Jeffrey Drebin Named Department of Surgery Chairman at Memorial Sloan Kettering

Jeffrey A. Drebin, MD, PhD

Jeffrey A. Drebin, MD, PhD

Jeffrey A. Drebin, MD, PhD, has been named chairman of the Department of Surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center, MSK has announced.

A surgical oncologist specializing in pancreaticobiliary, upper gastrointestinal, and liver surgery, Drebin was most recently the John Rhea Barton Professor and Chairman of the Department of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. He will be taking the role of Peter Scardino, MD, as he steps down from his post as chairman after 10 years of leadership, according to a release from MSK.

“Dr. Drebin is the ideal choice to lead MSK’s outstanding Department of Surgery,” said Jose Baselga, MD, PhD, MSK’s Physician-in-Chief. “His invaluable experience and dedication to cancer research will enable MSK to treat more patients with the highest quality of surgical care. As an accomplished leader, physician, researcher and mentor, he will extend our vision for patient care, academic growth and research excellence.”

Drebin’s recent research and clinical activity focuses on the use of novel approaches to better understand pancreatic cancer cells and develop new, personalized treatments.

A pioneer in developing targeted therapies for cancer and in cancer surgery, he has held numerous leadership positions with multiple organizations throughout his career. He previously served as president of the Society of Surgical Oncology, the Philadelphia Academy of Surgery and the Society of Clinical Surgery.

“I am honored to succeed Dr. Scardino in this esteemed role,” Dr. Drebin said. “MSK represents the best in comprehensive cancer care. I am thrilled to join this team of physicians dedicated to providing their patients with the best treatment options through collaboration, commitment to MSK’s mission and advancing the latest treatment techniques.”

Drebin received his medical degree and doctor of philosophy degrees from Harvard and completed his surgical residency in general surgery and a fellowship in surgical oncology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. After completing his clinical training, he was recruited to Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis as assistant professor of Surgery where he remained until 2004. While there, he also served as professor of Surgery and of Molecular Biology & Pharmacology. Following that he was recruited to the University of Pennsylvania as the chief of the Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Vice-Chair for Research, receiving the William M. Measey Professorship in Surgical Research. He was appointed to the role of Chairman of the Department of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania in 2009.