Nicholas Sarlis, Chief Medical Officer of CLEARA Biotech, endorses Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan’s candidacy for Director-General of the World Health Organization, highlighting his leadership, clinical experience, and vision for global health.
Nicholas Sarlis shares his message on LinkedIn:
” ‘Geography must not decide who lives.’
I am proud to give my full endorsement to Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan in his candidacy for Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), nominated by the Republic of Botswana.
Gevorg is not only an esteemed colleague, but a trusted friend whose leadership has been forged where it matters most:
At the bedside, defending the lives of children with cancer. As a dedicated pediatric oncologist, Gevorg understands frontline clinical reality in under-resourced regions. He knows firsthand what happens when global policy fails to translate into care on the ground.
In an era marked by institutional skepticism and health misinformation, global health governance cannot afford inertia. The world does not need more glacial-speed committees, endless slide presentations, or vacuous and circular debates.
It needs:
- Agility and decisive action that moves at the speed of modern innovation
- Leadership rooted in deep compassion, listening directly to frontline providers
- Equitable, high-trust partnerships with Member States that deliver measurable outcomes.
Gevorg has a clear blueprint to build a more dynamic, accountable WHO – one ready to execute with urgency, realism, effectiveness, and compassion so that it can deliver tangible progress to suffering patients in every corner of the globe.
I stand behind his vision in the months ahead. Wishing Dr. Tamamyan Godspeed on the campaign trail.”
About Chief Medical Officer Nicholas Sarlis
Nicholas Sarlis serves as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Head of Clinical Development at CLEARA Biotech. Previously, he was Head of Medical Content at Amplity Health, where he led award-winning scientific communications, and Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President at SELLAS Life Sciences Group, where he guided clinical development of novel cancer immunotherapies.
His expertise includes WT1-targeting therapies designed to prevent relapse in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and malignant pleural mesothelioma. He remains actively engaged in the global scientific community and serves as Co-Chair of the 2nd Annual Global Cancer Research and Innovation Symposium (GCRIS) in New York City.
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