Global health leaders and organizations are rallying behind Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan for WHO Director-General:
Among those expressing their views, Dr. Joanna Metzner-Sadurski, President of Oncology101.org, shared her perspective on his candidacy and professional background.
“What characteristics a person should have to become WHO Director-Generally:
- Independent and globally trusted
- Strong public health and crisis experience
- Scientifically grounded and transparent
- Able to unite countries despite politics
- Committed to health equity and underserved communities
- Focused on prevention, access, and health literacy
- Courageous, ethical, accountable, and reform-minded
Gevorg Tamamyan has all of those qualities. His leadership, integrity, global vision, and commitment to patients make him an excellent candidate for WHO Director-General.
Most of all – Transparency!”
About Dr Joanna Metzner-Sadurski
Dr Joanna Metzner-Sadurski is a leading community oncologist, practicing at the Self Regional Healthcare Cancer Center, medical educator, and patient advocate based in South Carolina, USA. She is an Assistant Professor at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, and is the Founder and Executive Director of Oncology101.org. Her professional work encompasses community oncology, rural cancer care, health policy, and patient health literacy.
Through Oncology101.org, Dr. Metzner-Sadurski focuses on making complex cancer information more understandable and accessible to patients and families. She has been recognized through several professional honors, including the Dr. Asha Dhanarajan Award from the ASCO Health Policy Committee, the Yvonne Award 2026, and the Advocacy Champion President’s Circle recognition from the ASCO Advocacy Summit, among others.
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 31, 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.
Read more about Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan’s WHO candidacy:
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