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History of Winship

Since 1937, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University continues to prevent, treat and cure cancer across Georgia and the Southeast.

2023

  • Winship received renewal of the prestigious Comprehensive Cancer Center designation from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
  • Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown opened for patients on May 9.

Front entrance sign at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University Play Video

2022

  • Winship opened the first immediate cancer care center in Georgia, the Rollins Immediate Care Center.
  • The Winship Gala broke the event fundraising record in Emory University's history by raising more than $1.85 million.

Winship and Emory leaders with members of the Rollins family cut the ribbon to inaugurate the new Rollins Immediate Care Center.

2021

  • Winship named Suresh S. Ramalingam, MD, new executive director.

Suresh Ramalingam, MD, outside the entrance to Winship Cancer Institute

2020

  • Winship clinicians and staff mobilized to face an onslaught of challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Winship treats first lung cancer patient with T-cell receptor therapy

2019

  • The relocated Winship Phase I Clinical Trials Unit started treating patients and expanded access to phase I trials for patients.
  • Winship received a prestigious Lung Cancer SPORE grant from the National Cancer Institute.
  • A groundbreaking ceremony was held in November for the new Winship at Emory Midtown.

Finger pointing to blueprints Play Video

2018

  • The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation donated $400 million to Emory University with part of the gift to be used to build a new Winship Cancer Institute facility in Midtown Atlanta.
  • Winship treated its first patients with new FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapies.
  • The Emory Proton Therapy Center officially opened and treated its first patient

Infusion nurse taking a patient's blood pressure. Play Video

2017

  • Winship received NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center designation.
  • New Emory University Hospital Tower welcomed first cancer patient.
  • A record $1 million was raised by Winship Win the Fight 5K for the first time.

Front entrance sign at Winship Cancer Institute Play Video

2016

  • The Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Program transplanted its 5,000th patient.
  • The Winship Cancer Network welcomed its first two partners, Archbold Memorial Hospital and Navicent Health.
  • Winship was among only ten cancer centers around the country to hold a regional Cancer Moonshot Summit.

Winship researchers pointing at and discussing research analysis film Play Video

2015

  • Winship staff and services were expanded at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital, Emory John's Creek Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown.

Bone marrow transplant nurse sets up intravenous medication bag Play Video

2014

  • Winship selected as Lead Academic Participating Site for National Cancer Institute (NCI) National Clinical Trials Network.
  • US News & World Report ranked cancer care at Emory University Hospital through Winship as the 24th best in the country.

Winship researchers in the lab observe experiment conducted by lab technician Play Video

2013

  • Winship breaks ground on Emory Proton Therapy Center.
  • Glenn Family Breast Center established at Winship.

Winship, Emory and City of Atlanta leaders during ground breaking ceremony for Emory Proton Therapy Center Play Video

2012

  • Winship receives NCI designation renewal.

2011

  • First Winship Win the Fight 5K race is held at Emory.

Start of 2012 Winship 5K

2010

  • Changed official name to Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.

2009

  • Winship earns prestigious Cancer Center designation by the National Cancer Institute.
  • Dr. Walter J. Curran, Jr. appointed Winship executive director.
  • Winship opens Phase I Clinical Trials Unit.

Winship leaders and physicians gather for ribbon cutting of Winship's Phase I Clinical Trials Unit

2006

  • National Cancer Institute selects the Emory University and Georgia Tech joint research program as one of seven National Centers of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence.

2003

  • Winship opens 280,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility at the Clifton campus.

Front entrance of Winship Cancer Institute

1999

  • The center changes its name to Winship Cancer Institute.

1985

  • The clinic is named Winship Cancer Center and begins coordinating cancer research and treatment for Emory, Crawford Long (now Emory University Hospital Midtown), Grady Hospitals and the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

1979

  • First bone marrow transplant performed at Emory

Dr. Elliott Winton and team during a bone marrow transplant procedure

1971

  • The National Cancer Act passes in Congress and the “War on Cancer” begins.

President Nixon signs National Cancer Act (photo: NCI)

1966

  • The Winship Cancer Clinic relocates into the Emory Clinic.

1954

  • US Surgeon General Luther Terry issues the first report on smoking and health. The findings link cigarette smoking to lung cancer and other diseases.
  • Dr. Elliott Scarborough publicly declares he is convinced that smoking cigarettes causes lung cancer.

Lit cigarette in an ashtray (stock image)

1949

  • Dr. Elliott Scarborough named to the National Advisory Cancer Council, a group of experts who advise federal agencies on policy issues, now known as the National Advisory Cancer Board.

1947

  • The first chemotherapy drug to treat cancer is discovered.

1939

  • In its first year, the Winship clinic treats 168 patients.

The first staff of the Robert Winship Clinic with Dr. Elliott Scarborough.

1938

  • Dr. Elliott Scarborough becomes the clinic's first doctor and director.

Robert Woodruff with Dr. Elliott Scarborough and Dr. Hugh Wood.

1937

  • The Robert Winship Memorial Clinic is founded at Emory University with a gift from Robert Woodruff. Woodruff, the president of Coca-Cola, had lost his mother to cancer that year. The clinic is named in honor of Mr. Woodruff's maternal grandfather, Robert Winship.

Robert Woodruff walking with his mother Emily Winship Woodruff