The Bermuda Health Foundation (BHF) yesterday honoured celebrated doctor and cancer researcher Malcolm Brock with its 2013 Salute to Service Award.Dr Brock, an Associate Professor of Surgery and Oncology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, has authored of more than 90 published papers. He said he was honoured to win the award.“This is just absolutely wonderful,” he said. “I just can’t thank you enough.”BHF chairman Philip Butterfield said the group were delighted to honour Dr Brock for his work as a physician, surgeon, scientist, media figure and family member.“We are pleased today to salute you. It is well deserved,” he said.Acting Minister of Health and Seniors Leah Scott described Dr Brock as a candidate of the highest calibre. “It’s important to recognise Bermudians for their accomplishments and their contributions to this country, whether they are here or someone else,” she said.“Dr Brock, I cannot imagine the hours you spent in research that has facilitated the early detection of lung cancer and esophageal cancer. You are literally a life saver.“Thank you, and I hope we only meet under these circumstances.”She also applauded the BHF for their contributions to the Island, noting the $350,000 in scholarships that the foundation has provided Bermudian students.“Thank you for facilitating the dreams of Bermudians who wish to go into the healthcare field, and for helping to secure the future of Bermuda by providing for Bermudian students,” she said.Dr Brock’s father, Mansfield Brock, recalled becoming concerned when his son seemed to be focused more on studying Japanese for a student exchange trip than for his exams.Mr Brock said: “To cut a long story short, he telephoned us from Tokyo one day and said: ‘They don’t know I’m not Japanese if they’re not looking at me’.”Now, he said, Dr Brock gives lectures in Japan in fluent Japanese.He also described his son as a family man, and that he believes Bermuda is a part of his family.“He’s courageous, he’s kind, a community builder and I’m very proud of Malcolm.”James King described Dr Brock as a humble man with an amazing level of curiosity and outstanding intellect.“Whilst he achieves success, that’s never a flag or a banner that you will ever see posted by him,” Dr King said.“I can think of no one more deserving of this tribute than you, sir.”And Dr Eli Timoll said Dr Brock was someone always willing to reach back and help those who he has met along the way.Former Premier Ewart Brown also hailed Dr Brock, saying he was more than deserving of the award.“Thank you for not forsaking your country, thank you for cutting a pathway that has demonstrated to young people without your even knowing that your unquenchable thirst for excellence will drive them in the same direction,” Dr Brown said.Dr Brock told the audience that his focus on cancer research came from the death of his grandmother, which made him determined to find a cure.He encouraged those who are interested in studying medicine to find a mentor who can lend their experience and advice, and dedicate time to sit and consider whatever problems they are facing.“I like to spend one third of my time to reading what people have done about the problem,” he said. “I take one third of my day and I think. I just think.”He said he hopes his work will help medicine be more proactive rather than reactive, saying that while western medicine excels at treating acute problems, it falls short when it comes to preventive treatment.“I want to do the best I can to push medicine forward, to push science forward and still serve my country,” he said. “To get the support that I get when I travel down the road to Bermuda is incredible.”