Colleagues and leaders from across the global oncology community are sharing their congratulations and support for Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at Yerevan State Medical University and Editor-in-Chief of OncoDaily, following the announcement of his candidacy for Director-General of the World Health Organization.
Dr. Saro Sarkisian, Clinical Director of Cellular Therapeutics at Frederick Health, also joins colleagues in congratulating Dr. Tamamyan and expressing his support for his candidacy.
“I met Dr Tamamyan a few years ago and numerous times afterwards. Incredibly honored and proud for his candidacy for Director-General of the World Health Organization. You truly embody the leadership, educational background and expertise for this position. I congratulate you my friend and support you all the way.”
About Dr Saro Sarkisian
Dr. Saro Sarkisian, MD, MHA, serves as Clinical Director of Cellular Therapeutics at Frederick Health and as a member of the Board of Trustees at Capella University. A pioneer in innovative cancer care, he was the first physician in the United States certified to prescribe Tumor Treating Fields for locally advanced pancreatic cancer and possesses extensive clinical experience utilizing Tumor Treating Fields in non-small cell lung cancer. Recognized for his leadership and dedication to healthcare excellence, Dr. Sarkisian was named Physician of the Year by The Daily Record.
His clinical leadership background also includes prior roles at Excela Health as Lead Hospitalist Physician, Chair of the Case Resource Management Committee, and Assistant Medical Director of the Palliative Care Program.
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