Goals for AACR
We are at an important inflection point for cancer research and care, offering a great opportunity for us to advance care and access for those with cancer globally. I envision AACR as the catalyst, accelerating breakthroughs and bringing innovation to every patient, everywhere. My goal is to help AACR deepen its role as the bridge between discovery and delivery, ensuring that science and research move faster, smarter, and more equitably. Drawing on my experience across academia, clinical care, and now industry, I will work to amplify AACR’s impact, champion collaboration, and keep patients at the core to help eliminate cancer.
Research Interests
Translational and clinical oncology, with a focus on solid tumors; development of next-generation therapeutics, including antibody-drug conjugates, radioconjugates, cell therapies, and precision medicine; real-world evidence, digital innovation, and AI in drug development and patient care; health equity and global patient access to novel therapies; mentorship and leadership development for the next generation of cancer researchers and leaders.
Current Affiliations
Senior vice president, global head of oncology franchise, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Previous Positions
Senior vice president, global head of oncology, medical (2021-2024) and vice president, head of breast cancer strategy (2019-2021), AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland; professor, oncology (2016-2019) and academic department head, oncology (2016-2019), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta; clinical department head, oncology (2016-2019), medical director, Tom Baker Cancer Centre (2016-2019), medical lead, Calgary Cancer Project (2016-2019), and staff medical oncologist, oncology, Calgary Zone (2016-2019), Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta; medical director, Louise Temerty Breast Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario (2015-2016); head, breast chair clinical trial unit (2011-2015), chair, breast cancer medical oncology site (2008-2015), director of post-graduate education, medical oncology (2005-2012), staff medical oncologist-clinical educator, medical oncology and hematology (2004-2015), and education supervisor, breast fellowship program (2004-2015), Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario; associate professor, medicine (2012-2015), assistant professor, health policy management and evaluation (2010-2013), and assistant professor, medicine (2004-2012), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario; medical staff, internal medicine, Caritas Health Authority, Edmonton, Alberta (2002-2003); clinical associate, Glenrose Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta (2001-2003).
Education
MS, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California (2004); MD (1998) and BS, medical sciences (honors) (1996), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.
Postdoctoral Training
Fellow, breast cancer, University of Toronto (2003-2004), Toronto, Ontario; fellow, medical oncology (2001-2003) and fellow, internal medicine (1998-2001), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.
Selected AACR Service, Honors, and Awards
Member, AACR Special Conferences Committee (2026-present); member, AACR Education and Training Committee (2026-present); member, Asian/Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Task Force (2023-present).
Selected Honors, Awards, and Non-AACR Service
Recipient, The Vital Award for Patient Impact—sponsored by Indegent (2025); recipient, AstraZeneca CEO Award—Jose Baselga R&D Award for Oncology Research (2022); recipient, AstraZeneca Oncology R&D Award Therapeutic Advance—Enhertu Destiny Breast03 Study (2021); recipient, AstraZeneca Oncology R&D Award – Therapeutic Area Category Breast Cancer Steering Council (2020); recipient, AstraZeneca CEO Award, Clinical Development Enhertu Program (2020); recipient, Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Alberta (2018); recipient, Continuing Education Award, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Services (2014); recipient, Mentor of the Month, Women in Cancer (2013); recipient, Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada Young Educators Award, University of Toronto (2010); recipient, 2009 Young Teacher Award (2009); recipient, Ambulatory Teacher of the Year Award, Faculty of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Services; recipient, Outstanding Teacher Award (2004, 2005, 2007, 2011); recipient, Top 25 Young Breast Oncologists in the World – Future Forum Award (2006-2007).