Stephen Nimer received the 2024 ASH Mentor Award

Dr. Stephen Nimer, the director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and executive dean for research at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, received the 2024 ASH Mentor Award.

Each year, ASH recognizes two exceptional hematologists for their long-standing dedication to mentorship, encompassing areas such as intellectual growth, career development, professional support, advocacy, and serving as positive role models.

The recipients of the ASH Mentor Award make a profound impact on their mentees, guiding them in advancing research and patient care while also helping them navigate the personal and professional challenges they encounter.

This year 2024 ASH Mentor Awards received Stephen D. Nimer and Charles A. Schiffer 

“I am delighted to have made my career in the field of hematology. Scientifically, we are collaborative and competitive, constantly challenging each other to do more, ask more complex questions, and ultimately improve the lives of our patients.” – Stephen D. Nimer

Stephen D. Nimer

Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., is the Director of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami. He also serves as Executive Dean for Research and Professor of Medicine at the Miller School of Medicine. With over 30 years of experience in clinical care, research, and leadership, Dr. Nimer is a leading expert in hematology-oncology.

Before joining the University of Miami in 2012, Dr. Nimer spent nearly two decades at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, where he held multiple leadership roles, including Head of Hematologic Oncology and Chief of the Hematology Service. Under his leadership, Sylvester became an NCI-designated cancer center in 2019, and it is now recognized as one of the top cancer hospitals in the U.S.

Dr. Nimer’s research focuses on myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), aiming to identify novel therapeutic approaches.

He has authored over 300 scientific publications, holds two patents related to leukemia treatment, and has been continuously funded by the NIH for more than 30 years.

In addition to his research, Dr. Nimer is a prominent leader in cancer policy, serving on advisory boards for multiple NCI-designated cancer centers and contributing to state and federal cancer-related initiatives.

He is also deeply involved in nonprofit organizations, chairing foundations such as the MDS Foundation and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, where he oversees grant funding and supports early-career researchers.

Dr. Nimer has received numerous honors, including the Oscar de La Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and the E. Donnall Thomas Award.

In 2021, he was inducted into the Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine of Florida, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the scientific community.

Education

Dr. Stephen D. Nimer received his undergraduate and graduate education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned both a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science degree in 1975. He then went on to complete his medical education at the University of Chicago School of Medicine, earning his M.D. in 1979.

Following medical school, Dr. Nimer underwent extensive postgraduate training at the UCLA School of Medicine, where he completed his internal medicine residency in 1982, a residency in medicine in 1985, and a post-doctoral fellowship in Hematology/Oncology in 1986.

Awards and Honors

– Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine of Florida
– Iron Arrow Honor Society Tapee, University of Miami
– Leaders for a Cure, Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation
– Mary Brickell Trailblazer Award, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
– Power Leaders in Health Care, South Florida Business Journal
– Principal Investigator, LLS-Specialized Center of Research Program “Interventional Epigenetics in Myeloid Malignancies” (2017-2022)
– Twelve Good Men Award, The Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida
– Donnall Thomas Award, Bone Marrow Foundation
Altruist-2014 Charity and Social Datebook-Modern Luxury Magazine
– Humanitarian of the Year Award (The Life Raft Group – Gastrointestinal stromal tumors)

Dr. Stephen Nimer receiving the Provost’s Lifetime Achievement Award from University of Miami

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center:

“Dr. Stephen Nimer, director of Sylvester and executive dean for research University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is known for fostering collaboration, guiding researchers and creating an environment that drives innovation and quality patient care. We’re thrilled to congratulate Dr. Nimer on receiving the 2024 ASH Mentor Award from the American Society of Hematology!

This prestigious recognition highlights his profound impact on more than 100 hematology trainees. As ASH noted, Dr. Nimer “instills in them the importance of thinking critically and embracing challenges,” serving as a role model for future leaders in the field. Since joining as our director in 2012, Dr. Nimer has overseen substantial growth, including achieving the National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, and continues to make strides in advancing cancer research and care. Join us in celebrating Dr. Nimer’s remarkable achievements and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of innovators! Read more.”