In Memoriam: Charis Eng, 1962-2024

Charis Eng, pioneer in cancer genetics and chair of cancer genomic medicine at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, passed away on August 13. She was 62 years old.

Dr. Eng was the founder and inaugural chair of the Cleveland Clinic Genomic Medicine Institute, one of the country’s leading training centers for cancer genomic medicine. She held several other positions with Cleveland Clinic including the inaugural director of the Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare, director of the PTEN Multidisciplinary Clinical Center of Excellence, Cleveland Clinic Global Director of Genomic Research Strategies, and the Sondra J. and Stephen R. Hardis Endowed Chair in Cancer Genomic Medicine. Earlier in her career, she was the inaugural founding director of the clinical cancer genetics program at the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State University.

Throughout her career, Dr. Eng made significant research contributions to the field of genetics and genomic medicine. She was well-known for discovering a connection between the PTEN gene and Cowden Syndrome. In addition to her scientific work, she was dedicated to advancing medical education and tutoring the next generation of physicians and clinical researchers. She received several awards throughout her lifetime including the Medal of Honor from the American Cancer Society in 2018. In 2020, she was named in the top 1 percent of America’s Most Honored Doctors. Earlier this year, she was awarded Cleveland Clinic’s Sones Award, the organization’s highest honor for innovation.

Dr. Eng earned her bachelor’s degree, medical degree, and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.