Brian Sprague, PhD, co-leader of the UVM Cancer Center Population Sciences and Cancer Outcomes research program, and the Green & Gold Professor of Surgical Research, was recently awarded a University Scholars Award. The University Scholars Awards “honor and recognize distinguished UVM Faculty members for sustained excellence in research, creative, and scholarly activities”. Awardees are nominated by UVM colleagues and selected by a faculty committee. 

Dr. Sprague was chosen for his internationally recognized work in breast cancer screening and surveillance. His research focuses on observational studies of breast cancer risk and breast cancer screening outcomes. Dr. Sprague’s recent work includes the development of risk prediction models that are used to guide risk-based breast cancer screening strategies. His research has resulted in 200 publications which have been cited over 13,000 times. 

In addition to his personal research, Dr. Sprague serves as the director for the Vermont Breast Cancer Surveillance System, a part of the nationwide Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium, that collects integrated patient, radiology, pathology, and outcomes data associated with breast imaging at radiology facilities in Vermont. The results of studies from the registry have contributed to high quality breast cancer screening in Vermont and influenced national health care policy and breast cancer screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society, United States Preventive Services Task Force, and the American College of Radiology. 

In addition to his work with the Cancer Center, Dr. Sprague leads the Office of Health Promotion Research. Through both roles, he is dedicated to mentoring early-career investigators and working with trainees from undergraduates to clinical fellows. The University Scholars Award recognizes Dr. Sprague for his numerous achievements and dedication.