John J. Mulvihill MED ’67  Special Volunteer, National Human Genome Research Institute; Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

 

 

John Joseph Mulvihill, MD, is a pioneer in genomic medicine and cancer genetics. Recently retired, he has consulted since 2014 with the NIH’s Undiagnosed Diseases Network, a consortium aimed at solving medical mysteries through team science. His research has produced seven edited monographs and 435 scientific articles, primarily on familial cancer, syndromes of multiple malformations, and the reproductive health of cancer survivors. His 1968 report, “A student-operated series of medical films,” highlighted a group effort during his second year at Dartmouth.

After clinical training at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Mulvihill served as chief of the Clinical Genetics Section at the National Cancer Institute, where he led groundbreaking research on the intersection of human cancer and birth defects. His work in cancer genetics and genetic epidemiology has profoundly impacted the understanding of familial cancer syndromes, especially neurofibromatosis 1. He has served on the editorial boards of several journals, including Genetic Epidemiology and the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. His expertise and leadership have been recognized with numerous awards, such as the U.S. Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal, the NIH Director’s Award, and the Friedrich von Recklinghausen Award from the National Neurofibromatosis Foundation.
 
Mulvihill’s commitment to education is evident in his mentorship of future medical professionals, researchers, and genetic counselors. He founded and chaired the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh, establishing a robust program that advanced genetic research and education. He received the Mentorship Award from the American Society of Human Genetics, reflecting his significant role in guiding and inspiring the next generation of geneticists.

Mulvihill has a rich history of service to various academic and research institutions. He is a founding fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics, a founder and the first president-elect of the International Genetic Epidemiology Society, a longtime member of the Ethics Committee of the Human Genome Organization, and a scientific advisor to studies of the Japanese survivors of the U.S. atomic bombs.

 

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