Prominent health care institution woos new leader from national entity

TAMPA — Dr. Patrick Hwu has been appointed president and CEO of Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. 

According to a press release, Hwu is a world-renowned tumor immunologist — with 33 years of oncology experience — who comes to Moffitt from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he serves as head of the cancer medicine division. He will begin his new role at Moffitt on Nov. 10.

“Dr. Hwu is truly a cancer visionary ready to elevate Moffitt to even greater success,” states Tim Adams, chairman of Moffitt’s board of directors. “Drawing from his innovative cancer research, quality patient care and extensive leadership experience, Dr. Hwu will no doubt continue to help Moffitt in our pursuit of dynamic growth and groundbreaking work.”

Hwu succeeds Alan List, who resigned in December, along with Director Thomas Sellers and several other executives, in response to allegations of conflict of interest rules in China. Sellers, in a defamation lawsuit filed against Moffitt and others in Hillsborough County Civil Court, denied the allegations.

“It is my distinct honor and privilege to be selected as the next president and CEO of Moffitt Cancer Center, which has made unprecedented strides in its 34 years in the prevention and treatment of cancer,” Hwu states in the release. “I look forward to bringing my years of experience as a cancer physician, researcher and leader to help advance the outstanding work already underway by the teams of cancer experts at Florida’s top-ranked cancer hospital. I’m confident that our collective efforts will further elevate Moffitt’s leadership in cancer patient care, research and education.”