Positions realigned as OSU cancer program looks ahead
COLUMBUS, Ohio – President E. Gordon Gee today announced two changes in leadership to Ohio State University's cancer program that will allow it to move swiftly toward its goal of becoming a top 10 National Cancer Institute-funded program and to focus efforts on planned expansion of the Ohio State Medical Center. In the restructuring, the leadership of the research and clinical components of the cancer program will be consolidated into one position, with Dr. Michael Caligiuri succeeding Dr. David Schuller as chief executive officer of The James.
Schuller has been appointed vice president for Medical Center Expansion and Outreach by Dr. Wiley "Chip" Souba Jr., interim senior vice president and executive dean for Health Sciences and CEO of the Medical Center. Schuller will retain his position as medical director of the Medical Center's development campaign, strengthening the university's commitment to the planned Medical Center expansion and the importance of the cancer program to the $1 billion project.
"It is clear that the priorities and objectives of the cancer program are critical to achieving the goals of the Medical Center and University," said Gee. "This new alignment puts two of our most talented cancer leaders in roles that give us the greatest potential and opportunities for accomplishing our mutual goals."
Caligiuri, who will report to Gee, will be responsible for all administrative, financial and operational aspects of The James. He also will continue as director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center and in that capacity report to Joseph Alutto, university executive vice president and provost.
The position leverages Caligiuri's expertise in medical research and the impact "bench to bedside" medical discoveries will have in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Schuller will continue to work on the executive planning team for the Medical Center's master facilities plan as it develops the new footprint for the larger and greatly enhanced Medical Center scheduled for construction during the next 5-7 years.
Caligiuri was recruited to Ohio State in 1997 by Dr. Clara Bloomfield, who had just taken the directorship position of the Comprehensive Cancer Center after chairing the Department of Medicine at Roswell Park Cancer Institute at State University of New York, where Caligiuri was a researcher.
In the 10 years he has been at Ohio State, Caligiuri has played a critical role in the dramatic advancement of the cancer programs. In its most recent review by the National Cancer Institute, the Comprehensive Cancer Center received the highest possible score and a $19.2 million grant renewal.
Schuller has dedicated his career to advancing the cancer program at Ohio State for more than 20 years. With his outstanding leadership, both The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute and Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center have risen to national prominence.
In recognition of his ongoing commitment to the cancer program, Schuller will hold the title of CEO Emeritus of the James and Director Emeritus of the Comprehensive Cancer Center. He was director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center from 1977 to 1998.
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