Posted 07/03/2006

 James Hebert named Health Sciences Distinguished Professor

James Hebert, professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the Arnold School of Public Health and director of the South Carolina Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, has been appointed as Health Sciences Distinguished Professor by USC President Andrew Sorensen.

A nutritional epidemiologist, Hebert has focused on studies of the role of diet in cancer and cardiovascular disease.

His cancer program is based at the South Carolina Cancer Center in Columbia and the Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston where he heads a research team working to reduce cancer among minorities.

Hebert, who is also an MUSC faculty member and associate director of the HCC, is committed to working to ensure optimal involvement as the South Carolina Interdisciplinary Cancer Research Program evolves.

The South Carolina Cancer Disparities Community Network was created by an award from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

It is one of 25 centers funded through the NCI's new Community Networks Program and was designed specifically to address our cancer disparities by engaging academicians, health providers, and those individuals and communities at greatest risk of getting and dying of cancer.

Important components of Hebert’s very successful research programs include linking research to public health and clinical medical practice, development and translation of basic laboratory science to public health and clinical applications, and the mentoring of students, postdoctoral fellows, and physician trainees.

Since 2001, Hebert has published papers with 148 different individuals from 54 different institutions (not just different departments within various institutions).

John Vena, chair of the Arnold School's Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, said Hebert "continues to reap significant accomplishments in scientific publication, grantsmanship, and professional service. He has given excellent service to the University of South Carolina, the Medical University of South Carolina, the Arnold School of Public Health and this department.

"I continue to be impressed with his passion, attention to detail and follow-through on issues and in the leadership of the Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program," Vena said.

In recognition of his work in diet and cancer, Hebert received the Eminent Scientist of the Year Award from the World Science Forum in 2004.

Hebert received his bachelor's degree in biology from Boston University, his master's degree in environmental health and epidemiology from the University of Washington and his doctorate in nutritional epidemiology from Harvard University

His appointment is effective Aug. 16.