Advancing Oncology Diagnostics: Rob Monroe Discusses Making an Impact as a Chief Scientific Officer in Oncology at Danaher Diagnostics

Rob Monroe joined Danaher over two years ago as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) in oncology and Chief Medical Officer for Leica Biosystems. Throughout his time with Danaher, he has worked with leadership and other teams to innovate oncology diagnostics.  Hear his experience with Danaher in his own words.

Briefly introduce yourself and how long you’ve worked with Danaher. Tell us about your role.

I’ve been with Danaher for two and a half years. I’m a pathologist by training. I’m MD and PhD trained, and then I did residency training and pathology and worked in the clinical world as a practicing pathologist for a few years before I moving into industry work. 

I joined Danaher with a dual role as CSO for oncology for the diagnostics platform and medical officer for Leica Biosystems.

What prompted you to make the leap from a clinical role to industry?

I really wanted to be involved in something more innovative and science-focused beyond the straight practice of pathology. That really spurred me to look into areas of industry where my training could be valuable to the types of products and innovations that were being developed in the diagnostics industry. 

Can you share any standout parts of the work that you’ve done in the last two and a half years? Any projects you have been a part of that you’re really proud of?

It’s been really exciting to work with leadership in different areas of the company and share my vision for becoming more innovative. I’ve had the opportunity to set up some really exciting collaborations. 

For example, with Yale University and one of our scientific advisory board members, we set up a Beacon project to develop a test for an exciting new therapy for breast cancer patients. So that’s one that I’m really excited about. 

What do you think the future holds for your career? What are you looking forward to in the industry?

What I’m really excited about is building capabilities within Danaher that don’t exist now, which can help us to really advance and accelerate the development of really impactful diagnostics. I’d love to see these tests coming through and making an impact on patients’ lives.

Is there anything else you want to share with future candidates about working with Danaher?

One area is the way that Danaher goes about doing things. It’s extremely valuable not just for people who are business oriented, but people who want to apply and learn how to run groups and how to develop products. I think the Danaher Business System is a great part of the experience of Danaher that really adds to the culture and the richness of the experience here.

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