Dr. Kathleen A. Cooney, Chair of the Duke Department of Medicine (DOM) and renowned medical oncologist, has been elected as the incoming president of the Association of Professors of Medicine (APM). This position, set to commence this July, underscores Dr. Cooney’s exemplary leadership in the field of academic medicine.
"I am honored to serve as the incoming president of APM," says Dr. Cooney. "This appointment presents an exciting opportunity to further the organization's mission of promoting excellence in academic medicine and advancing the field for the benefit of patients and practitioners alike."
Drawing from a distinguished background in medical oncology with a specific focus on prostate cancer research, Dr. Cooney has made invaluable contributions to understanding the genetic epidemiology of this common disease. Notably, her groundbreaking discoveries include the identification of a recurrent mutation in the HOXB13 gene, which carries profound implications for the diagnosis and management of hereditary prostate cancer cases globally.
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Dr. Cooney completed her residency and chief medical residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan, followed by a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at the same institution. Throughout her career, she has held various leadership roles, including her current position as Chair of the Duke Department of Medicine, the George Barth Geller Distinguished Professor of Medicine, and membership in the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute and Duke Cancer Institute.
The Association of Professors of Medicine (APM), established in 1954, is the organization for departments of internal medicine represented by chairs and other leaders at medical schools and teaching hospitals throughout the United States and Canada. As an integral part of the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine (AAIM), APM plays a pivotal role in advancing education, research and clinical care as well as professional development for its members.
In assuming the role of president of APM, Dr. Cooney brings with her a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities facing academic medicine today. Her commitment to advancing medical education and research will undoubtedly shape the future direction of the organization and further enhance its impact on the broader medical community.