N.I.H. Director to Step Down by the End of 2021
The agency’s director under three presidents said he was planning to shift his focus back to the lab, and that he hoped his replacement would be a woman.
Melina Masihi, MD, PhD
Dr. Melina Masihi, MD, PhD, is a visionary healthcare leader and accomplished Medical Director with over 14 years of expertise in clinical research, medical affairs, and precision medicine. Driven by a passion for advancing patient care through innovation and collaboration, she has successfully led more than 70 clinical trials spanning therapeutic areas such as gastroenterology, hematology, and oncology at Northwestern Hospital and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Her unique ability to bridge groundbreaking medical research with operational excellence has consistently enhanced clinical outcomes and delivered measurable stakeholder value.
Dr. Masihi earned her M.D. and Ph.D. in Healthcare Services, combining deep clinical knowledge with strategic insight into health systems management. She has held leadership roles at esteemed institutions and collaborated with global medical device and pharmaceutical organizations, including AstraZeneca, Merck, Medtronic, and Boehringer Ingelheim. Her contributions have been instrumental in securing multi-million-dollar NIH grants, publishing impactful peer-reviewed research, and driving successful product launches in partnership with industry leaders.
Recognized for her emotional intelligence, exceptional communication skills, and ability to inspire high-performing, cross-functional teams, Dr. Masihi excels at building strong relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs) and healthcare professionals. Her commitment to patient-centric innovation is evident in her extensive contributions to education, research, and initiatives that improve global health outcomes.
Dr. Masihi is thrilled to bring her expertise to Innotech Precision Medicine, where she is dedicated to advancing the company’s mission of transforming patient care through precision and innovation. Her leadership, vision, and passion for personalized healthcare are driving forces in shaping a brighter future for patients worldwide.