Nagahiro Saijo, MD, PhD, is the founder of the Japan Society of Medical Oncology (JSMO). Established in 2002, the organization marked the first time that medical oncologists in Japan could be certified.
Dr. Saijo was a leader in establishing the educational system for Japanese oncologists, partnering closely with the Japanese medical community, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). Since 2005, 975 Japanese physicians have been certified, creating a stronger community of medical oncologists to advance care and research for cancer patients across Japan.
Under Dr. Saijo’s leadership, tumor therapy has progressed rapidly and significantly as Japanese oncologists receive more streamlined education, support and access to resources through JSMO. Says nominator Mikio Arisawa, PhD, “We believe Dr. Saijo is the hero for tumor patients in Japan.”
