Carl H. June, MD, pioneer of CAR T Cell Immunotherapy

Dr. David Harlan had the pleasure of inviting and introducing his longtime friend and fellow distinguished physician/scientist, Carl H. June, MD, to speak at the Department of Medicine Grand Rounds at the UMass Chan Medical School. They worked closely throughout the 1990s when they led the U.S. Navy’s “Immune Cell Biology Program."

Dr. June is best known for pioneering work developing CAR T-cell therapy for leukemia treatment. He currently serves as director of the Center for Cellular Immunotherapies at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. His passion for his work was evident during his outstanding 45-minute seminar about CAR T cells' origin, design, and success.  

"The surest bet to achieving a great and important goal is to pick a huge one worthy of your life's work," said Dr. Harlan during his emotional introduction. "Focus on that goal, demanding excellence of yourself and all around you at all times. With persistence, teamwork, and resolve, you might just hit that goal."