The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has appointed Robert W. Carlson, MD, a leading expert in the field of breast medical oncology, as Chief Executive Officer.
“Dr. Carlson is highly regarded in the oncology community, and NCCN is extremely pleased to appoint him as CEO. Over the last 17 years, he has brought to NCCN a remarkable devotion to advancing the NCCN Clinical Guidelines, as well as a collegial leadership style,” said Thomas D’Amico, MD, Chair of the Board of Directors of NCCN. “Dr. Carlson’s years of expertise in oncology have afforded him the ability to lead within a world-class academic cancer institute and develop long-standing relationships and collaborations with other national and international organizations and committees, patient advocacy groups, and institutions working to proliferate the science behind cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes.”
Leadership Positions
Dr. Carlson comes to NCCN from Stanford University Medical Center, where he has served as Professor of Medicine in the Division of Oncology and Stanford Medical Informatics, first joining the faculty in 1983. He is the Medical Director of inpatient oncology and hematology at Stanford Cancer Institute—one of the 21 NCCN Member Institutions (see sidebar). In addition, Dr. Carlson has held or holds numerous leadership positions within the Stanford Cancer Institute and Stanford Hospital and Clinics.
Dr. Carlson is a graduate of Stanford University Medical School, and he completed his internship and junior residency in internal medicine at Barnes Hospital Group in St. Louis, Missouri, and his senior residency in internal medicine at Stanford University.
Long-standing Collaboration
Dr. Carlson began his long-standing collaboration with NCCN when the organization was founded in 1995, and since has held numerous leadership roles, most notably, Representative to the NCCN Board of Directors, Chair of the Breast Cancer Guidelines Panel, Member and Founding Chair of the Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Guidelines Panel, and Chair of the Survivorship Guidelines Panel. Dr. Carlson has chaired numerous task forces at NCCN, has been presented the NCCN Guidelines Achievement Award and the Rodger Winn Award, and has received special recognition and appointment to the NCCN Board of Producers.
Dr. Carlson has served in numerous capacities for NCCN over the past 17 years. “My work with NCCN is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career,” he said. “I am excited to expand my role in NCCN and to work with each and every one of the world-class member institutions, committees and panels, and the superb headquarters staff to improve the lives of people with cancer. We will also work hard to develop collaborative relationships with other organizations that share our goals.”
Dr. Carlson will officially join NCCN on January 2, 2013.■
