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Cheryl L. Willman, M.D.

Dr. Cheryl Willman, Executive Director of Mayo Clinic Cancer Programs (nationally and globally) and Director of the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, is an internationally renowned physician scientist and a pioneer in the field of cancer individualized medicine with a track record of innovation and successful translation of discoveries to clinical trials. She has co-led several key NCI initiatives that are improving the lives of patients with cancer and addressing disparities in cancer care as well as cancer incidence and mortality among diverse and underserved populations. Dr. Willman has served in many leadership roles including NCI’s Board of Scientific Advisors and the Scientific Advisory Board of the NCI Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. Dr. Willman also has held and currently holds national leadership positions in AACR, ASH, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She was a founder of the field of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, President of the Association of Molecular Pathologists, and is an elected fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. Prior to joining Mayo Clinic, Dr. Willman served as the Director and CEO of the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Willman received her medical degree from Mayo Medical School and completed her residency and postdoctoral training in pathology and cancer research at Mayo Clinic, University of New Mexico, and University of Washington.

  1. 1988
    Visiting ScholarHoward Hughes Medical Institute
  2. 1984
    Clinical FellowshipAmerican Cancer Society
  3. 1984
    Residency - Anatomic PathologyUniversity of New Mexico School of Medicine
  4. 1981
    ResidentAnatomic and Clinical Pathology, Programs in Rochester, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
  5. 1981
    Research Fellowship - Molecular BiologyMayo Clinic Rochester
  6. 1981
    MDMayo Medical School
  7. 1981
    Fellowship - ImmunologyNational Institutes of Health
  8. 1977
    BA - Chemistry with HonorsSt. Olaf College

Certifications

  1. 1986
    Anatomic PathologyAmerican Board of Pathology

Awards and honors

  1. 2017
    Elected FellowNational Academy of Inventors
  2. 2015
    New Mexico Humanitarian AwardAwarding Organization
  3. 2013
    New Mexico “La Estrella” AwardAwarding Organization
  4. 2012
    2012 New Mexico Technology Council's Women in Technology AwardAwarding Organization
  5. 2005
    New Mexico Distinguished Public Service AwardAwarding Organization
  6. 2001
    16th Annual Governor’s Award for Outstanding Women of New MexicoAwarding Organization
  7. 1998
    Young Investigator AwardUnited States and Canadian Division, International Academy of Pathology
  8. 1995
    Women in Science Hall of FameU. S. Department of Energy
  9. 1994
    Benjamin Castleman Award (National Outstanding Young Pathology Scientist)United States and Canadian Division, International Academy of Pathology
  10. 1993
    Outstanding Teacher, Best LecturerUniversity of New Mexico School of Medicine
  11. 1993
    Honored at 41st Legislative Session of the State of New Mexico for Contributions to Cancer ResearchAwarding Organization
  12. 1991
    Outstanding Teacher, Best LecturerUniversity of New Mexico School of Medicine
  13. 1989
    Teacher of the Year AwardUniversity of New Mexico Graduate School
  14. 1985
    Stowell-Orbison Award (Outstanding Pathology Trainee)International Academy of Pathology
  15. 1984
    Physician's Research Training FellowshipAmerican Cancer Society
  16. 1984
    NIH Physician Scientist Five-Year Research Training AwardNational Institutes of Health
  17. 1977
    Ken Bonde Award for Academic ExcellenceSt. Olaf College
  18. 1977
    Department Distinction in ChemistrySt. Olaf College
  19. 1975
    David E. Gaardner Award in ChemistrySt. Olaf College
  20. 1973
    State of Iowa ScholarState of Iowa

Professional memberships

  1. 2016 - present
    Board MemberBoard of Scientific Advisors, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
  2. 2013 - present
    Finance Committee MemberAmerican Association for Cancer Research
  3. 2012 - present
    Science Policy and Legislative Affairs Committee MemberAmerican Association for Cancer Research
  4. 2009 - present
    Government Affairs Committee MemberAmerican Society of Hematology
  5. 2004 - present
    Publications Committee MemberAmerican Association for Cancer Research
  6. 1999 - 2001
    Program Committee MemberAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology
  7. 1998 - 2002
    Executive Committee MemberAmerican Society of Hematology
  8. 1998 - 1999
    PresidentAssociation for Molecular Pathology
  9. 1995 - 1997
    Program Committee MemberAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology
  10. 1994 - 1997
    Executive Committee MemberUnited States and Canadian Division, International Academy of Pathology
  11. 1994 - present
    Founder and MemberAssociation for Molecular Pathology
  12. 1991 - present
    Abstract ReviewerAmerican Society of Hematology
  13. 1989 - 1993
    Education Committee MemberUnited States and Canadian Division, International Academy of Pathology
  14. 1986 - present
    DiplomateAmerican Board of Pathology
  15. 1986 - present
    MemberAmerican Board of Pathology
  16. 1979 - present
    DiplomateNational Board of Medical Examiners
  17. 1979 - present
    MemberNational Board of Medical Examiners
  18. 1977 - present
    MemberPhi Beta Kappa Honor Society

Publications