W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, MHHC, announced today that she is stepping down from her role as director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), effective Monday, January 20. This announcement comes just three days after the National Institutes of Health (NIH) director, Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD, announced her resignation. AACI extends is deep appreciation to Dr. Rathmell for her service as NCI director.
During her tenure, Dr. Rathmell drove progress toward the shared goals of the cancer research ecosystem, which include improving access to clinical trials and tools for early detection, optimizing the oncology workforce, and reducing health disparities. She listened to leaders of NCI-Designated Cancer Centers, partnering with AACI President Robert A. Winn, MD, to host small group discussions on the challenges they face. Dr. Rathmell also delivered a report on the NCI at the 2024 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting in Chicago and co-authored the on the intersections of data science and cancer research.
AACI wishes Dr. Rathmell success in her future endeavors and looks forward to building on her successes with the next NCI director. AACI is committed to collaborating with cancer centers, NIH, NCI, and other stakeholders to continue driving progress forward. As Dr. Rathmell said in her statement, “The mission doesn’t ever end.”
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