James R. Downing, MD

President and CEO

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

James R. Downing, MD, is president and chief executive officer of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A renowned leader in pediatric cancer research, Downing focuses his work on understanding the genetic basis of cancer and using that information to improve treatments. He is leading a $12.9 billion commitment to accelerate progress in the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other life-threatening diseases by expanding St. Jude clinical care and scientific programs in the U.S. and around the globe. He earned his undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of Michigan.

Posts by James R. Downing, MD

Dr. Downing standing back to back with male child patient

Celebrating a Five-year Milestone Together

by James R. Downing, MD August 29, 2023

James R. Downing, MD, president and CEO of St. Jude, shares why the Together by St. Jude™ online resource was created. Learn how the site helps patients and families worldwide with trusted information about pediatric cancer.

Read this blog post

St. Jude President and CEO Dr. James Downing's Message to Families on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

by James R. Downing, MD September 7, 2021

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital President and CEO Dr. James Downing instills hope in families on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; talks Together, the Pediatric Cancer Genome project and solving the global pediatric cancer problem.