UW Health Carbone Cancer Center names new director

Dr. Christian Capitini is the first pediatric oncologist to lead the center in its history.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:03pm

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A translucent X-ray image revealing the internal structure of a child's ribcage, with a faint glowing outline of a tumor or cancer cells, conveying a sense of hope and determination in the fight against pediatric cancer.The appointment of a pediatric oncologist to lead the UW Health Carbone Cancer Center signals a renewed focus on innovative treatments for childhood cancers.Madison Today

The UW Health Carbone Cancer Center has named Dr. Christian Capitini as its new director, replacing Dr. Howard Bailey who retired in 2024 after serving in the role since 2015. Dr. Capitini is the first pediatric oncologist to lead the center and has worked with children of all ages with blood disorders, diseases, and cancers.

Why it matters

The Carbone Cancer Center is a leading cancer research and treatment facility in Wisconsin, and this leadership change represents a shift in the center's focus and priorities as it brings on its first pediatric oncologist director.

The details

Dr. Capitini has served as the interim director since December 2024 when Dr. Howard Bailey retired from being director. In his new role, Dr. Capitini will continue his research at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health on the development of cell-based immunotherapies for the treatment of pediatric cancers.

  • Dr. Howard Bailey retired as director in December 2024.
  • Dr. Christian Capitini has served as interim director since December 2024.

The players

Dr. Christian Capitini

The new director of the UW Health Carbone Cancer Center and a pediatric oncologist who has worked with children of all ages with blood disorders, diseases, and cancers.

Dr. Howard Bailey

The former director of the UW Health Carbone Cancer Center, who retired in 2024 after serving in the role since 2015.

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The takeaway

The appointment of Dr. Christian Capitini, a pediatric oncologist, as the new director of the UW Health Carbone Cancer Center signals a shift in the center's focus and priorities towards addressing pediatric cancer research and treatment.