Honoring the life of John Christian DeMasi, MD

Event Details

The DeMasi Endowed Lectureship honors the life of John Christian DeMasi, MD, who completed his residency in radiation oncology at the University of Kentucky in 2019. Upon completing his training, John returned home as a radiation oncologist at Saratoga Hospital where his compassion, kindness, and delightful humor endeared him to patients and staff alike.

In 2011, John was diagnosed with vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (vEDS), a rare disease without a cure. John used his position as a physician and a patient to advocate for patients affected by vEDS. In 2017, John and his brother David launched a nonprofit -- FIGHT vEDS. John used this platform to educate over 10,000 people from more than 50 countries about the disease, launched a genetic testing program, and worked tirelessly to advance vEDS research. He partnered with researchers from the University of Washington to launch the first vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome International Research Symposium. At the time of his passing, John was actively working on efforts to launch the first clinical trial in vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

John brought an engaging energy, gentle nature, and phenomenal sense of humor to all he did, whether it was taking care of his rescue pet Bailey, fishing on Saratoga Lake, enjoying summer days at the racetrack, making his nieces and nephews laugh, or cooking special meals for family and friends. No matter the time or distance, John made every effort to prioritize being with the people he loved. John’s legacy will forever be lovingly remembered here in the UK College of Medicine Department of Radiation Medicine, and far beyond.

The generous support of current and former faculty, alumni, and friends of the UK College of Medicine’s Department of Radiation Medicine, along with the DeMasi family, helped establish the DeMasi Endowed Lecture. This endowment will bring a prominent leader in radiation oncology to the University of Kentucky each year to present information on advances in the field and care of cancer patients, further strengthening the quality of radiation oncology education available at the University of Kentucky. 

To honor Dr. DeMasi’s life and his passion for helping others, his colleagues at UK established this endowed lecture. For more information regarding how to contribute to the endowment, please contact Taryn Derrick, senior philanthropy officer, at Taryn.Derrick@uky.edu.

Event Schedule

8 a.m.

Breakfast and Refreshments

9 a.m.

Welcome Remarks and Tribute to Dr. DeMasi

9:10 a.m.     

Lectures from Resident Alumni, Current Faculty, and Residents

11 a.m.

Keynote Lecture

Noon

Lunch and Time to Reconnect

CME Credit

CME credits are available to those who attend.  For accreditation and activity information, please go to https://www.cecentral.com/live/23268

Event Sponsors 

Eddy S. Yang, MD, PhD, chair and professor, University of Kentucky College of Medicine Department of Radiation Medicine
 

Event Chair

Denise Fabian, MD, assistant professor of radiation oncology