Awards

Bicentennial Medal - 2019

Titled Professor - 2018

Harry and Edith Gladstein Professor of Cancer Research

Partners in Philanthropy - 2013

Cornerstone Award

About Rafat Abonour

Dr. Rafat Abonour earned his M.D. from the University of Damascus in 1983. He later joined the Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) faculty in 1995 as an assistant professor of medicine. He was promoted to associate professor of medicine, pathology, and laboratory medicine in 2001, associate dean for clinical research in 2005, and full professor in 2010. In 2018, he earned the title of Harry and Edith Gladstein Professor of Cancer Research.

A highly sought-after consultant by oncologists worldwide, Abonour has dedicated his professional life to groundbreaking research and first-rate patient care. His research is focused on autologous stem cell transplantation and hematologic malignancies. Abonour established the first clinic devoted to multiple myeloma patients in the state of Indiana, championing a new mode of treatment that is now being used by other groups around the world and serving as a source of inspiration for further research. In addition, with the help of a committee of his patients and their family members, he initiated the Miles for Myeloma fundraising event, personally running and bicycling to several Indiana cities.

Starting in 2005, he and his fellow cyclists have covered more than 1,600 miles on Hoosier roadways and have raised more than $2.3 million from more than 9,500 donors to support the challenge of curing this rare and currently incurable blood cancer. Abonour also played a key role in securing planned gifts that will total an additional $1 million.

In 2019, Abonour was presented with the Bicentennial Medal for his distinguished service to Indiana University.