Harold P. Freeman, M.D., is the associate director of the National Cancer Institute and director of its Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities. He also serves as director of surgery at North General Hospital in New York City, and serves as the medical director of the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention in New York City. He held the academic position of professor of clinical surgery at Harlem Hospital for 25 years (1974-1999) and served as president and CEO of North General Hospital in New York City, for two years.

Dr. Freeman was born in Washington, D.C., and graduated from the Catholic University of America, where he received the Harris Award for Outstanding Scholar, Gentleman and Athlete. He was later awarded Outstanding Alumnus in the Medical Arts. He did his internship and residency in general surgery at Howard University Hospital, where he received the Daniel Hale Williams Award for outstanding achievements as chief resident. Subsequently he was senior resident in Cancer Surgery for three years at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York City.

Dr. Freeman, a diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, has received honorary doctor of science degrees from Albany Medical College, Niagra University, Adelphi University, and the Catholic University of America.

He served as national president of the American Cancer Society from 1988 to 1989. Dr. Freeman is the chief architect of the society's initiative on cancer in the poor and is a leading authority on the interrelationships between race, poverty and cancer. In 1990 the American Cancer Society established the Harold P. Freeman award given annually to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the fight against cancer in the poor.

Dr. Freeman is past chairman of the United States President's Cancer Panel. He has lectured extensively throughout the United States as well as in Europe, Africa, South America, China and the Middle East on numerous subjects related to cancer prevention and treatment.

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