Cancer center appoints new deputy physician-in-chief

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center appointed surgical oncologist Richard Barakat, MD, to the new position of deputy physician-in-chief for the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Regional Care Network and Alliance.

“As a nation, we are faced with an extraordinary challenge to improve access to the latest advances in cancer care,” José Baselga, MD, PhD, Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s physician-in-chief, said in a press release. “Our commitment to expand our Regional Care Network and newly formed MSK Cancer Alliance means that more patients — including those living outside the New York City area — will now have access to the most-advanced, evidence-based care, including Memorial Sloan-Kettering clinical trials. We are indeed fortunate to have Dr. Barakat, whose talent will shine on an even wider stage now, leading this important effort.”

Richard Barakat

In this new role, Barakat will be responsible for ensuring that high standards of patient care are delivered at all Memorial Sloan-Kettering sites and will lead an endeavor to fully implement and expand the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Alliance. In addition, he will lead an expansion of the network’s current clinical research program and surgical service offerings, giving Memorial Sloan-Kettering patients greater access to clinical trials and surgical expertise closer to home.

“This new chapter of my life is a source of great excitement,” Barakat said. “Caring for patients with cancer has given me unique and invaluable perspective, and I’m eager to share these experiences with my colleagues who also envision a network and alliance that is strong, dedicated, and capable of providing the caliber of care that has long been the hallmark of Memorial Sloan-Kettering.”

Barakat will remain an active member of the surgical team, caring for women with gynecologic malignancies, including ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancers.