Editorials

Introduction to manuscript by Prof.Donald S.Coffey

The ensuing article by Donald S.Coffey[1]highlights some important questions that need to be considered by the scientific community.It is anticipated that the Asian Journal of Urology will address many of these questions in the years to come.As a preface to this article,please allow me to provide some insights into its author,Professor Donald S.Coffey,PhD,whom I have known for more than 30 years.Don Coffey has been a giant in his field of research.He has been a scientific father figure for many and an inspiration for many young investigators in their pursuit of careers in academic medicine.His honesty,humble nature and passion for science have been a shining example for many.

One word describes Don Coffeyd Passionate.He is passionate about science,young investigators and his academic home,Johns Hopkins Medical School.His support for young investigators is exemplified by the large number of scientists and clinicians that he has trained.Most have proceeded to achieve successful academic careers at prestigious medical schools.Don Coffey has always recognized their efforts and contributions in his many lectures and has even asked some to present parts of his invited lectures.He mentions them constantly.He also helps other young investigators outside of his own laboratory.At scientific meetings Don Coffey is always talking to and encouraging young investigators and seeks them out to offer encouraging advice.

Don Coffey is a visionary and a creative genius who thinks “outside of the box”.He always looks at the bigger picture and is able to pinpoint the central crux of a problem.His lecture on “Human Destany” provides a unique prospective on the universe and how mankind relates to that universe.Because of that vision and creativity his scientific achievements have been numerous.To pick one,his discovery and characterization of the nuclear matrix provided a paradigm shift in our thinking of how genes are organized and regulated.His critical thinking does not stop at the laboratory.He has instituted a unique “Longrifles”program at Johns Hopkins,which encourages students and fellows to think critically and to seek alternative answers to compelling scientific questions.

Don Coffey is a true leader,who leads by example in his quest to support and contribute to scientific research.At Johns Hopkins he has served as the Catherine Iola and J.Smith Michael Distinguished Professor of Urology,University Distinguished Service Professor of Urology,Professor of Oncology,Professor of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences,and Professor of Pathology.He has served as Chair of the National Prostatic Cancer Program of the National Cancer Institute,President of the American Association for Cancer Research and President of the Society for Basic Urologic Research.He received the Robert Edwards Award from The Tenovus Institute,both the Fuller Award and Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Urological Association, the Society of International Urology-Yamanouchi Research Award,two Merit Awards from the National Institutes of Health and the American Cancer Society Distinguished Service Award.In 2006 he was appointed to the National Cancer Advisory Board.

In addition to his indefatigable energy Don Coffey is a warm and caring person.I encourage all to read the interesting story of his fascinating life at http://urology.jhu.edu/about/coffey.php.I am proud to call him my friend.

Reference

[1]Coffey DS.Evolution:back to the future to understand and control prostate cancer.Asian J Urol 2014;1:4e11.

Donald J.Tindall,Associate Editor-in-Chief,

Asian Journal of Urology,

Mayo Clinic,Rochester,MN,USA

E-mail address:tindall@mayo.edu

15 August 2014

Available online 13 September 2014

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajur.2015.04.002

2214-3882/a2014 Editorial Office of Asian Journal of Urology.Production and hosting by Elsevier(Singapore)Pte Ltd.This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).