W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, Alexander Professor for Translational Science and Associate Director for Training and Education at the University of North Carolina’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, has been named Director of Vanderbilt’s Division of Hematology and Oncology. She began her new role as of September 1.
Dr. Rathmell is a physician-scientist whose research focuses on the genetic and molecular signals that drive renal cell carcinomas and who specializes in the treatment of patients with rare and complex kidney cancers, as well as prostate, bladder, and testicular cancers.
In her current research, Dr. Rathmell and colleagues have identified factors that are critical to transitions in the progression of kidney cancer. She has also led or participated in a number of the Cancer Genome Atlas projects.
At Vanderbilt, Dr. Rathmell will continue to care for patients with genitourinary malignancies, in addition to continuing research in her laboratory at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC).
“We are excited about the recruitment of Kim Rathmell, who has already demonstrated an impressive commitment to research excellence and training. Her leadership of the Division of Hematology and Oncology will contribute significantly to VICC on many levels,” said Jennifer Pietenpol, PhD, B.F. Byrd Jr Professor of Oncology and Director of VICC.
Dr. Rathmell has been inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and the American Society of Clinical Investigators, where she currently serves on the council as Secretary/Treasurer. She has also authored more than 80 articles, has served on the editorial boards for several scientific journals, and is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Dr. Rathmell earned her medical degree, as well as her doctorate (in biophysics), at Stanford University. Following an internship at the University of Chicago, she completed her residency and fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. ■
