Dr. Bob Pinedo, born in Curaçao, pursued his medical studies in Amsterdam, and his brilliance, creativity, and relentless work ethic led him to hold various positions and responsibilities in the scientific world. A pioneer of Medical Oncology in Europe, he imparted knowledge through the European School of Oncology (ESO), led numerous research projects and academic organizations, and mentored many young oncologists from various countries, including physicians from Latin America. Dr. Pinedo served as President of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and became the third European to receive the prestigious ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) award: David A. Karnofsky Memorial Lecture in 2014 (https://society.asco.org/people/h-m-pinedo-md-phd). He has won numerous international awards, promoted and driven research, published over 600 scientific articles in prestigious indexed journals, and authored multiple books and book chapters. He is a globally recognized authority in the medical, scientific, and oncological fields.
The Rector of the Universidad Ricardo Palma highlighted numerous reasons for granting this distinguished recognition as Doctor Honoris Causa:
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His intense and enriching scientific contributions
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His academic renown and outstanding academic career
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His valued and esteemed daily dedication as a specialist oncologist, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues, friends, and patients
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His prestige as a Scientific Researcher
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His dedication and vocation as a Professor and Mentor to many generations of physicians, residents, interns, and doctoral students from his department and research laboratory in Amsterdam
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His admirable humanity, principles, values, and his interest in helping even distant countries, such as those in Latin America
His research enjoys extraordinary recognition worldwide, with numerous books published in various countries and languages, hundreds of articles in the most impactful and prestigious journals, and countless contributions to national and international congresses.
With a lifetime devoted to teaching, research, and clinical activities, Dr. Bob Pinedo leads advanced and innovative research to assist patients in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. His cutting-edge research focuses on Precision Medicine, Molecular Medicine, and Genomics. He leads research protocols and clinical trials for cancer patients, seamlessly integrating clinical care with advanced research settings. Dr. Pinedo worked for over 25 years as the head of the Oncology Department in Amsterdam. He holds visiting professor positions at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Twente (Netherlands). Over a career spanning four decades, Dr. Pinedo has concentrated on original and translational cancer research, combining cutting-edge basic science with clinical excellence. As a clinical investigator introducing new concepts to early clinical trials, he has made groundbreaking observations in cancer biology and mechanisms related to drug action and resistance in patients.
He has shared his knowledge across the world, delivering courses and lectures and participating in numerous cancer control missions in Europe, the U.S., and globally. At every moment, he has demonstrated his selfless dedication, kindness, friendship, and unwavering support to anyone in need.
To be truly great, one must stand with the people, not above them, and Dr. Bob Pinedo has always stood—and we are sure will continue to stand—with all those who need him…
At the Universidad Ricardo Palma and the Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias Biomédicas, we share the dream that together, we can continue changing the world. If life permits, we are ready to keep joining efforts and collaborations to help many more people.
During the ceremony, the authorities emphasized: We honor and distinguish a man who represents many physicians, oncologists, and researchers. Through his effort, discipline, talent, intelligence, values, principles, and spirit of helping others, he has dedicated his life as a doctor, teacher, researcher, Mentor, Father, Husband, and for many fortunate people like us, a Friend.
Thank you, Bob... Keep helping people every day and contributing to improving the health and quality of life of our communities.
October 10, 2024
Prof. Dr. Jhony A. De La Cruz Vargas
General Director
Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias Biomédicas
Universidad Ricardo Palma