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January 21, 2025
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Bertagnolli, Rathmell step down as NIH, NCI directors

Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD, FACS, FASCO, and W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, have stepped down as directors of the NIH and NCI as part of the transition requirements for presidential appointees, according to a press release.

Bertagnolli, a surgical oncologist, past president of ASCO, past and first female director of the NCI, and “the 17th director of the NIH and only the second woman to serve in this vital role,” according to an American Association of Cancer Research press release, announced Friday that she will step down from the position after 14 months.

Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD, FACS, FASCO, (left) and W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD (right) step down as NIH and NCI directors.
Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD, FACS, FASCO, (left) and W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, (right) step down as NIH and NCI directors.

The nomination of Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, professor at Stanford University, as the 18th NIH director awaits confirmation by the U.S. Senate, according to NIH.

Rathmell, the 17th NCI director, oncologist, researcher and educator, also announced Friday that she will step down effective Jan. 20. She began her tenure in December 2023, succeeding Bertagnolli as the previous NCI director. NCI principal deputy director, Douglas R. Lowy, MD, “will ensure continuity of NCI operations until the Administration names a new NCI director,” according to NCI.

Shikha Jain, MD, FACP
Shikha Jain

“Drs. Bertagnolli and Rathmell have been trailblazers in oncology, leading with vision, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to advancing cancer research and patient care,” Shikha Jain, MD, FACP, associate professor of medicine with tenure in the division of hematology/oncology at University of Illinois Cancer Center in Chicago and consulting editor for Healio Women in Oncology, told Healio.

“Their leadership at the NIH and NCI has driven meaningful progress in the fight against cancer, with a strong focus on addressing health care disparities and advancing women’s health,” Jain continued. “While we are sad to see them leave their current roles, their efforts have been instrumental in ensuring more equitable access to care and improving outcomes for all patients. Their impact will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of oncology for years to come. I am deeply grateful for their service and look forward to seeing the incredible contributions they will continue to make in the field.”

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