New MSK Leadership in Pivotal Roles
Building for the Future of Cancer Care
New leaders stepped into pivotal roles at MSK in 2025, bringing bold visions to advance clinical care, scientific research, immuno-oncology, and the emotional well-being of patients — collectively driving the future of cancer treatment.
Patient Care
Chief Physician Executive
Jeffrey Drebin, MD
Dr. Jeffrey Drebin is a highly respected physician-scientist who previously served as Chair of the Department of Surgery at MSK and brings decades of leadership and clinical experience specializing in pancreaticobiliary, upper gastrointestinal, and liver surgery.
As Chief Physician Executive, Dr. Drebin leads MSK’s academic clinical departments. As a researcher and clinician, he focuses on understanding pancreatic cancer biology and developing new, personalized treatments. Notably, he has also played a significant role in the development of the Kenneth C. Griffin Pavilion, including acting as MSK’s representative and champion of the Pavilion to the larger community.
Since joining MSK in 2017, Dr. Drebin has been known for his warm, collaborative leadership style, vast and varied expertise, and deep commitment to MSK. Dr. Drebin continues to treat patients as a member of the hepatopancreatobiliary service.
“I see firsthand the unwavering dedication to patient care and the extraordinary efforts our people make every day,” says Dr. Drebin. “It’s a true privilege to collaborate with such an exceptional group of clinicians, researchers and staff all united in our mission to end cancer for life.”
Dr. Drebin holds the Scott M. and Lisa G. Stuart Chair.
Laboratory Research
Chief Scientific Officer
Ross Levine, MD
Dr. Ross Levine is an internationally recognized leader and physician-scientist dedicated to researching and treating blood and bone marrow cancers. He previously served as Senior Vice President of Translational Research at MSK.
As Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Levine is responsible for the oversight of preclinical research, which provides the foundation for the discovery of better cancer treatments. Since joining MSK in 2007, Dr. Levine’s research has focused on how specific cell signaling pathways and genetic mutations contribute to blood disorders and cancers, including leukemia.
Known for his generous, compassionate nature and his commitment to his colleagues across MSK, Dr. Levine is also a relentless advocate for science who works tirelessly to improve outcomes for patients.
“Our science and scientists are core to what makes MSK special,” says Dr. Levine. “I am excited to help MSK chart its next chapter in scientific discovery and translating those discoveries into better care for patients. There has never been a better time to see science achieve impact.”
Dr. Levine holds the Edward P. Evans Endowed Chair for Myelodysplastic Syndromes.
Immunotherapy Innovation
Chair, Immuno-Oncology Program
Andy Minn, MD, PhD
A renowned scientist in the field of immuno-oncology, Dr. Minn returned to MSK in 2025 from the University of Pennsylvania — a full-circle moment after having completed his postdoctoral training at the Sloan Kettering Institute and his residency in the Department of Radiation Oncology at MSK more than a decade ago.
Dr. Minn is the inaugural chair of the Immuno-Oncology Program, established to build on MSK’s long leadership in the development of immune checkpoint blockade therapy, CAR T and other cellular therapies, and cancer vaccines. Dr. Minn has focused his research on understanding how long-term inflammation and other factors affect cancer progression and immunotherapy response.
“The best way to tackle the challenges keeping us from curing all cancers in all patients using immunotherapy is through team science,” says Dr. Minn. “We will coalesce around translating discoveries from the lab to the clinic, learning from patients, and bringing those insights back to the lab for more exploration. I can think of no better place than MSK to do this work of further unlocking immunotherapy’s potential.”
The Emotional Well-Being of Patients
Chair, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Department
William F. Pirl, MD, MPH
After training at MSK over 25 years ago, Dr. Pirl returned to MSK from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to lead a department with a pioneering legacy. Founded in 1977, MSK’s Psychiatry Service was the first program in the United States dedicated to the mental and emotional well-being of people with cancer.
A dedicated, warm and internationally-known expert, Dr. Pirl oversees MSK’s psychiatry and psychology services and helps train the next generation of psychiatrists, psychologists, and behavioral researchers. His research looks at new ways to better deliver care to support patients and families to help them manage their mood, anxiety, and existential distress at any point from the time of a cancer diagnosis. Dr. Pirl treats all types of psychiatric disorders, but his specialty is supporting patients who are receiving palliative or end-of-life care.
“It’s an honor and privilege to lead a service known as the birthplace of psycho-oncology,” says Dr. Pirl. “I’m committed to making sure that patients and their families can get the mental health support they need, when they need it most.”