Ravi Bhatia, M.D., has been named interim director of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB.
Bhatia, who is the director of the UAB Division of Hematology and Oncology and has also served as deputy director of the O’Neal Cancer Center, is a globally known researcher and clinician. Prior to coming to UAB in 2015, Bhatia was a cancer center program leader and division director at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center. Bhatia’s clinical interest is in treatment of hematological malignancies and in hematopoietic cell transplantation with emphasis on myeloid leukemias. He is one of the leading leukemia scientists in the US. His most significant contribution has been to advance our understanding of the biology and targeting of leukemia stem cells in myeloid leukemias.
Bhatia is the author of over 150 publications, has received National Institutes of Health grant funding since 2006, is a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Scholar, and is a charter member of the NIH hematopoiesis study section. He has been elected to the two most prestigious honorary societies in scientific medicine, the American Society for Clinical Investigation and the Association of American Physicians. He is a member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Medical and Scientific Advisory Board and is chair of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Translational Research Project Grant Review Panel.
“I am truly honored to have been entrusted with the responsibility to lead the O’Neal Cancer Center through this critical period of transition,” said Bhatia. “We are so proud of all the wonderful scientists and physicians who make up our outstanding cancer center, and I want to make sure that we are able to continue supporting them in all the important work they do each day.
Bhatia stressed that his most important task is to continue to engage Cancer Center leaders and members to further enhance our outstanding programs in preparation for the Cancer Center Support Grant renewal.”
Established in 1971, the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center is among the nation’s leading cancer research institutions and one of only 49 centers designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). It is the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in a four-state region. As part of a world-class academic medical center, it is recognized as a leader in conducting novel translational research with the ability to facilitate breakthrough discoveries through drug development. It also has a long history in addressing cancer health disparities.
Bhatia will carry forward the center’s mission to work every day to provide the highest quality of life for people diagnosed with cancer, while advancing the world’s understanding of cancer, and translating this knowledge into prevention, detection, treatment and survivorship.
“We are so fortunate to have Dr. Bhatia as a leader here at UAB, and we feel extremely confident in his ability to expertly guide the O’Neal Cancer Center over the coming months,” said Selwyn M. Vickers, M.D., FACS, senior vice president for Medicine and dean of the School of Medicine. “We have tasked him with several large initiatives, such as guiding the such as guiding the Cancer Center Support Grant renewal process. We remain dedicated to building one of the best comprehensive cancer centers in the country, and Dr. Bhatia shares that vision.”
Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., stepped down as director in early April and remains at UAB to pursue high-level work in ovarian cancer research. He joined UAB in August 2017 and led the center through a period of growth and stewardship that included the naming of the center thanks to a very generous gift from O’Neal Industries Inc. and its shareholders.
Bhatia’s appointment became effective April 10, 2019. A national search for a permanent director is currently underway.