Memorial Sloan-Kettering cancer unit appoints first deputy physician-in-chief

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York named Dr. Richard Barakat its first deputy physician-in-chief for the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Regional Care Network and Alliance.

Barakat's responsibilities will include ensuring consistent and quality care across all sites in the regional network, which saw more than 104,000 patient visits last year. He will also be in charge of implementing and growing the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Alliance, its clinical research program, and surgical services.

Last month, the newly-formed Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Alliance, designed to bring oncologic care to local communities, announced its first member, Connecticut-based Hartford HealthCare. Cancer patients in the alliance will have access to the physicians, resources and programs available through Memorial Sloan-Kettering.

“As a nation we are faced with an extraordinary challenge to improve access to the latest advances in cancer care,” Dr. Jose Baselga, Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s physician-in-chief, said in a news release. “Our commitment to expand our regional care network and newly formed MSK Cancer Alliance means that more patients—including those living outside the New York City area—will now have access to the most-advanced, evidence-based care, including Memorial Sloan-Kettering clinical trials. We are indeed fortunate to have Dr. Barakat, whose talent will shine on an even wider stage now, leading this important effort.”

Barakat joined Memorial Sloan-Kettering in 1989 as a fellow in gynecologic oncology, and in 2001, was named chief of the service. He will be stepping down from that role, but will continue to serve as an active member of the surgical team.

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