Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D. was named Acting Commissioner of the Food & Drug Administration in September 2005. Previously, he was the 12th Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since its creation in 1937. A nationally recognized urologic surgeon and oncologist, Dr. von Eschenbach’s distinguished career as a key leader in the fight against cancer spans nearly three decades.

Prior to being appointed to lead the NCI in January 2002, Dr. von Eschenbach served as Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, leading a faculty of more than 1,000 cancer researchers and clinicians.  At M.D. Anderson he also served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and held the Roy M. and Phyllis Gough Huffington Clinical Research Distinguished Chair in Urologic Oncology.

Dr. von Eschenbach, as founding director of the Prostate Cancer Research Program, was instrumental in fostering integrated research programs in the biology, epidemiology, prevention, and treatment of prostate cancer at M.D. Anderson.  He also directed the Genitourinary Cancer Center there.  Dr. von Eschenbach joined M.D. Anderson as a urologic oncology fellow in 1976 and was invited to join the faculty a year later.  Just six years later - in 1983 - he was named chairman of the Department of Urology.  Other positions held at M.D. Anderson include Consulting Professor of Cell Biology and Professor of Urology.

Dr. von Eschenbach, himself a cancer survivor, has had an impact on the fight against cancer that extends beyond the clinical and academic communities.  He is a founding member of C-Change and was president-elect of the American Cancer Society at the time of his appointment to the NCI.  In addition, he has made significant contributions to the scientific literature -- more than 200 articles, books, and book chapters.  Dr. von Eschenbach has also served as an editorial board member of several leading journals and on several organizational boards.

Many influential organizations have recognized Dr. von Eschenbach for his leadership and accomplishments, among them the American Medical Writers Association, the American Urological Association, and the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences.  Dr. von Eschenbach has also been included in “The Best Doctors in America” publications, received the Medical Award of Excellence from Cancer Counseling, the Achievement Awards from the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston and Partners in Courage for his significant contributions to prostate cancer programs, and the Julie Rogers “Spirit of Love” Award for demonstrating unparalleled dedication, commitment, and spirit in the fight against cancer.  

A native of Philadelphia, Dr. von Eschenbach earned a B.S. from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia in 1963 and his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1967.  Dr. von Eschenbach completed residencies in general surgery and urology at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia and then was an instructor in urology at the University of  Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He also served as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps.