Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center appoints department chair

Jeffrey A. Drebin, MD, PhD, has been named chairman of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s department of surgery.

“Dr. Drebin is the ideal choice to lead Memorial Sloan Kettering’s outstanding department of surgery,” José Baselga, MD, PhD, the institution’s physician-in-chief, said in a press release. “His invaluable experience and dedication to cancer research will enable Memorial Sloan Kettering to treat more patients with the highest quality of surgical care. As an accomplished leader, physician, researcher and mentor, he will extend our vision for patient care, academic growth and research excellence.”

Drebin’s research has focused on use of novel approaches to better understand pancreatic cancer cells, and to develop personalized treatments.

Drebin previously served as assistant professor of surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He later moved to University of Pennsylvania, where he served as chief of the division of gastrointestinal surgery, vice chair for research and chairman of the department of surgery.

“Memorial Sloan Kettering represents the best in comprehensive cancer care,” Drebin said in a press release. “I am thrilled to join this team of physicians dedicated to providing their patients with the best treatment options through collaboration, commitment to Memorial Sloan Kettering’s mission and advancing the latest treatment techniques.”