Dr. Michael Weiner has devoted over four decades to advancing pediatric oncology, leaving a lasting impact through his leadership, mentorship, and innovation. A distinguished physician, author, philanthropist, and healthcare executive, Dr. Weiner is widely recognized for shaping the field of pediatric hematology-oncology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUMC) and for his enduring commitment to improving the lives of children battling cancer.
Dr. Weiner’s academic and clinical journey began with a pediatric residency at Montefiore Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in pediatric hematology-oncology at New York University, and additional oncology training at Johns Hopkins. For more than 35 of his 45-year career, he served in senior leadership at Columbia University and Columbia Presbyterian, most notably as the Hettinger Professor of Pediatrics and Director of Pediatric Oncology from 1996 to 2016. During this time, he built one of the nation’s top pediatric hematology-oncology programs—ranked 13th nationally by U.S. News & World Report—and led a team of over 100 healthcare professionals in delivering world-class patient care.
In 2016, Dr. Weiner was appointed Vice Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and joined the five-member executive committee of the department. He also served on the executive committee of Columbia Doctors, overseeing operations of the university’s 1,500-physician faculty practice. Throughout his academic career, he remained dedicated to clinical excellence, having personally treated nearly 1,000 children with leukemia and lymphoma. His early research helped establish a now-standard chemotherapy regimen for osteosarcoma, and he chaired the national Children’s Oncology Group’s Hodgkin’s Disease Committee, setting research agendas that shaped national standards of care.
A passionate educator, Dr. Weiner mentored a generation of pediatric oncologists who now lead programs and conduct pioneering research at institutions across the U.S. In 1998, he co-founded the first-in-the-nation Integrative Therapies Program for children with cancer, a model now emulated by other medical centers nationwide.
Beyond his clinical and academic achievements, Dr. Weiner’s commitment to public service and philanthropy is equally remarkable. In 1996, he founded the Hope & Heroes Children’s Cancer Fund (HHCF), a 501(c)(3) charity that has raised over $100 million to support patient care, clinical research, and education. Under his ongoing leadership, HHCF launched the Hope & Heroes Research Initiative in 2023—a seven-institution consortium in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut dedicated to advancing childhood cancer research and treatments.
Dr. Weiner’s influence also extends to the corporate and nonprofit sectors. He has served on the boards of two public biotechnology companies, VIMRX and SIGA, where he contributed to compensation, corporate governance, and regulatory committees. As a consultant to Mesoblast and an alumnus of two Harvard University executive courses—one in academic leadership and one in corporate board membership—he brought strategic vision to boardroom decision-making. Additionally, he served on the board of the New York chapter of Ronald McDonald House Charities and on the medical advisory committee of Hyundai Hope on Wheels.
A prolific writer, Dr. Weiner has published more than 50 peer-reviewed articles and abstracts, edited two major medical textbooks (Secrets in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology), and authored five non-medical books, including Living Cancer: Stories of an Oncologist, Father, Survivor and The Future Is Not Yet Written. Since retiring from clinical practice in July 2022, he has remained active as a writer, public speaker, and advocate, continuing to lead fundraising and outreach efforts for Hope & Heroes.
Dr. Michael Weiner exemplifies a career marked by purpose, compassion, and visionary leadership. His life’s work has not only saved lives but has also reshaped how pediatric cancer is treated, understood, and experienced—by patients, families, and the medical community alike.
Character
Michael Weiner embodies integrity, compassion, and resilience, consistently demonstrating a lifelong commitment to patient care, mentorship, and community service throughout his distinguished medical and philanthropic career.
Knowledge
With over 45 years of experience in pediatric oncology, Michael has an expansive foundation of clinical, academic, and leadership expertise, including pioneering treatment protocols, founding research initiatives, and mentoring future leaders in the field.
Strategic
Michael applies a visionary and results-driven approach to leadership, successfully building nationally ranked programs, founding a multimillion-dollar nonprofit, and serving on high-level boards where he shaped governance, research, and innovation strategies.
Communication
A prolific author and public speaker, Michael translates complex medical concepts into impactful narratives, whether mentoring young physicians, guiding institutional strategy, or advocating for pediatric cancer through writing, publishing, and philanthropy.
