Video Profiles: An interview with Dr. R. Wayne Rundles by Don Macon. An MDA-TV Production. Department of Medical Communication. Produced for the Office of the President. 1/2/1978. Runtime is 29:19 minutes.
(0:20) Don Macon introduces the Video Profiles series and Dr. R. Wayne Rundles, Professor of Medicine and Head of Hematology and Chemotherapy at Duke University School of Medicine. At the time of the interview, he is also serving as President of the American Cancer Society.
(1:08) Rundles offers some details of his biography, beginning in Urbana, Illinois. He speaks about his father, the family farm, and his family. He mentions attending Depauw University in Indiana and elaborates on his interest in science.
(3:31) He speaks about his decision to go to Duke University. He mentions a fellowship to study neuroanatomy at Cornell for four years. He speaks fondly of the faculty he encountered, including B. F. Kingsbury and James Sumner. From there he reports on the connection to Duke and his decision to enroll in medical school there.
(4:53) Returning to his time at Depauw, he recounts an opportunity to work at the Woods Hole Marine Biologic Laboratory.
(6:06) Focusing on Duke, Macon notes that Rundles had a been a classmate of Grant Taylor. They speak about the dog surgery class and the tendency of students to rescue dogs.
(7:52) Rundles describes going to the University of Michigan and then returning to Duke. He had been studying diabetes and ultimately settled on doing blood work.
(9:52) He reports the natural interest in cancer that emerged from hematology. He recounts the rise of chemotherapy during that period, citing particular studies. He speaks about his studies of biochemistry, including anti-purines, nitrogen-mustard compounds, and antibiotic derivatives.
(12:44) Rundles discusses the state of understanding of cancer. He also speaks about public support for research, suggesting taxpayers will support work in diseases they are interested in. He speaks in more detail about his research in anti-purine compounds and its application in treating gout.
(16:13) Macon and Rundles speak to the value of good basic research. Rundles notes that many recent advances in medicine draw on research originally intended to solve a different problem.
(17:41) They speak about the American Cancer Society. Rundles is currently serving as President, following R. Lee Clark. He notes his first research grant came from the American Cancer Society. He speaks highly of the society’s research grants, educational programs, and service. He recalls accepting a position as a Director-at-Large before becoming President. He speaks about gaining a national perspective on how different committees work, what is going on, and where the problems are. He notes the Society operates in the interests of the American public. He highlights the gradual nature of progress in cancer research.
(21:32) Macon notes the difficulty in communicating the value of research to the public. Rundles suggests people are increasingly interested in science and understand its value. But he also warns against profiteering and resistance to good information.
(24:14) Macon notes progress in understanding the problems of cancer. Rundles highlights M. D. Anderson’s leadership, fast progress, size, and diversification of talent.
(25:54) Rundles speaks about his plans for retirement. He notes he has stepped away from heading Hematology at his institution in order to serve as American Cancer Society President. He speaks about the hospital at Duke and its ongoing development.
(28:24) Macon concludes the interview, praising Rundles’ long view and wishing him well.