​On March 8, top scientists from across the country, influential leaders in the cancer fight, and ACS executive and volunteer leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., to honor W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, MMHC, who received the 2025 American Cancer Society Medal of Honor. Dr. Rathmell is a renowned kidney cancer expert who most recently served as director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

Dr. Rathmell spoke to attendees about the tremendous advances in cancer treatment and patient care she has witnessed throughout her career. She also emphasized the need to continue this progress through robust support for cancer research and clinical trials. 

Several post-baccalaureate fellows supported by the ACS Diversity in Cancer Research (DICR) program were also recognized, including Kayla Rodriguez, who spoke about her ongoing research at Virginia Commonwealth University. 

Attendees at the Medal of Honor dinner also heard from Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, interim CEO; Dr. Bill Dahut, chief science officer (both pictured in the  lead image). Brian A. Marlow, chair of the ACS Board of Directors also spoke. Several team members from the Discovery Pillar (pictured below) and ACS CAN were also in attendance.