It is with heartfelt gratitude that we recognize the visionary leadership of Michael B. Kastan, MD, PhD, the inaugural executive director of the Duke Cancer Institute (DCI). Since 2011, Dr. Kastan has guided DCI as it became a national model for cancer programs, championed multidisciplinary care, expanded research capabilities, and improved access and community engagement.
After 13 years as DCI’s executive director, Dr. Kastan has decided the time is right to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders. A pediatric hematologist-oncologist and renowned cancer biologist, Dr. Kastan will continue to serve as a Duke faculty member. He will also continue to advance his groundbreaking work on DNA damage and cellular stress signaling – research that has been recognized with numerous awards, including election to the National Academy of Science and National Academy of Medicine, and has been instrumental in the development of new treatment approaches.
During Dr. Kastan’s tenure, DCI earned three consecutive accreditations as a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. His leadership also resulted in significant increases in National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute funding, high-impact publications, clinical trials accrual, the creation of Centers of Excellence, and growth of our clinical cancer enterprise.
Under his leadership, Duke Health also significantly expanded cancer care options in Wake County and North Carolina, including by offering patients appointments within 48 hours through the Oncology Access Center. Duke also became a high-impact community partner that has supported some of the most vulnerable patients through outreach and education efforts including screening, prevention, and intervention programs.
DCI has been a leader in health equity since its inception and was well ahead of its time with the creation of its Office of Health Equity in 2012, which has grown into a robust program of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity. Dr. Kastan was also instrumental in increasing philanthropic support for Duke Cancer Institute, particularly around last year’s celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Duke’s NCI designation.
Dr. Kastan has graciously offered to remain in the executive director position until his successor at DCI is named. We will be engaging in constructive conversation to inform the future leadership and team structure of DCI to ensure our success across missions for years to come.
Please join us in thanking Dr. Kastan for all he has done to advance cancer care and research at Duke Health and his material contributions that touch the lives of so many in our community, state, and beyond.
Sincerely,
Mary E. Klotman, MD
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs,
Duke University;
Dean, Duke University School of Medicine;
Chief Academic Officer, Duke Health
Craig Albanese, MD, MBA
Chief Executive Officer,
Duke University Health System