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On Dec. 1, MD Anderson welcomed its fifth full-time president, Peter WT Pisters, M.D., with a renewed spirit of unity and excitement. Dr. Pisters previously served MD Anderson in faculty and leadership roles for more than 20 years. Prior to returning to MD Anderson, he was president and chief executive officer of the (UHN) in Toronto, Canada, where he oversaw more than 14,000 employees at Canada¡¯s largest hospital-based research program.

Over the past few months, he has demonstrated his commitment to learn more about MD Anderson by embarking on a listening and learning tour around the institution. He began his presidency by attending new employee orientation, followed by rounding and interacting with employees in all four of ²Ñ¶Ù&²Ô²ú²õ±è;´¡²Ô»å±ð°ù²õ´Ç²Ô¡¯²õ mission areas of patient care, research, education and prevention. Dr. Pisters continues to engage stakeholders at all levels and in all areas.

The following are excerpts from an interview in Messenger, ²Ñ¶Ù&²Ô²ú²õ±è;´¡²Ô»å±ð°ù²õ´Ç²Ô¡¯²õ employee magazine.

What prepared you for your role as MD Anderson¡¯s president?

The most important preparation I had was the privilege of caring for cancer patients as an MD Anderson faculty member for 20 years. This MD Anderson DNA and my understanding of frontline cancer-fighting experience give me deep insight into our mission and culture. Also, I know that my master¡¯s degree in health care management and my experience as chief executive officer at University Health Network in Toronto provided solid academic training and chief executive leadership experience that are absolutely essential for me to serve our organization as president.

As you¡¯ve traveled around MD Anderson recently, what have you learned?

I am in the midst of an intensive and immersive process to connect with and learn from everyone at MD Anderson. Among the extensive amount I have learned so far, I am most impressed with our momentum and trajectory. There is a feeling of hope, optimism, enthusiasm and energy that is like nothing I have seen or experienced before!

What¡¯s something you¡¯ve learned from patients?

Humility and courage. This was so poignantly expressed in the letters and cards that I¡¯ve received from patients. When my return to MD Anderson was announced, so many of them reconnected with me to share updates on their personal cancer journeys.

Best or worst advice ever received?

Best advice: Before accepting an offer to join the faculty at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, I was advised to look at an assistant professor position at MD Anderson. My life changed forever after that.

What makes you happiest?

Our family, my wife of 33 years, Katherine, and our wonderful children, Kevin, Erin and Meghan.

Are any of your three children thinking about going into medicine?

Not so far. We want them to pursue their passions, and we see them variously interested in green energy, big data and analytics, and communications and deaf culture ¨D all fascinating areas where they can make great societal contributions.

What¡¯s one thing you¡¯d like others to know about you?

I lead with a strong moral compass and dedicate myself to personal core values that include integrity, hard work and lifelong learning.

What¡¯s one thing you¡¯d like others to know about MD Anderson?

Diversity is one of our biggest strengths. Just look at the amazing photo that was taken of me with my orientation group at new employee orientation!