Millennium Magazine_2ndEd

284 MILLENNIUM-SECOND EDITION R ichard J. O’Reilly is a physician and scientist who investigates the genetic differences and cellular interactions between donors and hosts that affect bone marrow transplantation. With a focus on transplantation and the treatment of children with congenital and acquired immune deficiencies, Dr. O’Reilly has served as the chief of bone marrow transplantation service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center since 1981. During his years at the institution, he has held several positions with the department of pediatrics, including attending pediatrician and chairman of the department of pediatrics as well as member of the department of immunology. Dr. O’Reilly’s passion for science and medicine was influenced by his grandfather, who was also a doctor. He always believed that a career in medicine would be rewarding and became intrigued with grafts, which allowed him to witness patients healing as cells reintegrated themselves in the body. As a seasoned doctor, he had the opportunity to be a part of the first successful marrow transplantation from an unrelated donor in 1973. A year later, Dr. O’Reilly initiated the marrow transplant program and was subsequently appointed director and chief of the transplant program in 1976. His innovative work in the field has earned him many accolades, including the Louise and Allston Boyer Young Investigator Award for Clinical Research, the Boerhaave Medal from Leiden University, the Pediatric Oncology Award from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Prize, which recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to improving the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer. Dr. O’Reilly earned a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Rochester and a Bachelor of Science from the College of the Holy Cross, which also presented himwith an honorary doctorate in 2016. RICHARD J. O’REILLY CHIEF, PEDIATRIC MARROW TRANSPLANTATION PROGRAM Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY