Augusta, GA– There will be a change in leadership at Georgia’s Cancer Center at Augusta University. The center announced this morning, Dr. Samir Khlief will be stepping down. The interim director of the center will be Dr. John Cowell, associate director of basic science and leader of the molecular oncology and biomarkers program. There is no word on when a permanent replacement will be named.
Augusta University president, Dr. Brooks Keel says, “I am grateful to Dr. Khleif for his leadership and wish him much future success. We have a talented group of clinical and research faculty who will capitalize on the work that has been done to further advance the Georgia Cancer Center’s journey to become the state’s second National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.”
Two other leaders at the center were named earlier this year, Dr. Daniel Albo was named director for the clinical service line and Dr. Sharad Ghamande was named associate director for clinical research. President Keel expressed his confidence in the leadership team this morning with the following statement, ““The interim appointment of Dr. Cowell, coupled with the leaders we already have in place to oversee clinical care and translational research, will ensure a smooth transition for our patients, faculty, staff and visitors.”
Following a year of educational and professional leave, Khleif will return to his faculty position in the university’s medical school.