New Lurie Cancer Center Leadership Appointments

We are pleased to announce two new senior leadership appointments within the Lurie Cancer Center, effective November 1. “I look forward to working with each of them in these important new roles,” said Leonidas Platanias, MD, PhD, director of the Lurie Cancer Center.

Abdulkadir

Associate Director of Translational Research

Sarki A. Abdulkadir, MD, PhD, has been named Associate Director for Translational Research at the Lurie Cancer Center, effective November 1. In this role, he will oversee the development and coordination of translational science across the cancer center and drive initiatives to move promising new therapies from the laboratory to the clinic.

Dr. Abdulkadir is the John T. Grayhack, MD, Professor and Co-Principal Investigator of the Lurie Cancer Center SPORE (Specialized Program of Research Excellence) in Prostate Cancer, where he leads efforts to advance collaborative translational research projects and clinical trials. Dr. Abdulkadir’s research program is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive prostate cancer initiation, progression and recurrence, with the goal of developing therapies that target these processes.

Robinson

Associate Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Patricia Robinson, MD, has been named Associate Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Lurie Cancer Center, effective Nov. 1. In this role, she will lead efforts to enhance the diversity of the research workforce, promote career-enhancing research and mentorship opportunities for early and mid-career researchers from diverse backgrounds, and foster an equitable and inclusive environment throughout Lurie Cancer Center.

A medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer, Dr. Robinson Robinson is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology. She joins Northwestern from Loyola University Medical Center where she was a professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology and Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Stritch School of Medicine. Her clinical interests include the impact of metabolic syndrome on breast cancer outcomes, disparities in cancer treatment outcomes, health literacy, and participation in clinical trials. She replaces Sarki Abdulkadir, MD, PhD, who will focus on his new role as the cancer center’s Associate Director for Translational Research.