Ron DePinho resigning MD Anderson Cancer Center presidency

Dr. Ron DePinho, MD Anderson Cancer Center's embattled president, has submitted his resignation, five years after he came to Houston promising to elevate the institution's drug development efforts.

DePinho announced the resignation in a sometimes emotional video emailed to MD Anderson employees early Wednesday afternoon. The institution subsequently posted the video and a statement by University of Texas Chancellor William McRaven thereafter thanking him for his service.

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"I believe it is time for a change in leadership at MD Anderson," DePinho said in the video. "As a result of months of self-reflection and deep engagement with the chancellor and our Board of Visitors, it became clear to me that this great and noble institution needs a new president who will inspire greater unity and a sharp operational focus on navigating the tectonic changes in healthcare delivery and economics."



STATS & DATA: MD Anderson, by the numbers ... Dr. Ron DePinho, president of MD Anderson Cancer Center,announced Wednesday, March 8 that he was resigning from his position at the world famous cancer center.

STATS & DATA: MD Anderson, by the numbers ... Dr. Ron DePinho, president of MD Anderson Cancer Center,announced Wednesday, March 8 that he was resigning from his position at the world famous cancer center. Photo: Gary Coronado, Houston Chronicle Photo: Gary Coronado, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 17 Caption Close Ron DePinho resigning MD Anderson Cancer Center presidency 1 / 17 Back to Gallery

DePinho said in the video he informed McRaven and regents he's resigning "effective as soon as possible," but wrote in accompanying comments that the chancellor has asked him to stay in the job until the end of the Texas Legislative session. A spokeswoman said the end date is being discussed.

DePinho called the presidency "a tough, tough job," and said he pushed "all of you and the institution very hard." He cited achievements such as the extension of MD Anderson's global reach "to a network of premier institutions that touches nearly one-third of the human population" and his Moon Shots program that selected difficult cancers to try to cure.

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He acknowledged "there was a cost for that change, and I have added to that cost."

"I could have done a better job administratively, a better job listening, a better job communicating," DePinho said. "Forgive me for my short comings. I regret them, but I was, and continue, to be committed to saving lives and reducing suffering, to help MD Anderson accelerate the march towards prevention and cure, particularly for the underserved. I've done my very best."

The spokeswoman said it is not yet clear whether DePinho will serve MD Anderson in another capacity at the end of his presidency.

DePinho's leadship at MD Anderson was marked by change, criticism and challenges. Read more about how his focus on research and curing cancer has roiled faculty but energized the hospital at HoustonChronicle.com.