Piedmont Healthcare Appoints Dr. Walter Curran as Chief of Oncology
Piedmont Healthcare has recently made a significant announcement in the field of oncology by appointing Dr. Walter J. 'Wally' Curran, Jr., M.D., FACR, FASCO as the Whitaker Endowed Chief of Piedmont Oncology. This prestigious position comes with the backing of the Whitaker Endowment, a fund created by the Atlanta community in honor of Dr. William Whitaker, a revered figure in cancer surgery. The recognition highlights Dr. Curran's exemplary contributions to oncology care throughout Georgia, asserting the organization’s commitment to enhancing cancer services.
Dr. Curran's association with Piedmont began in January 2024 when he took on the role of inaugural Chief of Piedmont Oncology. The designation of Whitaker Endowed Chief further affirms the health system’s mission to elevate its cancer care services and positions Piedmont Oncology as a leading community-based program in the nation, known for its compassionate and high-quality healthcare practices intertwined with innovative research.
In a statement, Charles L. Brown, III, M.D., who serves as CEO of Piedmont’s Physician Enterprise, praised Dr. Curran’s dedication to patient care and the extensive clinical and translational cancer research he has conducted at both national and international levels. Brown emphasized that the support from the Whitaker Endowment is instrumental in pushing the boundaries of cancer care, facilitating the introduction of groundbreaking treatments and life-altering therapies to patients in Georgia.
The establishment of the Whitaker Endowment is dedicated to fostering the growth and effectiveness of Piedmont Oncology through new initiatives. The available funding will spur the development of cutting-edge oncology programs and strategic efforts, ensuring that innovative cancer care remains at the forefront within local communities. Kelly Kerner, Chief Philanthropy Officer of Piedmont Healthcare, elaborated on the importance of philanthropy in supporting Piedmont's ongoing ambition to provide transformative care that prioritizes patient welfare.
Dr. Curran acknowledged the generous support from the Piedmont Atlanta community and the Whitaker family, which has been critical in providing exceptional cancer care. He highlighted the necessity for oncology professionals to relentlessly pursue opportunities to enhance patient care while also creating pathways for clinical research participation. Dr. Curran’s robust vision for Piedmont Oncology underlines the need for a dedicated team that thoroughly explores all available options to improve patient outcomes.
The appointment of Dr. Curran not only showcases Piedmont Healthcare’s commitment to innovative cancer treatments but also reflects a broader dedication to both local and transformative healthcare practices. As Dr. Curran leads the charge, patients within the Piedmont healthcare landscape can expect an enriching experience grounded in advanced medical research integrated with patient-centered care. This appointment is a testament to Piedmont’s vision of changing lives through superior oncology care, a mission that resonates throughout the regions it serves and seeks to uphold in the years to come.