Bert Vogelstein, M.D. has spent a remarkable 44 years on the faculty at Hopkins after graduating from the School of Medicine in 1974. During that time, he established himself as a pioneer in the field of cancer genetics and became the first scientist to elucidate the molecular basis of a common human cancer. In particular, he and his colleagues demonstrated that colorectal tumors result from the gradual accumulation of genetic alterations in specific oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. His group’s discovery and analysis of these genes and their functions represent a landmark in the application of molecular biology to the study of human disease. His work on colorectal cancers forms the paradigm for much of modern cancer research, with profound implications for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in the future. 

Admiring Dr. Vogelstein’s work and lifelong commitment to Johns Hopkins, I took the opportunity to catch up with him about his impressive career here, his time in Baltimore, and his memories from his student days.

Have you attended any School of Medicine reunions? What did you enjoy most about them?

Of course, I've attended some. The one that was my favorite was a long time ago, about 20 years ago. We had a laboratory band called Wild Type, and we played one dinner during the reunion weekend. Everybody was dancing and singing. That was certainly the most memorable one for me.

Going back to your time in medical school, tell me about your favorite memory while you were there?

I think my favorite memories from medical school were from working in the lab of Howard and Renee Dintzis. I would work in the summers and during the school year as much as I could. Whenever I had a free minute or a free hour. I used to go over there and try to do experiments.

Did you have a favorite activity or hobby outside of your professional work?

The other activity I remember fondly was playing tennis with some surgeons. There were several surgeons at Hopkins who played tennis, and I was pretty good back then. I ended up getting an “A” in surgery, but I don’t think it had anything to do with my surgical skills because they were not the best.

That sounds like fun! I know you’ve been in Baltimore for a long time. Do you have any favorite places in the city or things you enjoy doing here?

That's a tough question, because I was born at Johns Hopkins. I've been here ever since, nearly for my entire 74 years on the planet. I'm the faculty member who's been at Hopkins the longest. Dr. Solomon Snyder is second, but because I was born here, I hold the title—I'm a native Baltimorean.

I've always loved this city—it's a great city for bringing up families. I think Baltimore is the national leader for having the most multigenerational families residing here. People who are born in Baltimore often stay and raise their families here. That's what I did. My parents were here and my grandparents lived in Baltimore, and now my children live in Baltimore and my grandchildren are here.

Two of my children are also affiliated with Johns Hopkins. One is in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, and the other one graduated with a degree in biomedical engineering and worked at the Applied Physics Lab for a while. My daughter is also in Baltimore. She's a psychologist.

74 years is a long time. How has your time at Hopkins impacted your life and your career?

Hopkins has impacted my career—I mean, it is my career. I'm part of Hopkins. Hopkins is the perfect size for the university and medical institution—it's not too big, but big enough so that there's someone working on just about everything you could think of. And it's not too small, so you can find people when you want to work with them on a particular topic or area. One of the things that distinguishes Hopkins, especially at the medical school campus, is that it’s very patient-oriented.

There's also a very congenial and collegial atmosphere. Throughout the half century that I've been on the faculty, whenever I’ve asked another faculty member for help, that help was graciously offered. Whenever I've said, “Hey, I think this is an interesting project. What do you think of it? Would you like to participate?” The answer was always yes. I think that’s because everyone is dedicated to the same goal, which is keeping people from getting sick and healing them if they become ill.

That is great to hear and a sentiment that other alumni share—how collaborative and supportive the Hopkins culture is. On the topic of supporting others, the Class of 2024 will soon graduate from medical school. What advice do you have for them as they embark on their future journeys?

I’d tell them to realize how gifted, talented, and exceptional they are because they wouldn’t be here if they weren’t. They wouldn't be graduating from the top medical institution in the world unless they were extraordinary. That sounds a little silly, but I don't think many students understand how extraordinary they are because they're used to interacting with the equally extraordinary people who are their classmates. As a class, they make up a very tiny slice right at the top.

The second thing is to try to think of what they will have wanted to accomplish when they’re my age, 50 years from graduation. Try to think of this rather than what seems most expedient or best right now. I say this because later they will be my age and looking back, and thinking, “Did I spend my life the way that I wanted to? And whether I succeeded or failed, did I give it my best shot?” I want them to be able to answer those questions affirmatively.