Following a comprehensive national search, W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, FASCO, former Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), has accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center–Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC–James). Pending approval by the university Board of Trustees, Dr. Rathmell will start on May 27.
W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, FASCO
Walter “Ted” Carter, Jr
“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Rathmell to Ohio State. Her exceptional caliber of leadership and visionary approach to cancer research and care exemplifies our firm commitment to excellence,” said Walter “Ted” Carter, Jr, President of The Ohio State University.”
Dr. Rathmell served as the 17th Director of the NCI from December 2023 to January 2025. During her tenure at the NCI, she launched the Early-Onset Cancer Initiative and focused on improving health equity in cancer care, in particular through an NCI advisory group charged with developing recommendations to enhance cancer research and care delivery in underserved and rural communities. She previously served on the NCI’s Board of Scientific Advisors.
Prior to leading the NCI, she served as Professor of Medicine and Biochemistry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she held the titles of Hugh Jackson Morgan Endowed Professor in the Department of Medicine, Physician-in-Chief, and Chair of the Department of Medicine. She also previously held faculty positions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
In her new role at Ohio State, Dr. Rathmell will be responsible for the clinical and research excellence of its cancer program. She also will hold the inaugural Jeri B. Block and Robert H. Schottenstein Distinguished Chair in Cancer, pending board approval.
“The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and The James has a stellar reputation for innovative research and its breadth and depth of exceptional, compassionate cancer care. I’m energized by the collaborative leadership across the health system and university, the commitment of the faculty, staff, and trainees, as well as by Ohio State’s ambitious vision of creating a cancer-free world,” said Dr. Rathmell. “Ohio State is a place that embraces the excitement of possibility and takes bold steps in advancing biomedical breakthroughs that provide hope and healing. Together, we will lead the way to reduce the burden of cancer.”
