William L. Dahut, MD, is chief scientific officer of the American Cancer Society. In this role, he oversees the strategic direction of both intramural and extramural research for the largest nonprofit funder of cancer research. Dr. Dahut manages all pieces of ACS’ Discovery Pillar, including surveillance and health equity science, population science, cancer screening guidelines, and extramural discovery science. He serves as the scientific voice of the organization, advises key discovery positions, and manages more than $400 million in research funding. Dr. Dahut guides efforts to enhance and focus the American Cancer Society’s research program, concentrating priorities where they will be most effective and working with key partners and supporters to further progress.

At ACS, Dr. Dahut is leading the Discovery Pillar’s contribution to the organization’s mission to Improve the lives of people with cancer and their families, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. That includes work such as: the launch of a new ACS Center for Diversity in Research Training, which seeks to increase efforts to recruit and nurture people of color within scientific and clinical training environments; a groundbreaking new cohort focused on Black women that will launch in pilot markets in 2023; and a new IMPACT initiative focusing on reducing disparities in prostate cancer mortality in Black men.

Across the board, Dr. Dahut puts words into action, leading a team of some of the world’s most talented and highly cited researchers as they seek to “end cancer as we know it, for everyone.” His team is working to fund exceptionally impactful cancer research, particularly in areas often overlooked by other organizations. They are increasing their focus on screening, early detection, prevention, and detection of cancer recurrence. They are looking into research on health care implementation; emphasizing the scientific importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of Discovery-funded research; and providing opportunities to accelerate bench-to-bedside work.

An internationally recognized physician-investigator, Dr. Dahut held leading roles at the National Cancer Institute before joining ACS. He was scientific director for clinical research at the NCI’s Center for Cancer Research, head of the prostate cancer clinical research section, and NCI clinical director. Dr. Dahut has been laser-focused on helping cancer patients throughout his career, striking just the right balance between bench and bedside. Known as a tireless champion of clinical science, he has pioneered treatment regimens in prostate cancer and is a recognized expert in clinical trials and immunotherapy.

He received his MD from Georgetown University and completed clinical training in internal medicine at the National Naval Medical Center, followed by training in hematology and medical oncology at the Bethesda Naval Hospital and the Medicine Branch of the NCI.

Dr. Dahut sits on numerous boards and committees related to his work, has won distinguished honors and awards throughout his career, and is a prolifically published author, with nearly 250 pieces in peer-reviewed journals. He is chair-elect of the Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research Program Integration Panel, has spoken to audiences across the country and around the world, and trained dozens of medical oncology fellows.

He is also professor of medicine at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, and continues to see patients in the prostate cancer clinic at Walter Reed National Medical Military Center.

Dr. Dahut lives in Bethesda, Maryland, with his family.