Freireich, Emil J., 1927-

Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1927, Dr. Emil J. Freireich earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois, College of Medicine in 1949. After serving as a research associate in Hematology at Massachusetts Memorial Hospital, Dr. Freireich spent ten years at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland where he is credited with numerous revolutionary discoveries in the field of leukemia research. In 1965, Dr. Freireich joined the faculty at the University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center as Professor of Medicine where he has contributed to many pioneering and innovative advancements in the field of oncology. Dr. Freireich was named director of the Adult Leukemia Research Program in 1985 and director of the Special Medical Education Programs in 2000. Dr. Freireich also serves as professor in the departments of Leukemia and Laboratory Medicine.

Dr. Freireich’s research and contributions in both oncology and education have been recognized by multiple honors and awards. Past honors include Charles A. LeMaistre, M.D., Outstanding Achievement Award in Cancer (2000), University of Illinois Alumni Achievement Award (2000), 9th Cino del Duca Award from the 11th International Congress on Anti-Cancer Treatment (2001), Pollin Prize for Pediatric Research from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (2003), Honorary First Fellow Award from the 40th Anniversary of the Medical Oncology Fellowship Program (2006) and Paul Ehrlich Magic Bullet Award (2008). He has served on numerous editorial boards as well as being a member of several medical societies and organizations. He has also published more than 500 scientific papers and articles on cancer therapeutics and research.

From the guide to the Emil J. Freireich, M. D. Oral History Interview Portions Freireich_Emil_2001., July 23, 2001; July 30, 2001; August 13, 2001, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)