Stephen Prescott: curiouser and curiouser.

• Author: Error, Casey C.
• Position: People - Huntsman Cancer Institute executive director

CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT. Fortunately, people are not cats -- they are our neighbors, employees, friends and relatives - and they are precious, This becomes immediately clear when speaking to Dr. Stephen Prescott. executive director of Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI). who believes that curiosity is the very essence of life.

Says Prescott, "I am motivated by the wonderful mission at Huntsman Cancer Institute -- to understand cancer from its beginnings; to use that research to improve cancer treatments and relieve the suffering of cancer patients: and to educate the public about risk, prevention end care."

Although Prescott maintains that MCI does not fit the model of a typical Utah business, preservation of life can be a very complicated business indeed. "My biggest challenge," he says, "is to grow the institute into an internationally renowned organization, and that requires huge resources in the human sense." Ask him why he chooses to accept the enormous challenges this position presents, and he answers simply, "It is great fun, and I believe I have the skill to make a difference in people's lives,"

No question about it, Prescott has the necessary skills. Highlights from his professional dossier include a medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in 1973; advanced research training in biochemistry and molecular biology at Washington University School of Medicine: time served as senior editor of the Journal of Biological Chemistry; membership to medical and scientific advisory committees and societies, including the American Heart Association, the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland, the Royal Academy of Medicine in Spain, and the American Society for Clinical Investigation; a seat on the board of the Journal of Clinical investigation; and the Utah Governor's Medal for Science and Technology.

Aside from education, Prescott cites his diverse background as a distinct advantage to the institute. "While...