James was an early proponent of palliative care in the United States and was one of the few surgical oncologists who recognized the importance of aggressive pain relief and other symptom control during and beyond active treatment periods. James was also the president of the American Cancer Society, Ohio Division from 1957-60, and president of the national American Cancer Society from 1972-73.

"We believe this is a wonderful way to honor Dr. James's legacy," said Don McClure, American Cancer Society, Ohio Division CEO. "He was an outstanding leader, both administratively and clinically. The creation of the fellowship reflects a key goal of ACS activities - easing the suffering that cancer patients endure throughout the process of their disease."

The fellowship program, offered by the Pain and Palliative Medicine Service at The Ohio State University Medical Center, will accept one candidate per year for three years. Dr. Costantino Benedetti, director of the Service and president of the Society’s Ohio Division, said the fellowship will accept applicants who have completed a residency program in any one of several specialties, including anesthesiology, family medicine or its subspecialties, internal medicine or its subspecialties, neurology, oncologic surgery, or oncologic radiology. Preference will be given to applicants interested in an academic career.

Fellows will learn all aspects of palliative care, including assessment and management, pharmacologic intervention, the physiology of pain, and how to communicate with patients, families, and other health care professionals about pain management and end-of-life issues. Clinical duties will include making daily rounds, seeing both inpatients and outpatients, visiting patients with the hospice team, and participating in research projects.

For more information, call 888-ACS-OHIO.