Stephen Shibata, beloved City of Hope physician and researcher died over the weekend of April 21/22, 2012 after a long battle with lung cancer.  He was 58.

Well-liked and admired by patients, faculty, and staff, Dr. Shibata had been one of City of Hope's most recognized experts in the study and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.  In 1993 as a staff physician in the Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, his extensive clinical experience and contributions to research lead to a position in 2004 as director for the Gastrointestinal Cancers Program.  During his tenure as director, Dr. Shibata helped to create a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treating gastrointestinal cancers that included leading-edge treatments and clinical trials in areas of targeted therapeutics and multidrug therapy, helping to assure patients received the best care available.

A highly regarded researcher, Dr. Shibata had been involved in numerous gastrointestinal-related clinical trials ranging from prevention studies to adjuvant therapy for early disease, to novel treatments for metastatic liver cancer, and quality-of-life studies.  He also pioneered treatments for metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver.  His contributions to the research of gastrointestinal cancer are reflected in the volume of articles and abstracts that appeared in many professional journals.

Dr. Shibata earned his Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude, in biology at the University of California, Los Angeles, and later received his medical degree from the University of California, Irvine.  He continued his medical training by completing an internship and residency at St. Mary Medical Center, Long Beach.

Dr. Shibata is survived by his wife, Dr. Alice Sun, son Benjamin and daughter Emily.

Michael Friedman, M.D. President and Chief Executive Officer, City of Hope