Head of the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University, Dr. Brian Druker, has resigned from his position.
Druker, who was the director of the institute for 17 years until becoming its CEO in May, sent an email to OHSU and its employees on Tuesday morning announcing his immediate resignation, as originally reported by Willamette Week.
Druker told The Oregonian/OregonLive that he would stay at OHSU to continue running his lab and seeing patients while looking into ways that he could continue to have an impact.
He sent an email to the institution and its personnel, saying, “I still have more I want to do to advance cancer research and improve patient care.” After giving it some thought, I’ve come to the conclusion that OHSU can no longer meet those objectives. We have forgotten our objective and lost sight of what is important.
Druker’s exit from the position and his scathing criticism come at a critical moment for OHSU, which is now looking for a new leader and preparing a high-profile merger with a rival university across town.
For his pioneering work in creating Gleevec, the first leukemia medication to selectively target cancer cells, Druker is well-respected in the field of cancer research. The medication has significantly increased leukemia patients’ life expectancy.
Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife Penny awarded Druker a $500 million challenge grant in 2013 to create the Knight Cancer Institute in recognition of Druker’s accomplishments. Within two years, the institution raised $500 million in matching contributions to meet the goal.
Druker leaves an enduring legacy, according to a statement from OHSU, which also expressed gratitude for his many years of leadership.
Druker’s abrupt departure follows years of internal conflict that has damaged ties with academics and staff, as well as months of turmoil among OHSU’s senior leadership. Dr. Danny Jacobs, the president of OHSU, resigned abruptly in October, claiming personal reasons. A complaint filed by Dr. David Jacoby, a former medical school dean, claimed that Jacobs unjustly accused him for handling a high-profile harassment case, coinciding with his intention to resign from his top position. Last year, faculty leaders at the school of medicine also voted against Jacobs’ leadership.
The institution planned to promote a successor from within after Jacob abruptly left. However, the action caused Gov. Tina Kotek, who is in charge of the university’s board selections, to intervene and convince the board to postpone the faculty member’s scheduled appointment. The governing board of OHSU appointed former senior executive Steve Stadum as interim president after Kotek’s involvement, while the university conducted a national search for a new leader.
In the meantime, Kotek’s office refrained from commenting on Druker’s resignation.
As it prepares to complete a historic acquisition of a financially troubled competitor, Legacy Health, OHSU also confronts an uncertain financial future. The state’s regulatory agency that monitors health care mergers and acquisitions is conducting a thorough investigation of the proposed combination.
Meanwhile, Druker shared in his letter to staff that he was leaving the top post at the cancer institute with deep sadness but that there s more he wants to do to advance cancer research and improve patient care.
“I do have faith in OHSU and hope it can improve,” Druker stated.
Kristine de Leon uncovers tales about data enterprise, small company, retail, and consumer health. Reach her [email protected].
Our journalism needs your support.Subscribe today.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!