Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan, Candidate for WHO Director-General, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at Yerevan State Medical University, and Editor-in-Chief of OncoDaily, shared his interview with Dr. Julie Gralow, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President at the ASCO, reflecting on her role as a mentor, leader, and friend.
“Today’s post is about Dr. Julie Gralow, a wonderful, wonderful person.
When I think about global health or global oncology, one of the first people who comes to mind is Julie, with the positive energy she brings into every room.
Besides being a wonderful doctor, an amazing researcher and a great human being, Julie is someone who quietly does her best whenever you ask for help. Since the first day I met her, she has been so supportive of every initiative I have brought to her. Even when you come with the craziest ideas, she is always there for you.
It was a great honor to interview one of the most amazing and truly legendary oncologists of our time, Dr. Julie Gralow. A great leader, an amazing mentor and a wonderful friend.
Thank you so much, Julie, for everything.”
About Julie Gralow
Julie R. Gralow, MD, FACP, FASCO, is a renowned medical oncologist, internationally recognized for her leadership in breast cancer care, research, global oncology, and cancer advocacy. She currently serves as Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), where she plays a leading role in advancing cancer care, education, research, and global health initiatives. She previously served as the Jill Bennett Endowed Professor of Breast Cancer at the University of Washington and Director of Breast Medical Oncology at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
Dr. Gralow has held numerous leadership positions within major international oncology organizations and initiatives. She served as Executive Officer for Breast and Lung Cancer and Vice Chair of the Breast Cancer Committee for the SWOG Cancer Clinical Trials Network, and has held several ASCO leadership roles, including Chair of the Academic Global Oncology Task Force and Co-Chair of the Resource-Stratified Guideline Working Group. Through these roles, she has made significant contributions to strengthening cancer care and expanding access to evidence-based oncology services worldwide, particularly in underserved settings.
Dr. Gralow co-founded Team Survivor Northwest, supporting fitness and survivorship for women with cancer, and founded the Women’s Empowerment Cancer Advocacy Network (WE CAN), advancing cancer education and advocacy in low- and middle-income countries. Her contributions to oncology and global cancer care have been recognized with the ASCO Humanitarian 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 the new episode of World Health Voices on OncoDaily TV.
Watch HRH Princess Dina Mired’s interview with Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan: The Man Who Challenged Cancer Hierarchies