OHSU Knight Cancer Institute CEO resigns, claims hospital 'lost sight of what is crucial'

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — One of the world's leading cancer researchers is stepping down as CEO of the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health and Science University.

Dr. Brian Druker handed in his resignation on Tuesday morning. He cited OHSU's emphasis on finances rather than research and patients as the reason for his resignation.

Druker will stay at OHSU but in his lab rather than as the head of the Knight Cancer Institute.

Druker served 17 years as the Knight Cancer Institute's director and took over as the CEO back in May.

Under his leadership, OHSU raised $500 million in donations in the "Knight Cancer Challenge," matching what Nike founder Phil Knight and his wife Penny gifted. They built a lab and a research center at Portland's South Waterfront.

Druker is a pioneer in the world of cancer research. He developed the drug Gleevec, which revolutionized the treatment of Leukemia.

Druker told KOIN 6 News he wants to get back into the lab, concentrating on patients and outcomes in the area of cancer research.

In his resignation letter, he wrote, in part, "With much reflection, I have concluded that at this time those goals are no longer achievable at OHSU. We have lost sight of what is crucial and forgotten our mission."

In an interview with KOIN 6 Political Director Ken Boddie, Druker explained he wants to put the focus of his work back on patients.

"People who are on the front lines care deeply about our patients. But I think at the leadership level, we've forgotten about that and put too much focus on the finances of our institution," Druker said. "And I want to make sure we get back to, what's our vision? How are we going to advance patient care? How are we going to do things that are going to make the lives of the people who live and work in Oregon better?"

Druker's resignation comes at a tough time for OHSU. They've had big layoffs. OHSU's president, Danny Jacobs, resigned suddenly earlier this year. And they're still apparently moving forward with their merger with Legacy Health.

OHSU issued a statement in part saying that Druker "leaves an incredible legacy" and that they look forward to continued collaboration.

According to Druker, a search is already underway for his successor.