4th Annual Kovach Lecture Focuses on Survivorship

A long view of the speakers on a stage in Riggs Library seated before an audience in rows of chairs
The fourth-annual Edward M. Kovach Cura Personalis Endowed Lecture, held this year in historic Riggs Library, spotlighted one of Georgetown’s core values, cura personalis, as a part of survivorship.

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(January 16, 2025) — The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center hosted the fourth-annual Edward M. Kovach Cura Personalis Endowed Lecture at Georgetown on Jan. 9, spotlighting one of Georgetown’s core values, cura personalis, as a part of survivorship.

The lecture memorializes Ed Kovach (C’60, L’63) and honors what his family describes as “acts of kindness and compassion” shared with him while he was treated for pancreatic cancer at Georgetown Lombardi. Diagnosed in 2014, Kovach placed his trust and confidence in the medical care of provided by John Marshall, MD. Kovach lived with this illness for 3 1/2 years.  

Norm Beauchamp speaks from a podium in Riggs Library

Georgetown University Medical Center’s Executive Vice President for Health Sciences, Norman J. Beauchamp Jr., MD, MPH, welcomed attendees and introduced Alexandra du Pont, Ed Kovach’s daughter.

Alexandra Kovach du Pont spoke about the history and purpose of the lecture named in honor of her father.

Alex Kovach Du Pont speaks from a podium in Riggs LIbrary
Dr. Jackson accepts the Wooden Spoon carving from Mrs. Kovach

Kathleen Kovach, Ed’s wife, presented Patrick Jackson, MD, with the “Wooden Spoon Award.” Jackson, a Georgetown professor of surgery and chief of general surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, is an inspired physician, master educator and role model who is beloved by his patients for his passionate commitment to their welfare, exemplifying cura personalis. The award is named for Kovach’s favorite woodworking activity during chemotherapy. Past awardees include Katie Couric and U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland).

Louis M. Weiner, MD, director of Georgetown Lombardi, introduced the event’s featured speakers to the audience that had gathered in historic Riggs Library.

Lou Weiner, MD, speaks from a podium in Riggs Library
Four individuals sit in chairs on a stage area in Riggs Library before an audience

Louis M. Weiner, MD, (left) moderated a discussion that featured Karen Knudsen, MBA PhD, (right) who serves as executive strategic advisor and is the immediate past CEO of the American Cancer Society. They were joined by Nina Kadan-Lottick, MD, MSPH, (second from left) professor of oncology and pediatrics, and director of the Survivorship Research Initiative at Georgetown Lombardi; and cancer survivor Nicole Faison, MBA (second from right).