Pediatric oncology community from around the world celebrates and supports Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan’s recent candidacy announcement as WHO DG with warm words and sharing experiences that they had with him professionally and in personal level.
This time Liri Seraj, Hematologist at University Hospital Centre Mother Teresa of Tirana, shared her experience.
“I first heard about Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan from his residents a few years ago. I still remember how highly those young women spoke of him, how he had inspired them, encouraged them and helped them move forward, so that their work could benefit the entire community.
That stayed with me. For me, this is what having a vision means: investing in people and helping them build something that will make a difference for years to come.
Seeing the progress in Armenia is truly inspiring. Countries like Albania have so much to learn from this example, both in developing our services and supporting the people behind them. These are examples we need to follow.
My warm congratulations to Dr. Tamamyan on his candidacy for Director-General of the World Health Organization. Wishing him every success!”
About Liri Seraj
Dr. Liri Seraj is a prominent Albanian hematologist and medical researcher at the University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” in Tirana, previously practicing at Spitali Rajonal Memorial in Fier. With national representation at EHA, ESH, and ASH, her work has gained wide international recognition, highlighted by the Memorial Sloan Kettering / OMI Top 10 Best Case Award and an EHA Abstract Grant.
She is also the founder of Hemalily, an initiative bridging clinical expertise and patient advocacy.
About Dr Gevorg Tamamyan
Dr Gevorg Tamamyan, MD, MSc, PhD, DSc, FASCO, is a prospective candidate for the post of Director-General of the World Health Organization, nominated by the Republic of Botswana. He is a global leader in oncology, health systems strengthening, and international health cooperation, recognized for building bridges between countries and advancing equitable cancer care in resource-limited settings.
Dr. Tamamyan is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at Yerevan State Medical University and CEO of the Immune Oncology Research Institute (IMMONC).
He is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of OncoDaily, one of the world’s largest oncology media platforms, created to democratize access to reliable, independent, and evidence-based cancer information globally.
Dr. Tamamyan was elected and currently serves as President of two major international pediatric oncology organizations: the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) Asia Continental Branch, representing pediatric oncology professionals across Asia, and the Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean (POEM) Group, uniting 28 countries and 110 cancer centers. He also serves as Co-Chair of the St. Jude EURO Regional Advisory Committee, encompassing 13 European countries.
At the age of 32, Dr. Tamamyan was appointed Head of the Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Armenia, where he led the consolidation of previously fragmented pediatric oncology and hematology services into a single national center. Under his leadership, the Center evolved into a regional reference point, with survival rates reaching up to 80%.
He also co-founded City of Smile, a national pediatric cancer charity that helps ensure universal coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of every child and young adult with cancer in Armenia.
Dr. Tamamyan is Chairman of the Board of the Institute of Cancer and Crisis and an adviser to the Rector of Yerevan State Medical University. He previously served as President of the Harvard Club of Armenia.
Educated and trained across seven countries in Europe, North America, and Asia, his professional journey spans frontline clinical practice, research, academic leadership, national cancer center management, global health diplomacy, and institution building.
He is the recipient of numerous international awards and distinctions, including Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (FASCO); ASCO LIFe and IDEA Awards; UICC and IARC Young Leader Awards; the 40 Under 40 in Cancer Award; the Latin American and Caribbean Society of Medical Oncology (SLACOM) Award for Global Oncology Leadership; and the Global Health Catalyst Distinguished Leader Award.
He is married and has two daughters, Charlize and Letizia.
Dr Gevorg Tamamyan is Nominated as a Candidate for WHO Director-General Position
Watch HRH Princess Dina Mired’s interview with Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan: The Man Who Challenged Cancer Hierarchies