Joe W. Ramos, PhD named Director of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center
Renowned cancer researcher Dr. Joe W. Ramos has been named director of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center in New Orleans. Ramos who is currently the interim director of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center said he’s looking forward to making an impact in Louisiana with his 30 years of experience.
“For me, someone who’s always been service orientated the idea of being able to help in this area, to take what I learned in Hawaii and bring the parts that are relevant here, was very attractive,” said Ramos.
Ramos said his background with a National Cancer Institute facility gives him a better understanding of cancer, and how it affects neighborhoods and communities. He said it’s that knowledge that will enable him to make a measurable impact in Louisiana.
“There’s a lot of work that needs to be done here. Louisiana is one of the worst hit states for cancer. We’re always in the bottom five, unfortunately,” said Ramos.
In addition to helping address cancer disparities in Louisiana Ramos said the team approach of multiple research institutions like Tulane, LSU, Ochsner, and Xavier working together also attracted him to the position. He believes this approach along with his guidance will help reduce cancer rates in Louisiana.
“And it’s a series of small steps, we’re not going to do that overnight. It’s a very big problem, it’s going to take all hands on deck, and it’s going to really take the strengths that each of us brings to that problem to get it done,” said Ramos.
The Louisiana Cancer Research Center serves as a collaborative hub to advance cancer research, improve prevention, and innovative treatment.
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