Duke Cancer Institute Leadership Announcement

We are pleased to share that Erik Sulman, MD, PhD, will serve as the interim executive director of the Duke Cancer Institute (DCI), effective January 5, 2026.

Dr. Sulman, who recently joined Duke as chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology, brings a wealth of experience and visionary leadership to this interim role. His distinguished career in academic medicine and cancer research has been marked by innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to advancing cancer care. He will continue to serve as chair of Radiation Oncology while assuming this additional leadership responsibility.

As a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a vital pillar of Duke Health, DCI is home to groundbreaking research and transformative care that drives innovation across our entire academic health center. The institute’s local, national, and global impact is a testament to the extraordinary dedication of its collaborative community. We are confident that under Dr. Sulman’s interim leadership, DCI will continue to thrive and build on its legacy of excellence.

Again, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to Michael B. Kastan, MD, PhD, the inaugural executive director of DCI, for his more than a decade of visionary service. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping Duke and the broader cancer research community.

The search for the next executive director of DCI is ongoing. We want to thank the search committee for their continued dedication to this important process. We are grateful to have Dr. Sulman’s leadership during this transitional period.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Sulman into this new role.
 
Sincerely,

Mary E. Klotman, MD
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, Duke University;
Dean, Duke University School of Medicine;
Chief Academic Officer, Duke Health

Thomas A. Owens, MD
Executive Vice President,
Chief Operating Officer, 
Duke University Health System