Louis M. Weiner, MD, to Step Down as Director of Georgetown’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Following 18 Years of Leadership

Posted in News Release  |  Tagged leadership

WASHINGTON (February 25, 2026) — After more than 18 years leading Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, including four consecutive, highly competitive Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) renewals from the National Cancer Institute, Louis M. Weiner, MD, has announced his decision to step down later this year. He will also step down as director of the MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute and as chair of the Department of Oncology.

Weiner’s decision reflects proactive succession planning designed to ensure the cancer center is optimally positioned for its next CCSG renewal in 2028 and to provide his successor the opportunity to lead that effort.

Weiner’s tenure, which began at the end of 2007, has been marked by sustained excellence in research, clinical care and community impact. Under his leadership, Lombardi has maintained its designation as an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a distinction reserved for institutions demonstrating the highest levels of scientific achievement and multidisciplinary collaboration. The CCSG supports the infrastructure that enables discovery and the translation of research advances into improved patient care.

“One of my greatest joys in joining Georgetown was getting to work alongside Dr. Weiner,” said Norman J. Beauchamp Jr. MD, MHS, executive vice president for health sciences. “His dedication and commitment to excellence made possible the impact of our NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. The foundation he has built will enable us to attract the very best leaders in the nation as we enter a search for his successor.”

During his tenure, Weiner strengthened key institutional partnerships, expanding the MedStar Health relationship to ensure the NCI designation included both MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center as primary hospitals.

“Dr. Weiner’s commitment to uniting exceptional patient care with innovative clinical research has transformed cancer care across our region,” said Kenneth A. Samet, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of MedStar Health. “Through his leadership, patients have gained unprecedented access to breakthrough diagnostics, advanced technologies, and novel therapeutics that are redefining outcomes. His work has elevated the standard of research-driven oncology care in the communities we are privileged to serve and strengthened the clinical and research collaboration between our organizations.”

Weiner also established the Lombardi CCSG consortium with John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack Meridian Health, strengthening collaborative programs and laying groundwork for expanded hematologic malignancy and cell therapy initiatives.

“Dr. Weiner has been a visionary leader and an indispensable partner in our mission to transform cancer care,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, chief executive officer of Hackensack Meridian Health.

“His integral role and shared commitment were the driving forces behind the historic affiliation between Georgetown’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and our own John Theurer Cancer Center,” he said. “This collaboration was the cornerstone of our efforts to secure the prestigious NCI designation, bringing a new level of clinical and research excellence to our communities. Because of Lou’s tireless dedication, we have fundamentally elevated the delivery of quality, life-changing cancer care across New Jersey. We are profoundly grateful for his legacy and wish him the very best.”

A nationally recognized oncologist and scientist, Weiner has maintained an active clinical practice caring for patients with gastrointestinal cancers while advancing laboratory research. Since 2008, he has been named an inventor on 27 patent applications in the United States and internationally; five have resulted in issued patents and 22 are pending.

In a message to colleagues, Weiner emphasized the intentional nature of his decision. “I did not make this decision lightly. I could have stayed the course. My health is excellent, and I continue to be excited about our future and the work ahead. However, the time is right,” he wrote. “I want to give my successor an opportunity to place his or her vigorous new stamp on the renewal application.”

Weiner underscored that he does not plan to retire and will remain an active member of the Georgetown community. “I look forward to assisting Dr. Beauchamp and all of you in our efforts to continue the great work of the cancer center.”

Beauchamp expressed gratitude for Weiner’s continued engagement during the transition and beyond. “We are deeply grateful that Dr. Weiner will remain a vital part of our Georgetown community and at Lombardi, where he will continue to pursue his lifelong passions in clinical care, laboratory research and training the next generation of scientists and physicians,” he said.