New Position Created to Streamline, Accelerate, and Expand Clinical Research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering

Newswise — New York, January 17, 2013 – Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center has announced the appointment of medical oncologist Paul Sabbatini to the new position of Deputy Physician-in-Chief for Clinical Research. In this role, Dr. Sabbatini will streamline and accelerate the clinical research process while ensuring the highest-quality program at Memorial Sloan-Kettering.

“Clinical research is one of the most valuable tools we have in the fight to eradicate cancer, and by creating this position we aim to significantly increase the pace and prowess of clinical research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering,” said José Baselga, MD, PhD, Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s Physician-in-Chief. “Dr. Sabbatini’s deep knowledge about our institution and his unique understanding of the clinical trial process – from protocol design and review through patient accrual – make him especially qualified for this important leadership role.”

The new Deputy Physician-in-Chief for Clinical Research, who will have direct oversight of the Office of Clinical Research, the Institutional Review Board, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s various protocol review committees, will be responsible for:• Implementing and expanding novel clinical research projects;• Seeking alliances with the biotechnology community in an effort to bring novel therapies and new ideas to the clinic in a timely fashion; and,• Enhancing trials at Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s regional network sites in an effort to offer more patients the opportunity to participate in leading-edge clinical research.

Dr. Sabbatini – who cares for women with gynecologic malignancies, including ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers – came to Memorial Sloan-Kettering in 1994. During these nearly two decades, he has provided care using both standard and investigational treatments, participated in all of the clinical trials on the Gynecologic Medical Oncology Service, and served on several committees of the Gynecologic Oncology Group, and as the Vice Chair for the Clinical Trials Office in the Department of Medicine. A compassionate physician as well as a creative and accomplished researcher, Dr. Sabbatini has focused particularly on the evaluation of immunotherapies as potential strategies for women with ovarian cancer.

“I am confident that Dr. Sabbatini, who is held in the highest regard by his patients and colleagues alike, will ensure that Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s ongoing clinical research provides far-reaching benefits for current and future patients, as well as other researchers,” said Dr. Baselga. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is the world’s oldest and largest private institution devoted to prevention, patient care, research, and education in cancer. Our scientists and clinicians generate innovative approaches to better understand, diagnose, and treat cancer. Memorial Sloan-Kettering specialists are leaders in biomedical research and in translating the latest research to advance the standard of cancer care worldwide. For more information, go to www.mskcc.org.

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