2006 SCCPI Robert T. Angarola Awardee Dr. Robert Taub

Our final award of the evening is the Robert Angarola Award which is given to the one individual deemed to have contributed most to improve pain management over the past year and throughout a career.  The award is named in honor of Robert Angarola, an attorney in Washington DC who led national efforts to advance pain management and was a friend of SCCPI in our early years. 

The criteria for this award includes contributions throughout his or her career to cancer pain management; someone who has demonstrated excellence in clinical practice, education, or research in pain management; someone who is a role model for others and who has contributed to the Southern California Cancer Pain Initiative and other professional organizations. Each year, the award winner is a closely kept secret. 

This person has influenced many people in the management of pain as a practicing oncologist, medical director of a hospice program, and medical director of a Palliative Care Program.  Back in the late 1970’s, well before pain management and palliative care were fashionable, he spearheaded the very beginning of a local hospice program, which rapidly grew into a well-established Palliative Care Program, some would even say that it is probably one of the longest running programs in the city, and he continues as its Medical Director.  He functioned as Medical Director of a local Hospice agency for 1997 until its closure in 2006.  For a number of years he was the only hospice physician on this service and was on call and available for the nurses 24/7. 

This esteemed colleague has influenced many physicians to strive to improve pain management.  He has lectured extensively, influencing hundreds of interns and residents on a variety of topics including how to titrate opioids, assessing different types of pain, and challenging barriers to excellent pain management.  Spreading the word amongst attending staff and hospital administration on how palliative care and hospice can improve patient care and provide improved outcomes in pain management has lead to expansion of palliative care programs in Southern California. 

On behalf of the Southern California Cancer Pain Initiative, please join us in celebrating the efforts of our beloved colleague Dr. Robert Taub.  We honor you with this prestigious award.