FW: From Dr. Kim Rathmell: Stepping down as NCI director

[Kibbe, Warren (NIH/NCI) [E]]

An important message from Dr. Kim Rathmell.

 

https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/leadership/director

 

-- Warren

 

Dear Colleagues, When I first set foot on the NIH campus as NCI director, I was struck by the mission focus of the NCI staff throughout the organization, and of the people who work every day to reduce the burden of cancer, across the U.S. and the world. This will be the aspect of my time in public service that I will carry with me and cherish as I step down from my position, effective Monday, January 20. It has been the greatest honor and privilege of my life to have the opportunity this past year to work alongside you—the most dedicated, curious, and engaged group of people—all united in the effort to reduce the burden of cancer. The discoveries and advances in cancer research and care are thrilling, and it is clear we are at an inflection point with capabilities to understand—and harness—cancer, in ways we have never been able to before. Over and over, we have made what was previously considered impossible, possible. All these discoveries that drive advances in prevention, early detection, treatment, and care are made possible by people who drive science forward, who ask bold questions and who seek truth in one of the hardest problems facing humanity. We have so much to be proud of—incredible science, robust networks of researchers, a deep commitment to training, and broad community engagement—all embracing the possible. We are truly in a new era of scientific interaction, bolstered by a set of shared values that include fostering creativity and innovation, emphasis on talent development, broad empowerment of all stakeholders, and respect for fiscal responsibility. Taken together, these values have enabled us to tackle important issues such as access to clinical studies, optimizing the workforce, reducing inequities in care, and empowering early detection. We have engaged our community more deeply than ever before to build on this era, revealing important areas of need such as addressing the causes and consequences of early onset cancers. This is a prime example of a framework that can maximize the impact of the NCI by coordinating our efforts and empowering our investigators and advocates to together consider what is possible. I am so excited for a future in which we no longer fear cancer. Although the time has come for me to step away from the NCI and for you to welcome a new administration, I will forever be a champion for the institute, for cancer research, for patients and caregivers, for young scientists considering a career in medical science, and for anyone willing to consider the incredible realm of possibility. The mission doesn’t ever end. Sincerely, W. Kimryn Rathmell, M.D., Ph.D.   National Cancer Institute  |   National Institutes of Health  |   U.S. Department of Health and Human Services  |   USA.gov

 

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