By Amanda Kowaleski 

There’s a saying that has become part of the fabric of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center over the last several years: one team, one fight. It’s the motto of Robert A. Winn, M.D., Massey’s outgoing director and Lipman Chair of Oncology. 

“I have one purpose, and that’s fighting cancer wherever I am,” Winn said. “And every single step of the way, I had the VCU and Richmond communities with me. When I said, ‘one team, one fight,’ I meant it.”

Winn recently departed Massey to assume a new role at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. Since his arrival at VCU in 2019, Massey earned the prestigious comprehensive cancer center status from the National Cancer Institute, grew and strengthened clinical trials and accruals, and recruited internationally renowned leaders and faculty.

But Winn may be best remembered for his transformative vision, which focused on engaging all communities and addressing cancer disparities. In honor of that legacy, the Massey Advisory Board has created the Robert A. Winn, M.D., Community Impact Fund. The fund has already won additional support from members of the Massey Alliance Young Professional Board and the Massey Ambassadors.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the leadership Dr. Winn has given us over the last several years and wanted to find an enduring way to recognize his influence,” said Amy Williams, chair of the Massey Advisory Board. “He’s had a tremendous impact on Massey, in our community and across the nation.”

The fund supports the mission of Massey’s community outreach and engagement efforts, providing resources to sustain vital community partnerships and ensuring health disparities remain at the forefront of cancer research across Virginia. Monica L. Baskin, Ph.D., interim director of Massey, has worked to strengthen the center’s impact in this arena since joining as deputy director in 2025. She is committed to Massey remaining one of the nation’s premier community-focused cancer centers.

“I am grateful for Dr. Winn’s impact during his nearly seven-year tenure as director, but especially for the bond he has formed with our community,” said Baskin, who also serves as associate dean for cancer innovation in the VCU School of Medicine. “As we begin this new chapter, we are closer to achieving Massey’s vision of ensuring optimal health outcomes for all.”

Winn was presented with a plaque to commemorate the fund’s creation at his final Advisory Board meeting. He shared that Massey – and the communities it serves – will always have a special place in his heart.

“You go to other places, you do good work,” Winn said. “But you can’t leave a place that is your home.”

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