The Forbeck Foundation Appoints W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, MMHC as New Scientific Advisory Board Chair
May 10, 2026
The Forbeck Foundation is pleased to announce W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, MMHC, as its new Scientific Advisory Board Chair. A nationally recognized leader in cancer research and academic medicine, Dr. Rathmell serves as the CEO and Director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.
Dr. Rathmell is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking research in kidney cancer. She works to reveal the biological diversity of tumors and the novel mechanisms of cancer promotion, paving the way for new therapeutics. She has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals, including The New England Journal of Medicine, Nature, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and the Journal of Clinical Investigation. She also brings extensive experience leading complex scientific enterprises, including her tenure as the 17th Director of the National Cancer Institute.
“Dr. Rathmell’s experience spanning laboratory research, her tenure as Director of the National Cancer Institute, and now at the helm of one of the country’s premier cancer centers brings exactly the kind of vision and guidance the Forbeck Foundation needs to continue convening the thought leaders of tomorrow,” said Ron Miller, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Forbeck Foundation.
Dr. Rathmell’s connection to the Forbeck Foundation spans more than two decades. She first participated in 2004 as a Scholar at the Molecular Targets in Pediatric Malignancies Forum and has remained deeply engaged with the Foundation since. Over the years, she has mentored junior scientists, participated in additional Forums, and chaired a Forum on Renal Medullary Carcinoma in 2016.
“The Forbeck Foundation has played a meaningful role throughout my career by fostering bold ideas, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship at critical moments for emerging scientists. It is a true honor to step into this leadership role, and I look forward to working with the Scientific Advisory Board to ensure the Forums continue to spark innovation and accelerate progress against cancer,” said W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, MMHC.
The Foundation looks forward to Dr. Rathmell’s leadership as it continues its mission of advancing cancer research through collaboration, communication, and scientific discovery.
Questions and inquiries should be directed to info@forbeckfoundation.org.
