B.J. Kennedy

Medical School, June 2, 1995

Dr. Kennedy received his M.D. degree from the University of Minnesota in 1946 following the award of an B.M. degree in 1945. He joined the U of M Medical School as a staff physician in 1952. A pioneer in the field of medical oncology, Dr. Kennedy established the first division of Medical Oncology in a University hospital. He is frequently referred to as the father of Medical Oncology. He initiated and conducted several original chemotherapy protocol studies of single and combinations of drugs that are used in many medical centers. He developed the first program for cancer patient support and counseling and from that concept, the "I Can Cope" program of the American Cancer Society evolved. Dr. Kennedy has demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership on a community, state, national and international level. The All-University Honors Committee enthusiastically endorsed the awarding of an Outstanding Achievement Award to Dr. B. J. Kennedy.