Jennifer Burrows, RN
Chief Executive
Providence Oregon
Today, I recognize a transformational leader who has had a significant impact on cancer care here in Oregon, across the nation and around the world.
Thousands upon thousands of cancer patients and family members at Providence have benefited from the life-changing work of Dr. Walter Urba. During more than three decades of dedicated research and hands-on clinical practice, Dr. Urba and our cancer team have created world-class programs that have direct impacts on our patients. We are all grateful for his tireless devotion to cancer care and to Providence.
As you will see below, Dr. Urba has made the decision to retire at the end of this year.
We are fortunate to have strong leaders in place who have worked side by side with Dr. Urba, and we will have more about his successor soon. We’ll also have plenty of time to celebrate him and his service in the weeks ahead.
I know you join me in thanking Dr. Urba and wishing him and his family the best in the years to come.
Message from Dr. Walter Urba
Dear Providence Caregivers and Colleagues,
It is with mixed feelings that I share with you my plan to retire at the end of the year. Serving as the leader of Providence Cancer Institute and the director of cancer research at the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute are the highlights of my career. After 31 years, it is time for new leadership. I am ready to spend more time with family and pursue other interests. I am working closely with our leaders to ensure a successful leadership transition by year-end.
When I joined Providence in 1993, the field of cancer immunotherapy was in its infancy. With the support of visionary leaders and philanthropists, we established a cancer research program and recruited scientists and physicians who shared our belief in the potential of the immune system to eradicate cancer. Today, immunotherapy is a mainstream cancer therapy with dozens of approved treatments and countless more on the horizon.
As I reflect on the past three decades, the evolution of our field and the growth of our institute have been truly remarkable. We have witnessed and contributed to the first FDA approvals for checkpoint immunotherapy and cellular therapy for solid cancers. Our team is recognized globally for its leadership in immuno-oncology research. Each year we care for more than 6,700 patients with new cancer diagnoses at state-of-the-art facilities and services across Oregon. And through scientific, medical and technological advancements, we are helping more patients live cancer-free.
These achievements would not have been possible without the dedication of our caregivers and multidisciplinary care teams, the support of our community partners and donors, and the patients who entrust us with their care.
I am proud to have been a leader at Providence and am deeply grateful for what we accomplished together. I am also excited for what the future will bring, knowing our team is poised to reach new milestones in pursuit of our goal to #FINISHCANCER.
With admiration,
Walter J. Urba, M.D., Ph.D.
Chief Medical Officer, Providence Cancer Institute
Director of Cancer Research, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute
