We are pleased to share that Ruben A. Mesa, MD, FACP, President of the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, has been elected Chair-Elect of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Minorities in Cancer Research (MICR) Council. He begins service as Chair-Elect immediately and will serve as Council Chair in 2026–2027.
MICR is a long-established membership body within AACR, now nearly 7,000 members strong, dedicated to supporting the professional needs of scientists, increasing the participation and visibility of minority investigators in cancer research, and addressing differences in cancer incidence and mortality across populations. Dr. Mesa’s election brings important recognition to the work of our Cancer Center and the broader research enterprise across Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Advocate Health.
Reflecting on this recognition, Dr. Mesa said:
“I am truly honored to be selected as Chair-Elect of the MICR Council. MICR’s mission to support investigators and strengthen the scientific community is one I value deeply. I look forward to contributing to its work in the years ahead.”
As Chair-Elect, Dr. Mesa will help guide MICR initiatives and collaborate on programming for the AACR Annual Meeting 2026 in San Diego.