01/19/2010

Robert A. Chapman, M.D.

Dr. Robert Chapman’s longevity on the MSHO Board of Directors reaffirms his commitment to advancing cancer care for Michigan patients. Bob’s position as Director of the Josephine Ford Cancer Institute at Henry Ford, his involvement in the Michigan Cancer Consortium and other state and national organizations, his participation in major clinical trials and his dedication to Michigan’s medically underserved patients provides valued expertise and perspective to the work of the Society. 

Following graduation from Haverford College in Pennsylvania, Dr. Chapman obtained his medical degree from Cornell University Medical School and completed his internal medicine residency at Henry Ford Hospital. His medical oncology training was at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Chapman is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Oncology. Since 1981, his career at Henry Ford has evolved from staff physician to Hematology/Oncology Division Head to Director of the Josephine Ford Cancer Institute. During his career at Henry Ford he has served on numerous hospital governance groups and he is currently Chairman of the Cancer Coordinating Committee and a member of the Josephine Ford Cancer Center Executive Group and the Department of Medicine Executive Committee. 

As a clinical researcher, he is well-known for his lung cancer research and involvement in major national trials. Dr. Chapman has served on the National Cancer Institute Scientific Review Group, American Cancer Society, and the governing board of the Southwest Oncology Group. Bob has dedicated much of his time to professional education. His CV lists pages of publications and lectures at many local and national conferences. 

Access to cancer early detection, screening and treatment is a passion for Dr. Chapman. He secured a competitive Medicare grant to study disparities in cancer care in the African American population. Henry Ford Health System was awarded $5.2 million in national funding to determine if working to overcome barriers such as transportation, assistance with co-pays and facilitating cancer screenings, diagnosis and treatment could reduce disparities in cancer death rates among African-Americans. Since the project began in 2006, nearly 6,000 African American participants have been recruited for the project and results have been significant including more than doubling the rates for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer screenings. 

    Bob Chapman, and his wife of 31 years Gail, are the proud parents of two children: Brian 29 and Carla 26. Brian, a graduate of Penn State majoring in broadcast journalism, broadcasts his sports talk show, B Chap Sports every Monday through Friday from Toledo, Ohio on WCWA 1230. His broadcasts can be heard live on line at www.wcwa.com. Carla, a graduate of Amherst College who double majored in both French and Legal Jurisprudence, and Social Thought, recently passed the New York Bar and resides in Washington DC. 

     Bob and Gail, a radiologist specializing in Mammography and Ultrasound, enjoy golfing, gourmet food, “Smooth Jazz music, and travel. Escaping to Scottsdale Arizona for long weekends during winter months is a favorite pastime. Gail, a U of M graduate, bleeds Maize and Blue and they feel fortunate to have season tickets to the Big House. Of course they can usually be found in Ann Arbor on football Saturdays. 

     For Bob Chapman, the practice of medicine has always been a passion, and the ability to practice, train fellows, conduct research, and contribute to improving outreach to underserved populations has been the fulfillment of his every career aspiration.