Dr Rejin Kebudi, General Secretary of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP), shares her support for Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan, reflecting on his achievements, leadership in pediatric oncology, and contributions to the international medical community.
“I am very pleased to know that Dr Gevorg Tamamyan is a candidate for WHO General Director. I have known Gevorg for many years with his significant clinical and scientific accomplishments in his local center, in his country, in the region (as leadership in POEM) and internationally in SIOP (International Society of Pediatric Oncology) (as SIOP Asia continental President he has increased membership numbers, increased member engagement, helped organize successful SIOP Asia congress among many other activities) from ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) (where he was recipient of young investigator awards IDEA and other and had the opportunity to advance his knowledge in USA and build international networks.)
He is diligent, intelligent, capable of organizing many important events at the same time and also very capable of reaching many colleagues globally. I am sure in his capacity, he is able to advance not only noncommunicable diseases such as oncology, pediatric oncology but many aspects in healthcare globally. Dear Gevorg, I wish you all the best.”
About Dr Rejin Kebudi
Dr Rejin Kebudi is a Professor of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at Koç University School of Medicine and VKV American Hospital, Istanbul, and Professor Emerita at Istanbul University Oncology Institute. She serves as General Secretary of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) and Chair of the ASCO International Development and Education Award Steering Group.
In 2018, she received the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) International Women Who Conquer Cancer Mentorship Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership and commitment to mentoring in oncology. She has held several key leadership positions within SIOP, including Co-Chair of its Supportive Care Network, and previously served as President of the Turkish Pediatric Oncology Group.
Her international collaborations include leading pediatric oncology organizations and research consortia, including the Children’s Oncology Group (USA) and the International Replication Repair Deficiency Consortium. Her research focuses on pediatric cancers, including brain tumors, sarcomas, retinoblastoma, leukemia and lymphoma, as well as supportive and palliative care, cancer predisposition syndromes, and cancer care in developing countries.
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