In Memoriam: Dr Carlos A. Perez-A Trailblazing Legacy of Healing and Innovation

Dr Carlos A. Pérez, a towering figure in the world of oncology, has left an indelible mark on the field and the lives of countless patients. Born on November 10, 1934, in Pereira, Colombia, he had a profound commitment to improve medicine that will continue to shape oncology care for generations. Dr Pérez passed away on August 21, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking contributions, visionary leadership, and a passion dedicated to curing cancer. Dr Pérez's lifelong dedication to advancing our specialty was ignited when he earned his medical degree from the Universidad de Antioquia Medical School, Medellin, Columbia, in 1960. His pursuit of clinical excellence led him to the United States, where he embarked on a transformative path. He completed his residency in radiology at the esteemed Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University in St Louis. His thirst for knowledge led him to a radiation oncology fellowship at the prestigious MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. In 1964, Dr Pérez returned to St Louis where he joined the faculty at Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, where he would lay the foundation for a legacy of groundbreaking achievements. In 1976 he was appointed the role of Division Chief of Radiation Oncology, succeeding his mentor and former ASTRO president and Gold Medalist, Dr William E. Powers. Guiding the division with vision and determination, he crafted innovative treatment approaches that would set the norms for the management of cervical, lung, breast, head and neck, and prostate cancers. The same year that he became Division Chief, he appointed James Purdy, PhD, as his Chief of Clinical Physics. Their partnership led to contributions in the development of computer-based treatment planning, computed tomography simulation, electronic portal imaging, 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy, and intensity modulated radiation therapy. Other major contributions include establishing a Cancer Information Center at Washington University, the first accredited training program for radiation therapy technologists, the first Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Program (CAMPEP)–accredited medical physics residency program, and programs in hyperthermia and stereotactic radiosurgery. Dr Pérez's influence extended further in 2001 when he became the inaugural chair of a new Department of Radiation Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine, an honor reflective of his profound influence. When Dr Pérez retired in 2004, he continued working in various capacities well into his 80s and stayed current on developments and clinical evidence in radiation oncology all the way to the end. His dedication to our field was truly remarkable and unwavering. He authored and coauthored more than 370 scientific articles and contributed to more than 43 textbooks. Dr Pérez's pioneering spirit was felt on a global scale, shaping the norms and practices of cancer care. His work in cancer research and radiation oncology set the stage for improved patient outcomes. With his friend and colleague, Dr Luther Brady, he coedited and published Pérez and Brady's Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology, a textbook that became a cornerstone of oncological education. This textbook, now in its 7th edition, continues to inspire and educate the oncology community. Throughout his career, Dr Pérez's remarkable contributions were acknowledged by numerous prestigious awards. He was the recipient of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)’s Gold Medal in 1992, the Gold Medal of the American College of Radiology in 1997, the Círculo de Radioterapeutas Oncólogos Ibero-Latinoamericanos Gold Medal in 2000, the Janeway Gold Medal of the American Radium Society in 2005, the Cancer Fighter Award from the American College of Surgeons in 2006, and the Marie Curie Medal from the Groupe Européen de Curiethérapie – European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology Brachytherapy Society in 2012. His international acknowledgments continued with the Gold Medal from the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology (SEOR) and the Latin Society of Radiation Oncology (ALATRO) in 2013. In 2013, the Washington University School of Medicine honored him with its esteemed faculty achievement award. He served as President of ASTRO, Trustee for the American Board of Radiology, and member of the Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society. Yes, Carlos was a workaholic, constantly publishing clinical results, pushing all to improve cancer therapy, but he also embraced the philosophy “work hard, play hard,” hosting many departmental parties. These fun times clearly helped in building a strong fabric of teamwork among such a diverse work group as required by radiation oncology. Carlos was a very polished, debonair man, who always dressed impeccably in suit or sport coat and tie, French-cuffed white shirt, a gold Rolex watch on his wrist, and a twinkle in his eyes. He loved to travel, often accompanied by his wife, Susie Pérez, making friends all over the world. Other interests included Spanish art, reading Don Quixote, studying photography, and driving his vintage sportscars. As we bid farewell to Dr Carlos A. Pérez, we do so with a profound sense of gratitude for his visionary leadership, groundbreaking contributions, and compassionate heart. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the advancements he pioneered, and the generations of medical professionals he inspired. Dr Pérez's journey of healing and innovation will forever inspire us to push the boundaries of knowledge and dedicate ourselves to the service of humanity.