Michael Frumovitz, M.D., Endowment for Gynecologic Rare Tumors
Supporting the endowment to honor distinguished MD Anderson gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Michael Frumovitz, recognizes medical excellence in difficult-to-treat cancers — and the importance of the physician-investigators who bring hope, health and cures to the many who carry the burden of a cancer diagnosis.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has long been defined by its world-class, evidence-based patient care. MD Anderson experts discover, transform, impact and endure over the long term. As a testament to the best and brightest in medicine, the institution will establish an endowment to honor the legacy of an outstanding physician deeply dedicated to the many vulnerable patients he served.
Michael Frumovitz, M.D., chief patient experience officer and professor in Gynecology Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, passed away July 25, 2024.
A member of the MD Anderson community for more than 20 years, he is remembered for his impact on the human experience at MD Anderson: for his kindness, mentorship, sense of humor, and compassion for patients, their families and his teammates.
"Dr. Frumovitz was an exceptional physician who dedicated his professional career to extending and bettering the lives of our patients, and he was an extraordinary colleague, friend and mentor to so many," says Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson. "His strength, his compassion, his wit and his impact will be felt for years to come. And we will continue to be inspired by his tenacity to lead, to treat and to serve patients in the face of his own cancer diagnosis. I will always be grateful for his commitment and the example he set for us all."
Dr. Frumovitz was an internationally renowned expert who founded MD Anderson’s Rare Tumor Program. His work was pivotal to the medical advances made across the spectrum of rare gynecologic cancers. To build on this body of knowledge and a legacy of learning, the Michael Frumovitz, M.D., Endowment for Gynecologic Rare Tumors will support clinical research and translational studies, medical education and lectures, training the next generation of leaders, and promoting a strong and accessible rare tumor research- based registry. By enriching the research and educational experiences within the Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, this endowed fund will allow MD Andrson to continue making meaningful advances in the study of rare gynecologic cancers.
Exemplary commitment to knowledge and growth
As an outstanding clinician, gifted educator and innovative researcher, Dr. Frumovitz made a lasting impact on gynecologic oncology at MD Anderson and within the medical community at large. He was considered a leading authority in rare tumors and especially small cell cancer of the cervix. During his time at MD Anderson, he held the titles of professor of Gynecologic Oncology and Chief Patient Experience Officer.
Likewise, Dr. Frumovitz was widely recognized for his years of service as director of the MD Anderson Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship, which is considered one of the top fellowships of its kind in the world. During his tenure, he led programmatic change and development of curriculum. In addition to leading MD Anderson’s National Institutes of Health T32 Training Grant, Dr. Frumovitz was a driving force for the program’s recognition by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education. As a strong and steadfast advocate for medical trainees, he focused on an individual’s professional development and how that can best align to the needs of patients and families we serve.
Dr. Frumovitz championed the investigation of small cell neuroendocrine cancer of the cervix, a rare and devastating disease that affects young women. And MD Anderson’s Rare Tumors Program has grown exponentially from his prolific published works. Dr. Frumovitz wrote nearly 190 peer-reviewed articles, numerous editorials and invited articles, and 18 book chapters. He was also editor of two textbooks, one specifically on rare gynecologic tumors.
Compassionate, comprehensive patient care
During Dr. Frumovitz’s distinguished career, he assembled an impressive patient registry that comprises women who travel nationally and internationally to seek MD Anderson’s guidance and care. For example, the Neuroendocrine Cervical Tumor Registry has recorded more than 500 patients with neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix. This demonstrates MD Anderson’s dedication and expertise with exceptionally rare cancers.
The educational website (www.necervix.com) and cancer registry highlight the most effective treatments of the day, as well as being a portal-of-support that connects patients. This registry has allowed MD Anderson to continue his meaningful research to better understand the underpinnings of this cancer and it has sparked clinical trial activities to innovate and improve patient outcomes. Dr. Frumovitz was truly a beacon of hope and healing.
Your philanthropic impact
Philanthropic support enables and empowers us to build on the legacy of extraordinarily gifted physicians and investigators such as Dr. Frumovitz. Your generous gift will honor him by allowing us to advance the work he has begun — to stop the devastating impacts of rare gynecologic cancers.
Your generous donation (100%!) will contribute to the Michael Frumovitz, M.D., Endowment for Gynecologic Rare Tumors.
https://mdanderson.donordrive.com/participant/FrumovitzEndowment