J. Gershon Spector, MD, served the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, 1971-2015, and currently holds the title of Professor Emeritus.

Our 2023 Spector Lectureship will be given by Richard J. Wong, MD, Chief of the Head and Neck Service and the Jatin P. Shah Chair in Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Richard J. Wong, MD

Wong has worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering for over 20 years to care for people with thyroid and head and neck cancers. He has a particular expertise and interest in the surgical removal of thyroid cancer, nodal metastases from thyroid cancer, and recurrent thyroid cancer. He also has a strong interest in treating oral cancer, salivary gland tumors, melanoma, parathyroid adenomas, and other cancers involving the head and neck region.

He is principal investigator of a grant from the National Cancer institute supporting the training of head and neck surgeons at MSK. His research is funded by the National Cancer Institute and focuses on developing a better understanding of the complex molecular and cellular interactions between tumors and nerves. The lab is working to identify novel molecular targets that may be treated to improve outcomes for cancer patients.

Date: April 26, 7:00am CST

Location: Ogura Learning Center, 8th floor MidCampus Center

A virtual option will be available. To receive the Zoom link, please contact Brian Faddis.


J. Gershon Spector Lecture in the Biology of Cancer

Gershon Spector, MD headshot
J. Gershon Spector, MD

The purpose of this lectureship is to invite nationally and internationally known investigators to serve as lecturers at Washington University.  The lecturer should be an accomplished fundamental biologist studying the mechanisms and biology of cancer.  Areas of highest interest include molecular mechanisms, biophysics and bioengineering, including nanotechnology.  The lectureship should be coordinated with the academic programs of the Siteman Cancer Center in the Department of Otolaryngology.


Spector Lecturers (Established 2017)

  • 2021 – Eben Rosenthal, MD
  • 2019 – Cherie-Ann Nathan, MD
  • 2018 – James W. Rocco, MD, PhD
  • 2017 – John Sunwoo, MD, PhD