Sandra Swain, MD Appointed Associate Dean for Research Development

April 11, 2016

Dear Colleagues:

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Sandra M. Swain, MD, as the Associate Dean for Research Development, effective July 1. In this important strategic role, Dr. Swain will work on behalf of Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) and MedStar Health to promote the development of new and wide ranging research collaborations, as well as innovative business development and funding opportunities with industry, medical/scientific associations, governmental agencies and other entities at all levels. Dr. Swain will highlight and promote the work of our researchers and clinicians, and increase awareness of and support for MedStar Health and GUMC’s research programs.

In her new role, Dr. Swain will report to both of us, bridging MedStar Health and GUMC to catalyze and strengthen our efforts to build strategic collaborations. She will work closely with the Dean for Research at GUMC, Dr. Robert Clarke, and the President of MedStar Health Research Institute, Dr. Neil Weissman to enrich the research portfolios of both institutions.

Dr. Swain is recognized as an international figure in breast cancer, including leading a landmark study that changed the treatment of advanced disease. Her broad research interests and experience include clinical trials and translational research, as well as health disparities work. She has published over 230 papers in peer-reviewed journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Earlier in her career, Dr. Swain held several prominent positions at the National Cancer Institute, including chief of the cancer therapeutics branch. Dr. Swain served as president of the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in 2012-2013, and on the ASCO Board of Directors. She also has served in leadership and advisory roles on several foundation boards.

Many of you already know Dr. Swain as an integral member of our broader community. She most recently held the role of medical director of the Washington Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where she recruited highly regarded specialists for the hematology/oncology section, worked with foundation partners to increase research funding and served as principal investigator on numerous clinical trials. She is also a member of the MedStar Washington Hospital Center Board of Directors.

Dr. Swain is a professor of medicine at GUMC and a member of Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Executive Committee. She has collaborated closely with our two organizations, having served in various capacities including most recently as a member of the MedStar-Georgetown Scientific Advisory Board.

We know you join us in supporting Dr. Swain as she charters this new effort, one of many new initiatives that will flow from our ongoing engagement and further steps we take to strengthen our partnership strategies on behalf of the GUMC and MedStar Health communities.

Yours truly,

Edward B. Healton, MD, MPH
Executive Vice President for Health Sciences
Executive Dean, School of Medicine

Stephen R.T. Evans, MD
Executive Vice-President for Medical Affairs<
Chief Medical Officer
MedStar Health