an associate director,” says George Wilding, MD, center director. “Paul is an internationally known physician-scientist whose work on head and neck cancer has significantly improved the therapy and outcomes for patients with this terrible disease. He and I have worked together for many years--since we both were junior faculty."

As a UWCCC associate director, Harari will focus on the development of multi-investigator trans-disciplinary grant applications designed to bring multiple researchers from a variety of disciplines together to focus on specific cancer-related problems, Wilding says.

Since its founding 32 years ago, the Department of Human Oncology has had only three leaders: Paul P. Carbone, MD, Timothy J. Kinsella, MD, and Minesh P. Mehta, MD. Each led periods of tremendous growth and achievement. Today, with a total medical and research staff 125, the department is recognized for housing one of the finest radiation oncology training and research programs in the world.

“I cannot imagine a better time in history to have the opportunity to lead such a talented group of clinicians, researchers and teachers,” says Harari. “The department is uniquely positioned to make major contributions to cancer research and treatment in the coming years, something it has done with increasing frequency in recent years.”

Harari expects to see future growth in several areas, particularly if scientific interactions, which already have been extremely fruitful, can be strengthened. As an example, he points to the outstanding track record for innovation that has come from close colleagues based in the school’s Departments of Medical Physics and Radiology.

“The innovative technologies developed by these scientists warrants continued nurturing to bring additional advances to cancer patients for effective treatment with diminished toxicities,” he says.

In addition, Harari notes that UW offers a very powerful cancer biology research engine driven by talented and dedicated faculty across many disciplines. “We are on the cusp of better understanding how to optimize the integration of new molecular targeting drugs with radiation and surgery to increase cure rates for many of our most challenging human cancers.”

The synergies should yield big payoffs, Harari says. “We have opportunities to further enhance the collaborative interactions of all these creative faculty members to maximize the likelihood of promoting meaningful advances for cancer patients throughout the world,” he says.  

Finally, he says, the future lies in the hands of students. “We are fortunate to attract many of the highest caliber trainees to our research laboratories and clinical programs.”

Harari’s immediate predecessor, Minesh Mehta, served as chair for nine years and now looks forward to returning full-time to his clinical practice and research. During his tenure as chair, Mehta was instrumental in elevating the department to a position of national prominence.

“I wish to convey particular thanks to Dr. Mehta, who has provided magnificent vision and leadership for the department and the cancer center,” Harari says.   

Harari earned his MD from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, did an internal medicine internship at the University of California-Davis and completed a residency in radiation oncology and cancer biology research at the University of Arizona Medical Center in Tucson.

He has served as chair of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) Education Committee, Head and Neck chair for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Education Committee and chair of the inaugural ASTRO/ASCO/AHNS (American Head and Neck Society) Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Symposium.