Biden to appoint Vanderbilt oncologist as new NCI director
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President Joe Biden today announced his intention to appoint oncologist, researcher and educator, W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, as director of the NCI.
Rathmell will succeed previous NCI Director, Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD, FACS, FASCO, who assumed her role as NIH Director earlier this month.
“Dr. Rathmell is the talented and visionary leader [NCI] needs to drive us toward ending cancer as we know it,” Biden said in a statement. “Throughout her career, she has been committed to advancing discovery through scientific research, maintaining a steadfast commitment to caring for her patients, and demonstrating leadership in preparing the next generation of researchers. She embodies the promise of the Biden Cancer Moonshot ... [NCI] is central to the success of the Cancer Moonshot, and Dr. Rathmell will lead the agency towards new ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer and to ensure we reach more Americans with the tools we have to save and extend lives.”
Before her role at NCI, Rathmell served as chair of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and physician-in-chief for Vanderbilt University Adult Hospital and Clinics. She also held leadership positions at ASCO, the Kidney Cancer Research Foundation, and the American Society for Clinical Investigation.
A press release issued by ASCO cited the “deep background and expertise” Rathmell would bring to the NCI.
“We are delighted by the selection of Dr. Rathmell to direct the NCI,” Clifford A. Hudis, MD, FACP, FASCO, CEO of ASCO, said in the release. “She is an exceptional leader who is well-suited to guide the NCI through the unique challenges and opportunities ahead in cancer research. We know she is a passionate advocate for science that promises to advance our knowledge, treatment methodologies, and improve all aspects of care for everyone with cancer.
“With her deep background and expertise, Dr. Rathmell stands out as an ideal choice to continue implementing the National Cancer Plan and ensuring the NCI remains the world’s leading source of cancer research and innovation,” Hudis said. “We are enthusiastic about working alongside Dr. Rathmell and the dedicated professionals at NCI to propel our shared goals of advancing scientific progress and creating a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy.”
Friends of Cancer Research additionally issued a statement in support of the nomination.
“Dr. Rathmell brings extensive scientific expertise and experience as a physician who has treated patients to the NCI at a truly crucial time for innovation,” Ellen V. Sigal, PhD, chair and founder of Friends of Cancer Research, said in the release.
“It is fitting that such a decorated and dedicated oncologist should take the helm from the first female NCI Director, Dr. Bertagnolli,” Sigal added. “I know that the NCI, and the country, will benefit greatly from Dr. Rathmell’s deep experience and tested leadership.”
References:
- President Biden intends to appoint Dr. W. Kimryn Rathmell as Director of the NCI (press release). Available at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/11/17/president-biden-intends-to-appoint-dr-w-kimryn-rathmell-as-director-of-the-national-cancer-institute/. Published Nov. 17, 2023. Accessed Nov. 17, 2023.
- ASCO applauds appointment of Dr. W. Kimryn Rathmell as next NCI Director (press release). Available at: https://old-prod.asco.org/about-asco/press-center/news-releases/asco-applauds-appointment-dr-w-kimryn-rathmell-next-nci. Published Nov. 17, 2023. Accessed Nov. 17, 2023.
- Friends statement on W. Kimryn Rathmell’s nomination by President Biden as Director of the National Cancer Institute (press release). Available at: https://friendsofcancerresearch.org/news/friends-statement-on-w-kimryn-rathmells-nomination-by-president-biden-as-director-of-the-national-cancer-institute/. Published Nov. 17, 2023. Accessed Nov. 17, 2023.
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