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Chancellor Halperin Receives Book Award From British Medical Association

Hailed as a “must have” for radiation oncologists, the best-selling “Principles” was one of only five texts in the area of oncology chosen

NEW YORK, NY – November 3, 2014 – Touro College and University System is pleased to announce that “Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology, Sixth Edition,” a comprehensive reference work on cancer treatment, co-authored and edited by Edward C. Halperin, M.D., chancellor and CEO of New York Medical College (NYMC), was “highly commended” by the British Medical Association (BMA) at the organization’s 2014 Medical Book Awards ceremony in London on Sept. 22.

Hailed as a “must have” for radiation oncologists, the best-selling “Principles” was one of only five texts in the area of oncology chosen from more than 640 entries in 20 categories that received this prestigious designation.

In their review of the book the judges said it was, “by far, the best-written and the most complete of the lot...a significant improvement in comparison with other works on the subject” and “perhaps the only text one would need to develop a solid foundation in radiation oncology.”

“Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology” offers an encyclopedic coverage of epidemiology, pathology, and diagnostic work-up, prognostic factors, treatment techniques, applications of radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy and contains more than 1,400 illustrations. Dr. Halperin co-edited the book with Drs. Carlos A. Perez, of Washington University Medical Center;  David L. Wazer, of Tufts-New England Medical Center; and Luther W. Brady, of Drexel University College of Medicine.

The annual BMA Medical Book Awards recognize outstanding contributions to medical literature, based on each submission’s applicability to its audience, production quality, and originality. Prizes were awarded in 21 categories of medicine.

Responding to news of the award, Dr. Halperin said, “To have the book commended by the British Medical Association is humbling and gratifying. ‘Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology’ has become the best-selling textbook of radiation oncology in the world. To the extent that this book contributes to improved diagnosis and care of cancer patients, I am very grateful.” 

Since 2012, Dr. Halperin has been professor of radiation oncology, pediatrics, and history at NYMC and provost for biomedical affairs of the Touro College and University System, one of the largest providers of health professions higher education programs in the United States.

Dr. Halperin has co-authored and edited five editions of another textbook, “Pediatric Radiation Oncology,” and published more than 205 articles in peer-reviewed scientific, historical, education and medical ethics literature. Dr. Halperin is also currently teaching a course, “An Introduction to The History of Medicine,” at one of Touro’s undergraduate schools in Manhattan, Lander College for Women –The Anna Ruth and Mark Hasten School. Prior to coming to NYMC, Dr. Halperin served as vice dean of the Duke University School of Medicine and dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Louisville.

“Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology, Sixth Edition” is available as a printed textbook, and a digital publication powered by Inkling. To order a copy, please visit amazon.com.

About the Touro College and University System 
Touro is a system of non-profit institutions of higher and professional education. Touro College was chartered in 1970 primarily to enrich the Jewish heritage, and to serve the larger American and global community. Approximately 19,000 students are currently enrolled in its various schools and divisions. Touro College has branch campuses, locations and instructional sites in the New York area, as well as branch campuses and programs in Berlin, Jerusalem, Moscow, Paris and Florida. Touro University California and its Nevada branch campus, as well as Touro College Los Angeles, Touro University Worldwide and New York Medical College are separately accredited institutions within the Touro College and University System. For further information on Touro College, please go to: http://www.touro.edu.

About New York Medical College
Founded in 1860, NYMC is one of the oldest and largest health sciences universities in the country with more than 1,400 students, 1,300 residents and clinical fellows, nearly 3,000 faculty members, and 15,000 living alumni. The College, which joined the Touro College and University System in 2011, is located in Westchester County, New York, and offers advanced degrees from the School of Medicine, the Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences, and the School of Health Sciences and Practice. The College manages more than $36 million in research and other sponsored programs, notably in the areas of cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, kidney disease, the neurosciences, disaster medicine, and vaccine development.

With a network of affiliated hospitals that includes large urban medical centers, small suburban clinics and high-tech regional tertiary care facilities, NYMC provides a wide variety of clinical training opportunities throughout the tri-state region for medical students, residents, and other health providers.