02/20/2026
Since 1976, the Friends have proudly supported 54 oncology fellows at Dana-Farber by funding their salary and research. Dr. Tess O’Meara, our current Friends Fellow, said this of the experience: For fellows and early career faculty, securing funding to continue training, doing research, and setting ourselves up in our careers can be challenging. These kinds of programs are very important and special as we progress through the early stages of our careers.
Throughout the years, many gifted investigators have shared their positive experiences:
Dr. Donald Kufe, Friends Fellow in 1978 (now Distinguished Physician at DFCI), said, “The Friends’ support of my DFCI fellowship in 1978 has had a transformative impact on my career.”
Dr. John Clark, Friends Fellow in 1983 (now head and neck oncologist at Mass General Brigham), said, “It was not only the best fellowship at the time, but the best fellowship in a rising institution.”
Dr. Caroline Block, Friends Fellow in 1989 (Now Senior physician, Breast Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute), said, “Training at Dana Farber was incredible, and feeling attached to it throughout my career due to that training. I met patients who taught me so much about their experience, and wonderful teachers and mentors. It was an honor to be supported, and to attend the Friends’ gala. As a fellow, such events in my time were rare. I felt supported by a wonderful organization.”
Dr. Raj Gopal, Friends Fellow in 2015 (now Senior Clinical Program Leader at Novartis), said, “The funding was so instrumental in helpiong me launch my scientific career and pursue “big” ideas is oncology.”
Dr. Tanya Keenan, Friends Fellow in 2021 (now Executive Director, Oncology Clinical Development at Merck), said, “Friends’ support has contributed tremendously to my education and ability to help patients - thank you!”
