Decades into the esteemed oncology career of vv, his own cancer journey has taught him new lessons about care and research. Pollock recently stepped down as director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC) after eight years to transition to the role of director emeritus. During his time leading the OSUCCC, Pollock oversaw countless innovations in oncology research that have led to important improvements in cancer care. While leading groundbreaking research efforts, Pollock also experienced the benefits of cancer treatment innovation firsthand, following his own diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) soon after he began his tenure as OSUCCC director. “It's been a tremendously illuminating experience,” Pollock says of his journey with CLL, which is incurable but currently managed through treatment developed at Ohio State. “If there's a silver lining in the cloud, it’s that I can talk to my patients in a very different manner because I know what they’re experiencing. It brings me closer to them and creates an extra level of trust.” Podcast: Pollock shares more insights from his cancer journey and his long, distinguished oncology career on our Cancer-Free World Podcast. Watch via the video player above or on YouTube, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. For Pollock, who also underwent successful treatment for esophageal cancer diagnosed in 2025, his experiences as a patient also gave him a deeper appreciation for his colleagues at The James. “What was both humbling and a source of pride were the doctors and nurses whom I encountered for the first time during my cancer journey,” he says. “We've got something very special at this institution, and it helps so much to see a smile, to hear a kind word, to be treated courteously — when you're feeling down, someone can look at you and say, ‘What's bothering you today? Can I help you with this?’ “I will always be grateful for that aspect of my care.” Leukemia care innovation at Ohio State: OSUCCC – James experts are breaking new ground in the treatment and research of leukemias, including CLL, AML and more. Pollock’s impact on Ohio State’s cancer research Under Pollock’s direction, the OSUCCC continued to grow, evolve and expand its reputation as one of the country’s leading cancer centers in several ways, including: Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO): “Creating and building the PIIO was a huge accomplishment and a total team effort,” Pollock says. “An area that we were, frankly, deficient at in 2020 is now something that we’ve put a gold star on.” Center for Cancer Engineering: “The core proposition of the CCE is that there are clinically resistant problems and issues that can be best solved by collaborations between oncology physician specialists and engineers from The Ohio State University College of Engineering,” Pollock says. “Exceptional” NCI ratings: Pollock helped guide the OSUCCC – James to multiple “exceptional” scores from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), including the most recent review of the university’s application for renewal as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Again, it was a team effort, and I’m told we are the only Comprehensive Cancer Center in the country with four consecutive exceptional ratings,” he says. “And, we were tied this time with one other cancer center for the highest score.” Cancer research innovation at the OSUCCC – James: Ohio State has been designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a Comprehensive Cancer Center for 50 years and contains five highly collaborative research programs.