St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has named Charles W.M. Roberts, MD, PhD, Executive Vice President and Director of the St. Jude Comprehensive Cancer Center in Memphis, the first and only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Dr. Roberts will also serve as a full member in the Department of Oncology, and hold the Lillian R. Cannon Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Endowed Chair.
“As a world-class investigator, compassionate physician and experienced leader, Dr. Roberts is well suited to guide the Cancer Center, which connects scientists and clinicians to drive advances in research and treatment,” said James R. Downing, MD, St. Jude President and CEO.
Dr. Roberts will assume his new role September 1. He joins St. Jude from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, where he served as Deputy Chief Scientific Officer. An international leader in cancer epigenetics, his research has provided new insights into the central role of chromatin remodeling in germline and sporadic cancers. Dr. Roberts has also co-led an initiative on DNA sequencing of pediatric solid tumors at the Broad Institute.
Noted Pediatric Oncologist
Beyond scientific accomplishments, he is a noted pediatric oncologist at Boston Children’s Hospital. He chaired the Pediatric Institutional Review Board for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital, and co-led the Pediatric Solid Tumor Disease Program.
“The St. Jude Cancer Center reflects leading excellence in research, patient care, education, and community outreach,” Dr. Roberts said. “It’s an honor to join the St. Jude faculty, and I look forward to continuing the advancement of scientific research to find cures for pediatric cancers.”
Dr. Roberts received his medical and doctoral degrees from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. He completed his pediatric residency and pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital. ■
