On April 3, the VII National Medicine Awards organized by the magazine El Suplemento were presented. Dr. Josep Tabernero, director of the VHIO and Head of the Medical Oncology Service at the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, has been awarded in the Medical Oncology category in recognition of his professional career. A career of more than three decades that places him as a pioneer oncologist in the development of targeted molecular therapies and in the research of digestive tumors.
The National Medicine Awards represent an opportunity to highlight the work of those professionals who dedicate their lives to caring for and improving the health of others. From physicians of various specialties to researchers and medical educators, this event celebrates the diversity and commitment that characterizes the medical community.
During the ceremony, awards were presented in several categories, ranging from achievements in medical research to excellence in patient care and innovations in minimally invasive surgery. Each award is a testimony to the positive impact that these professionals have had on people’s lives and on the advancement of Medicine.
One of the areas in which Dr. Tabernero has left a significant mark is in the treatment of digestive tumors. His experience, especially in colorectal, pancreatic and stomach cancer, has made him a recognized authority at a national and international level. Dr. Tabernero has led numerous research projects that have contributed to the advancement of knowledge and treatment of these diseases.
His concern for the comprehensive approach to cancer patients has made the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital the first center in Spain recognized with the Comprehensive Cancer Center accreditation by the European entity OECI.
But his work is not only limited to the clinical field. His commitment to translational research has led him to direct clinical and translational studies of early drug development, as well as to participate in European Union research projects for oncological advancement. As Chair of Cancer Core Europe (network of seven European cancer centres) and President of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) for the period 2018-2019, his influence extends globally, contributing to the development of policies and strategies for improve cancer care in Europe and beyond.
The impact of Dr. Tabernero is also reflected in his scientific production. With more than 700 articles and 53,000 citations, his research has been fundamental for the development of new therapeutic approaches and the identification of predictive biomarkers of response to treatment. His commitment to education and training is reflected in his role as a professor at the UVic-UCC (University of Vic-Central Catalonia) and in his mentoring of numerous medical students and doctoral candidates.
Dr. Tabernero’s recognition from the scientific and medical community has been broad, awarded with the National Research Award of Catalonia (2019), the Research Career Award from the Institut Català de la Salut (2020), ESNO Fellow (2022) and ASCO Fellow (2024), among others. His dedication and contributions to the advancement of cancer research have been recognized both nationally and internationally. His tireless search for new therapies and his commitment to improving the lives of cancer patients make him a reference in his field.
