Temple Health Appoints Robert A. Winn, MD, as Cancer Center Director for Fox Chase Cancer Center

Temple Health today announced the appointment of Robert A. Winn, MD, as the next Cancer Center Director for Fox Chase Cancer Center, marking a defining moment that will shape the future of one of the nation's leading National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers.

"Dr. Winn is the kind of leader who accelerates progress and brings people together to solve the most complex challenges in cancer," said Robert Uzzo, MD, MBA, FACS, President and CEO of Fox Chase Cancer Center. "With his leadership, Fox Chase is poised to expand its national influence and deliver even greater breakthroughs for patients."

A Visionary Leader

Winn's appointment, effective later this summer, underscores Fox Chase's continued commitment to shaping the future of oncology through groundbreaking cancer research and fostering innovation that advances the standard of care.

A nationally recognized cancer center director and physician-scientist, Dr. Winn is known for building high-performing research enterprises and advancing innovation in cancer care. He currently serves as Director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and holds the Lipman Chair in Oncology.

"This is an important moment for Temple as we continue to strengthen our role as a leader in academic medicine and research. Fox Chase Cancer Center is central to that work, and Dr. Winn's appointment reinforces our commitment to expanding its reach and impact," said Temple President John Fry. "Fox Chase and Temple are positioned to lead in the next era of cancer innovation and to deliver meaningful progress for the patients and communities we serve."

At VCU Massey Cancer Center, Dr. Winn led a transformation that culminated in the center achieving National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center designation in 2023. His leadership drove significant growth in research funding, expanded team science, and elevated clinical trial participation, establishing a model for integrating discovery, care, and community impact.

Translational Research & Collaboration

"Dr. Winn represents the future of cancer center leadership," said Abhi Rastogi, MBA, MIS, President and CEO of Temple Health. "His ability to align science, clinical innovation, and community engagement will accelerate Fox Chase's trajectory as a national leader in oncology."

As the leader of Fox Chase's research enterprise, Dr. Winn will focus on expanding translational pathways and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration. A central priority will be building on the institution's strong scientific foundation while growing research programs that address cancer prevention, treatment, and outcomes across communities in the Philadelphia region and nationwide.

Focus on Community Impact

"Dr. Winn, is an outstanding choice to serve as the Cancer Center Director at Fox Chase," said Amy J. Goldberg, MD, FACS, The Marjorie Joy Katz Dean, Lewis Katz School of Medicine. "He has built a career translating discovery into care while advancing critical research focused on cancer disparities. A collaborative leader, he will strengthen research partnerships across Temple while ensuring our work continues to serve and uplift communities that are economically disadvantaged."

A leading voice in advancing equity in cancer research and care, he is known for pioneering a "community-to-bench" model that integrates community perspectives into scientific discovery and for founding the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Award Program.

"I am proud of the work I have been part of over the past several years, and I am thrilled for this new opportunity at Fox Chase," said Winn. "The level of scientific excellence and progress here is truly inspiring, and I am excited to help advance that science in ways that will have an even greater impact for patients and communities. Fox Chase has a remarkable history, an extraordinary team, and the combined strength of Temple and Fox Chase offers incredible potential to improve cancer research and care not just for Philadelphia, but for the nation."