Mack
Roach, III
UCSF researcher Mack Roach III, interim chair of the UCSF Department of Radiation Oncology, has been named as one of the 10 Most Influential African Americans in the Bay Area for 2005.
He does not take the designation lightly.
"As someone who grew up in the Bay Area and attended public schools here, it is perhaps the greatest honor bestowed on me to date," said Roach, MD, the recipient of the seventh annual award sponsored by CityFlight Media Network and State Farm Insurance.
"To be recognized in my own hometown for working in communities I grew up in is a very special experience," he said. "Ultimately, it means that I must be having a favorable impact on those around me. Nothing less should be expected. That is what I'm here for."
The top winners from 10 categories were announced during an awards ceremony on March 25 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco. Each of the 10 categories recognizes three nominees from sectors that include arts and entertainment, community service, corporate, education, health care, media, political/public service, spiritual, sports and youth.
A committee made up of community, civic and professional organizations selected the 10 award recipients from among 30 nominees narrowed from a list of 130 nominations. The committee's decision was based on biographical data submitted to CityFlight with special consideration given to their respective accomplishments and/or contributions during 2005. Popular votes submitted online contributed 30 percent toward final award decisions.
"Dr. Roach's personal, academic and professional accomplishments are indeed impressive," stated Toni Beckham, spokesperson for CityFlight Media Network. "He is highly regarded by his peers, and as a leading authority in his specialty of the treatment of prostate cancer, he is an icon of whom the Bay Area African American community is proud. It was with honor and pride that CityFlight named Dr. Roach among the '10 Most Influential African Americans in the Bay Area' for 2005, in the health care category."
Roach is also professor of radiation oncology and urology, and principal investigator on a National Cancer Institute grant to reduce health care disparities in underserved populations. He has received several other honors, including the American Cancer Society Career Development Award and the UCSF Health Net Wellness Award.
The 10 Most Influential African Americans in the Bay Area award was established seven years ago to recognize 30 individuals each year that made significant contributions to the welfare of children, businesses and the African American community at large. To read about the other individuals awarded as the top 10 Most Influential African Americans in the Bay Area 2005, visit
the website.
Source: Nancy Chan, News Services
