The global oncology community continues to express its support and congratulations to Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan on his candidacy for Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Joining them, Pat Garcia-Gonzalez, Co-Founder and CEO of The Max Foundation, highlighted Dr. Tamamyan’s leadership:
“In this world of rapid sociopolitical change and deep global challenges, the easiest path is to put our head down and try not to make waves; hope it will pass soon and not affect us.
But in my experience, change only happens when good people step up and stick their neck out. I am grateful for the courage of Gevorg Tamamyan, for accepting the nomination as a candidate for WHO Director General. His deep experience, leadership skills, and human values that share our unwavering commitment that geography should not decide who lives make him a compelling candidate in this critical role and time for global health.
At The Max Foundation we share our deep belief in a world where geography is not destiny and everyone can starve for health with dignity and hope. Together we envision a more equitable world, and leaders such as Gevorg can make it happen.”
About Pat Garcia-Gonzalez
Pat Garcia-Gonzalez is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Max Foundation, a global health nonprofit that has built a network across more than 80 countries and 1,000 healthcare partners to deliver over 10 million annual doses of life-saving treatment, diagnostics, and care to cancer patients in low- and middle-income regions.
She also chairs the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition Council, advancing global efforts to improve access to essential cancer medicines. Her contributions have been recognized with the NCI Global Cancer Medicine Humanitarian Award, UICC’s Outstanding Contribution to Cancer Control Award, the International CML Foundation’s inaugural ERSAP Prize, and the 2023 Global Hero Award.
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.
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