Biographical summary
Dr. Cheryl Willman, Executive Director of Mayo Clinic Cancer Programs (nationally and globally) and Director of the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, is an internationally renowned physician scientist and a pioneer in the field of cancer individualized medicine with a track record of innovation and successful translation of discoveries to clinical trials. She has co-led several key NCI initiatives that are improving the lives of patients with cancer and addressing disparities in cancer care as well as cancer incidence and mortality among diverse and underserved populations. Dr. Willman has served in many leadership roles including NCI's Board of Scientific Advisors and the Scientific Advisory Board of the NCI Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. Dr. Willman also has held and currently holds national leadership positions in AACR, ASH, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She was a founder of the field of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, President of the Association of Molecular Pathologists, and is an elected fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. Prior to joining Mayo Clinic, Dr. Willman served as the Director and CEO of the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Willman received her medical degree from Mayo Medical School and completed her residency and postdoctoral training in pathology and cancer research at Mayo Clinic, University of New Mexico, and University of Washington.
Mayo Clinic locations
Education
- 1988
Visiting ScholarHoward Hughes Medical Institute
- 1984
Clinical FellowshipAmerican Cancer Society
- 1984
Residency - Anatomic PathologyUniversity of New Mexico School of Medicine
- 1981
ResidentAnatomic and Clinical Pathology, Programs in Rochester, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
- 1981
Research Fellowship - Molecular BiologyMayo Clinic Rochester
- 1981
MDMayo Medical School
- 1981
Fellowship - ImmunologyNational Institutes of Health
- 1977
BA - Chemistry with HonorsSt. Olaf College
Activities and honors
Certifications
- 1986
Anatomic PathologyAmerican Board of Pathology
Awards and honors
- 2017
Elected FellowNational Academy of Inventors
- 2015
New Mexico Humanitarian AwardAwarding Organization
- 2013
New Mexico “La Estrella” AwardAwarding Organization
- 2012
2012 New Mexico Technology Council's Women in Technology AwardAwarding Organization
- 2005
New Mexico Distinguished Public Service AwardAwarding Organization
- 2001
16th Annual Governor’s Award for Outstanding Women of New MexicoAwarding Organization
- 1998
Young Investigator AwardUnited States and Canadian Division, International Academy of Pathology
- 1995
Women in Science Hall of FameU. S. Department of Energy
- 1994
Benjamin Castleman Award (National Outstanding Young Pathology Scientist)United States and Canadian Division, International Academy of Pathology
- 1993
Outstanding Teacher, Best LecturerUniversity of New Mexico School of Medicine
- 1993
Honored at 41st Legislative Session of the State of New Mexico for Contributions to Cancer ResearchAwarding Organization
- 1991
Outstanding Teacher, Best LecturerUniversity of New Mexico School of Medicine
- 1989
Teacher of the Year AwardUniversity of New Mexico Graduate School
- 1985
Stowell-Orbison Award (Outstanding Pathology Trainee)International Academy of Pathology
- 1984
Physician's Research Training FellowshipAmerican Cancer Society
- 1984
NIH Physician Scientist Five-Year Research Training AwardNational Institutes of Health
- 1977
Ken Bonde Award for Academic ExcellenceSt. Olaf College
- 1977
Department Distinction in ChemistrySt. Olaf College
- 1975
David E. Gaardner Award in ChemistrySt. Olaf College
- 1973
State of Iowa ScholarState of Iowa
Professional memberships
- 2016 - present
Board MemberBoard of Scientific Advisors, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
- 2013 - present
Finance Committee MemberAmerican Association for Cancer Research
- 2012 - present
Science Policy and Legislative Affairs Committee MemberAmerican Association for Cancer Research
- 2009 - present
Government Affairs Committee MemberAmerican Society of Hematology
- 2004 - present
Publications Committee MemberAmerican Association for Cancer Research
- 1999 - 2001
Program Committee MemberAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology
- 1998 - 2002
Executive Committee MemberAmerican Society of Hematology
- 1998 - 1999
PresidentAssociation for Molecular Pathology
- 1995 - 1997
Program Committee MemberAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology
- 1994 - 1997
Executive Committee MemberUnited States and Canadian Division, International Academy of Pathology
- 1994 - present
Founder and MemberAssociation for Molecular Pathology
- 1991 - present
Abstract ReviewerAmerican Society of Hematology
- 1989 - 1993
Education Committee MemberUnited States and Canadian Division, International Academy of Pathology
- 1986 - present
DiplomateAmerican Board of Pathology
- 1986 - present
MemberAmerican Board of Pathology
- 1979 - present
DiplomateNational Board of Medical Examiners
- 1979 - present
MemberNational Board of Medical Examiners
- 1977 - present
MemberPhi Beta Kappa Honor Society
Publications
Research activities