Dr. W. Kimryn Rathmell, a leading figure in cancer research and former director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), has been appointed the new chief executive officer of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC–James). She emphasizes that eliminating cancer requires deep collaboration, believing that the intersection of fundamental science and clinical practice is key to advancing research and improving patient outcomes.
“I’m a physician and a scientist because I live at that intersection,” Rathmell explained, noting that insights from basic sciences can directly inform and enhance the patient experience.
Her appointment in May followed a nationwide search to succeed longtime interim CEO Dr. David Cohn. Rathmell was drawn to the Columbus-based institution for its commitment to innovation, its focus on both cancer prevention and treatment, and its robust community engagement. She sought a role that combined a “big mission” of fighting cancer with “ground-level” work like seeing patients and training students. “There are really not many positions where you can have that kind of leadership and also still be in touch on the ground,” she said. “This offered that.”
Rathmell’s career is marked by distinguished leadership and scientific achievement. After earning degrees in biology, chemistry, and biophysics and completing medical school at Stanford University, she held prominent leadership positions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Vanderbilt University. A renowned expert in kidney cancer, her research has been published in over 300 peer-reviewed journals. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the American Cancer Society’s highest accolade, the Medal of Honor.
During her recent tenure as NCI director, she championed sustained funding for training, education, and collaborative research networks.
Now at OSUCCC–James, Rathmell plans to expand the institution’s reach, particularly to underserved communities across Ohio’s 88 counties. A central goal is to bring specialists and discoveries to every part of the state, rather than requiring patients to travel to Columbus. She highlighted existing initiatives like mobile lung-cancer screenings with telehealth support as a model for reaching rural populations and catching cancer earlier.
Inspired by her own upbringing in rural Iowa, Rathmell aims to develop creative solutions to eliminate barriers like transportation. “FedEx gets everywhere, so why can’t oncology get everywhere?” she queried, suggesting options like conducting clinical trials by mail and partnering with local physicians.
While confident in the institution’s direction, Rathmell is closely monitoring potential challenges from federal policy shifts, including healthcare funding cuts and changes to Medicaid. “It does keep me up at night,” she admitted, expressing concern that reduced healthcare coverage could lead to a resurgence of late-stage cancer diagnoses.
However, she noted that OSUCCC–James is well-positioned with a balanced financial portfolio of grants, philanthropy, and clinical revenue. To ensure its work endures, Rathmell plans to explore further commercialization of discoveries and new partnerships with industry.
“The mission is critical,” she affirmed. “It absolutely has to continue.”
Source link
