Jack R. Wands, MD, FAASLD

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jack R. Wands, MD, FAASLD, 80, Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital/Lifespan. Jack was a leader in the field of Hepatology and among the most prolific investigators in the history of the medical school. His dominant scholarly accomplishments included improving our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of chronic Hepatitis B and C, and dissecting pivotal intracellular signaling networks that govern the progression of alcohol-related liver disease to either cirrhosis or liver cancer. Those efforts led to pioneering research and the discovery of tumor-associated molecules that drive the invasive and metastatic spread of liver cancer cells. Importantly, the lessons learned were found highly relevant to many other malignancies, holding promise for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for tumors that still lack effective treatment. Throughout his career, Jack was passionate about translating his important laboratory research discoveries to advance liver cancer diagnostics and therapeutics in human patients. In conjunction with his scholarly activities, Jack was a superb mentor who had an impressive impact on the successes and career trajectories of countless trainees. These ranged from undergraduate, graduate, and medical students to postdoctoral fellows and junior to mid-career faculty on virtually every continent. He is survived by his children, Greg and Raymie and his grandchildren Robby and Amanda.